As your little one’s first birthday approaches, she’ll be walking and talking before you know it!
Watching your baby grow and gain new skills is exciting for any new parent. Between six and 12 months, there are so many ‘firsts’. But when is your tot supposed to do these things?
This is where developmental milestones come in handy. Baby milestones offer useful guidelines to help parents track development and to help health professionals identify any potential problems.
‘It’s important to remember that no two babies are the same and there is a wide window of normal,’ says postnatal facilitator Claire Maguire (@baby.sleep.eat.help).
Take the milestone of walking. The average age for first steps is 12 months, but this can happen as early as nine months or as late as 18 months. Talk to your doctor or health visitor if you have any concerns.
We share the milestones to look out for as your baby grows.
Physical development milestones
6 months: First teeth
Most babies’ teeth will start to appear when they’re five to seven months old. The front lower teeth tend to be the first to emerge, often followed around a month later by the top front teeth, giving your baby a super-cute smile.
Bear in mind that teething can start as early as three months, so don’t be surprised if the first tooth appears around then!
For some babies teething is painless, while others might experience discomfort along with disrupted sleep and eating patterns. To soothe sore gums, give your baby a teether to chew on, or try teething gel or powder.
6-7 months: Picking up objects
Your baby will be able to pick up a small object such as a toy or rattle in between her fingers and thumb, known as the ‘pincer grip’. Soon after this she’ll be able to pass it from one hand to the other.
This is a sign that your baby’s fine motor skills are developing and anything within reach is likely to be put in her mouth.
7 months: Rolling over
By now, your baby can probably roll over both ways (from tummy to back, and from back to tummy), so be extra careful when he’s on a high surface, such as a changing table.
6-8 months: Sitting up
At six months, your baby may be able to sit up unaided, but she may be on the wobbly side. By eight months she will look steadier and more comfortable.
‘Practice makes perfect, so encourage your baby to sit by making sure they get plenty of play time on the floor,’ advises Claire.
9 months: Crawling
Most babies start to crawl at around nine months. However, Claire reveals that ‘not every baby will crawl. Some will be bum-shufflers and others will sit for a long time and then suddenly pull themselves up to start walking.’ You can encourage crawling with regular ‘tummy time’ which helps to develop arm strength.
12 months: Pulling up and cruising
By now, your baby may be reaching for the nearest sofa or chair to pull himself up onto his feet. Once he’s learned how to stand, it won’t be long before he starts shuffling along, holding onto the furniture – otherwise known as cruising.
Babies typically take their first independent steps around the time of their first birthday – keep your phone handy to record this magical moment!
Social development milestones
6 months: Social interaction
By six months, your baby will be able to laugh and squeal when playing and make expressive sounds. She will immediately turn towards the sound of a familiar voice, even if no one is in sight.
6-8 months: Separation anxiety
At this stage, you may notice that your baby starts to become anxious around people he doesn’t know or gets upset if you leave the room.
‘This may not seem like a positive milestone, but it’s a sign your baby is developing well; prior to this, your baby thinks you are the same entity. In time, they will become more independent and willing to explore the world around them, which is great!’ explains Claire.
9 months: Understanding emotions and mimicking behaviour
Your baby is becoming more perceptive and by nine months old, she can read the emotions on your face. Strong negative emotions will be upsetting to her, so try to stay warm and consistent to help her feel secure.
Your little one will soon start to imitate the way you use objects. He might hold a toy phone to his ear, just as he’s seen you do. Encourage his interest by showing him how other objects are used. Let him ‘brush’ his hair with a hairbrush, or his teeth with a toothbrush.
Cognitive development milestones
6 months: Babbling and name recognition
By six months, your baby is likely to be making babbling sounds like ‘ba-ba’ or ‘ga-ga’. She will then start to imitate the sounds she hears – which means she’s trying to say words! If you hear her make a recognisable sound, try finishing the word for her.
Your baby may take notice when you call her by her name. When you say the word ‘no,’ she may pause what she’s doing.
9 months: Self-recognition
Around now your baby will realise that she is the baby in the mirror. You can tell because she’ll look in the mirror and touch her hair or try to rub something off her face. Playing with her in front of the mirror will help to reinforce her self-image. Point at various body parts and name them: ‘nose’, ‘eyes’ ‘hands’, or make different facial expressions and describe them to her: ‘happy’, ‘sad’, ‘surprised’.
10-12 months: First words
Around the time of your baby’s first birthday, you’re likely to hit a very exciting milestone: hearing your baby’s first words. One of them may be ‘Dada’ – not because baby loves Daddy more, but because it’s easier to say than ‘Mama’!
Your baby will be interested in trying to speak from this moment onwards, so keep listening and chatting to him. At this stage, your little one may also be able to follow your instructions, if they are simple and clear.
Toys to help development
Play gyms and activity nests have detachable dangling toys for multi-sensory play. These toys encourage your baby to reach out and grasp, helping her to control and coordinate her body movements.
To encourage cognitive development, try shape sorters and building blocks, as well as interactive toys with lights, music and sounds.
As your baby learns the art of conversation, chatting to him and reading picture books out loud can help his language skills and teach him new words.
