Baby's first year: Developmental milestones

What's happening, month-by-month

During the first year of life your baby responds best to a warm, loving environment. Holding your baby and responding to her cries are essential in building a strong, healthy bond. Remember, you can't "spoil" a baby.

Use these guidelines to offer age-appropriate activities for your baby. Click on each month for even more week-by-week developmental information. Remember, these are just guidelines, and a healthy child may achieve a milestone later than average. If your child is lagging in several areas, contact your pediatrician for advice.

By the end of month one a baby typically:

  • Lifts head for short periods of time
  • Moves head from side to side
  • Prefers the human face to other shapes
  • Makes jerky, arm movements
  • Brings hands to face
  • Has strong reflex movements
  • Can focus on items 8 to 12 inches away
  • May turn towards familiar sounds or voices
  • Responds to loud sounds
  • Blinks at bright lights

By the end of month two a baby typically:

  • Smiles
  • Tracks objects with his eyes
  • Makes noises other than crying
  • May repeat vowel noises, such as "ah" or "ooh"
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