Baby Milestone Checklist: What to Expect in the First Year

Baby Milestone Checklist: What to Expect in the First Year

Welcoming a baby into your life is an exciting and emotional journey. As new parents, it's natural to wonder when your baby should start smiling, rolling over, sitting up, or saying their first words. That’s why having a baby milestone checklist is incredibly helpful—it gives you a roadmap of what to look for and when to expect it. 👶✨

Below is a comprehensive, age-by-age baby milestone checklist to guide you through your baby’s development in the first 12 months.

📅 Month-by-Month Baby Milestone Checklist

✅ 0-2 Months

  • 👁️ Follows faces and objects with eyes

  • 🤱 Responds to loud sounds or voices

  • 🤲 Brings hands to mouth

  • 💤 Develops a more regular sleep schedule

✅ 3-4 Months

  • 😊 Smiles spontaneously (social smile)

  • 🗣️ Begins cooing and babbling

  • 👐 Opens and closes hands

  • 💪 Pushes up on arms during tummy time

  • 👀 Begins to recognize familiar faces

✅ 5-6 Months

  • 🧠 Begins to understand cause and effect (e.g., dropping toys)

  • 💬 Babbles with consonants (e.g., “ba,” “da”)

  • 🤸 Rolls over from tummy to back and vice versa

  • 🪞 Shows curiosity, looks at reflections

  • 🧸 Starts reaching and grabbing objects

✅ 7-8 Months

  • 🧍 Sits without support

  • 🧠 Understands object permanence (knows something exists even when hidden)

  • 👋 May begin to show separation anxiety

  • 🧏 Responds to their own name

  • 🥣 Starts trying solid foods if not already

✅ 9-10 Months

  • 🧗 Pulls to stand

  • 🤹 Passes objects from one hand to the other

  • 📦 Explores surroundings more actively

  • 🧠 Imitates sounds and gestures

  • 🗯️ Understands “no”

✅ 11-12 Months

  • 🚶 May begin taking first steps

  • 👏 Claps hands and waves goodbye

  • 📣 Says basic words like “mama” or “dada” with meaning

  • 🧠 Follows simple instructions (e.g., “give me the toy”)

  • 🤗 Shows preferences for certain people or toys

🔍 Why Tracking Baby Milestones Matters

Tracking developmental milestones:

  • Helps you understand your baby’s growth and needs

  • Alerts you early to any developmental delays

  • Creates opportunities to celebrate little wins and progress

  • Encourages bonding through interaction and play

📝 Note: Every baby is unique. Milestones may happen a little earlier or later and that’s perfectly normal. However, if you're concerned, always consult your pediatrician.

🧷 Helpful Tips for Supporting Your Baby’s Development

  • 🧸 Encourage tummy time from day one

  • 📚 Talk, read, and sing to your baby daily

  • 🖐️ Give your baby safe toys to explore

  • 🤱 Offer comfort and bonding time regularly

  • 📷 Keep a baby milestone journal or use a milestone card set (psst… we have a free printable version on Omomly!)

🧡 Download Your Baby Milestone Tracker

Stay on top of your baby’s development with our printable Baby Milestone Tracker!
📥 Download it now on Omomly.com and celebrate every little moment. 🎉

Final Thoughts

Your baby’s first year is filled with magical changes. With this baby milestone checklist, you'll feel more confident watching your little one grow, learn, and explore the world. Just remember—progress, not perfection.

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