Baby Milestones & Development for Baby's First Year - Motherly
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Your guide to baby milestones

From baby’s first smile to first steps, we’re here to help you track and celebrate those milestones, both mini and major. Read up on expert-based advice for boosting your child’s development through play, plus essays about savoring every moment of your little one’s magical first year.

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Baby Milestones

1-month-old baby milestones

At 1 month old, your baby is still getting the hang of life "on the outside." Still in the thick of the fourth trimester, they are comforted by touch and the sound of your voice.

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Baby Milestones

2-month-old baby milestones

Your 2-month-old may be working on opening and shutting their hands—and might soon be able to hold and shake toys like a rattle.

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Baby Milestones

3-month-old baby milestones

Your little one is now more alert and awake—and discovering their world.

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Baby Milestones

4-month-old baby milestones

Your little love is learning constantly—whether you two are on a walk around the block, snuggling up at bedtime or reading together.

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Baby Milestones

5-month-old baby milestones

While every baby is different, of course, babies at this age may start to follow more regular sleep patterns.

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Baby Milestones

6-month-old baby milestones

From baby’s first smile to first steps, we’re here to help you…

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Baby Milestones

7-month-old baby milestones

Although your baby may not be on the move quite yet, now's the perfect time to start babyproofing.

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Baby Milestones

8-month-old baby milestones

Help your little one establish some healthy "downtime" practices by reading, letting them play independently, going on afternoon walks.

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Baby Milestones

9-month-old baby milestones

Your 9-month-old is really starting to become their own person—with their own (strong!) feelings, wants and needs.

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Baby Milestones

10-month-old baby milestones

Your busy babe is on the move, which means you're likely baby-proofing everything in sight.

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Baby Milestones

11-month-old baby milestones

Your baby's on the move—and that newfound mobility means they might be getting into things. A lot of things.

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Baby Milestones

12-month-old baby milestones

Your newly minted toddler is busy these days—but be sure to take some time to reflect on the milestones you've reached, too, right alongside your little one.

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Baby Learn & Play

Singing to your baby is great for their brain development, says new study

And it doesn’t even matter if you’re off-key. 

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Toddler Milestones

Why isn’t my baby talking yet? 7 ways to encourage speech from a speech language pathologist

Worried about a possible speech delay? Deep breaths, mama. Here's what to know.

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Life

It’s science: A major factor in child development? The mother’s mindset.

Your own growth mindset can protect your kids—even babies—from stress.

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Baby Milestones

Starting solids? Don’t miss the ‘flavor window’

From purees to Pad Thai: An expert shares how and when to introduce bold flavors to your budding foodie.

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Viral & Trending

Ms. Rachel explains the importance of speaking ‘parentese’ to littles: ‘This is not baby talk’

Parentese is shown to boost baby’s language development.

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Baby Health

The first year: Your baby’s health from A to Z

From colds and colic to rashes and vaccines, consider this your just-in-case guide.

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Baby Health

The first 12 months: Your baby’s growth and weight

So much can change from month to month. Here’s what you can expect.

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