Baby development, month by month
A complete, month-by-month guide to your child's development from the newborn days to age four. Each stage links to a full article on what to expect, the new skills they're learning, and gentle ways to support them. Every child grows at their own pace, so treat this as a friendly map, not a checklist.
The newborn stage0–3 months
Sleeping, feeding, and the very first connections with you.
Discovering the world4–6 months
Rolling, reaching, and the first tastes of solid food.
On the move7–12 months
Sitting, crawling, standing, and the very first words.
- Month 7Sitting steadily, passing toys hand to hand; stranger awareness.Read the full article →
- Month 8Crawling starts, the pincer grasp develops, responds to their name.Read the full article →
- Month 9Pulling up to stand, cruising furniture, and playing peekaboo.Read the full article →
- Month 10Standing with support, waving bye-bye, and first gestures.Read the full article →
- Month 11Cruising confidently and understanding simple words.Read the full article →
- Month 12First steps and first words, and the first birthday!Read the full article →
The second year13–24 months
Walking, talking, and a growing sense of independence.
- Months 13–14Walking freely, more words, and a stronger will.Read the full article →
- Months 15–16Climbing, scribbling, and following simple instructions.Read the full article →
- Months 17–18Running, a word explosion, and big feelings.Read the full article →
- Months 19–20Two-word phrases, pretend play, and a craving for independence.Read the full article →
- Months 21–22Longer sentences, sorting shapes, and testing boundaries.Read the full article →
- 2 yearsKicking a ball, short sentences, and the "terrible twos".Read the full article →
Into the third year2–3 years
Big feelings, a big imagination, and lots of new words.
The preschool years3–4 years
A blossoming personality, endless questions, and a vivid imagination.
- 3 yearsThe toddler-to-preschooler shift: personality, new interests, endless questions.Read the full article →
- 3½ yearsGrowing independence, richer language, and lots of imaginative play.Read the full article →
- 4 yearsBig emotions, sleep changes, art as expression, and vivid pretend play.Read the full article →