Summary:
Watching your baby grow and develop is an exciting and rewarding experience for any parent. With each passing day, you may notice new skills, behaviors, and milestones that your little one achieves. These milestones are important markers of your baby’s development and can help you track their progress as they grow. In this blog post, we will discuss 24 milestones to look for in your baby’s development, from birth to 24 months.
1. Head control (2-4 months): Around the age of 2-4 months, your baby will begin to gain control of their head and neck muscles. They will be able to lift their head while lying on their stomach and turn their head from side to side.
2. Rolling over (4-6 months): Rolling over is a major milestone that usually occurs between 4-6 months. Your baby will first learn to roll from their stomach to their back and then from their back to their stomach.
3. Sitting up (6-8 months): Between 6-8 months, your baby will start to sit up on their own without support. This milestone requires strong back and neck muscles and is an important step towards independence.
4. Crawling (7-10 months): Many babies start crawling between 7-10 months, but some may skip this milestone altogether and go straight to walking. Crawling helps develop coordination and strengthens muscles.
5. First tooth (6-12 months): The first tooth usually appears between 6-12 months. It may be a painful and uncomfortable process for your baby, but it’s an important milestone in their dental development.
6. Babbling (6-8 months): Around 6-8 months, your baby will start making babbling sounds. They will experiment with different sounds and tones, preparing them for language development.
7. First words (12-18 months): Between 12-18 months, your baby may say their first words. It could be a simple “mama” or “dada,” and it’s an exciting milestone for both you and your little one.
8. Standing (8-12 months): With strong leg muscles, your baby will start pulling themselves up and standing with support between 8-12 months. This is an essential step towards walking.
9. Walking (9-15 months): Walking is a major milestone that usually occurs between 9-15 months. Your baby will take their first steps and gradually gain confidence and balance.
10. Grasping (3-4 months): At around 3-4 months, your baby will start to grasp objects with their hands. This is an important milestone that helps develop fine motor skills.
11. Pincer grasp (9-12 months): The pincer grasp is when your baby uses their thumb and forefinger to pick up small objects. This milestone usually occurs between 9-12 months and is a crucial skill for self-feeding.
Tracking Your Baby's Development: 24 Milestones to Look for
12. Pointing (9-12 months): Your baby may start pointing at objects or people they want to show you between 9-12 months. This is a sign of language development and communication.
13. Playing peek-a-boo (6-9 months): Playing peek-a-boo is a fun game that also helps develop object permanence in your baby. They will learn that objects or people still exist even when they can’t see them.
14. Clapping (9-12 months): Clapping is a fun and interactive milestone that usually occurs between 9-12 months. Your baby will use their hands to show excitement and joy.
15. Pretend play (18-24 months): Around 18-24 months, your baby will start engaging in pretend play. They will use their imagination to act out scenarios and develop social skills.
16. Kicking (2-3 months): At around 2-3 months, your baby will start kicking their legs while lying on their back. This is an important milestone for muscle development and coordination.
17. Drinking from a cup (6-9 months): Your baby may start drinking from a cup with help between 6-9 months. This is a step towards weaning off the bottle or breast.
18. Solid foods (4-6 months): Between 4-6 months, your baby’s digestive system will be ready for solid foods. You can introduce pureed fruits and vegetables, one at a time, to see if your baby has any allergies.
19. Self-feeding (12-18 months): As your baby grows, they will start to feed themselves with their fingers and utensils. This milestone promotes independence and fine motor skills.
20. Scribbling (15-18 months): Around 15-18 months, your baby may start scribbling with crayons or markers. This is an essential milestone that helps develop hand-eye coordination and creativity.
21. Climbing (18-24 months): With strong leg muscles, your baby will start climbing stairs or furniture around 18-24 months. It’s important to closely supervise them and make sure the environment is safe.
22. Dressing themselves (2 years): Around the age of 2, your baby may start showing an interest in dressing themselves. They may be able to put on simple clothes, like a shirt or pants, with some help.
23. Jumping (2-3 years): Jumping is a fun and exciting milestone that usually occurs between 2-3 years. Your baby will show off their newfound strength and coordination.
24. Toilet training (2-3 years): Between 2-3 years, your baby may start showing signs of readiness for toilet training. This milestone takes time and patience, so it’s important to let your child lead the way.
As a parent, it’s important to remember that every baby is different and may reach these milestones at different times. If you have any concerns about your baby’s development, always consult with your pediatrician. Enjoy every moment of watching your baby grow and celebrate each milestone they achieve.