The First Year · Milestones
The year of firsts.
The first smile, the first laugh, the first "mama." Here's a joyful walk through the milestones of her first year, and simple ways to hold on to every one.
It happens on an ordinary morning. You lean over the changing table, say her name in that silly voice you save just for her, and she smiles. Not a sleepy twitch, a real smile, right at you. Your heart does a full somersault. Welcome to the year of firsts.
Her first year is packed with them, one after another, each one a tiny announcement that she's growing into herself. The milestones below come from the CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." program. They're things most babies (75% or more) do by each age. Think of them as a map, not a race. Every baby has her own pace, and the best part is watching her find it.
By 2 months: hello, you
This is the season of the first real smile. By two months, most babies smile when you talk to them or smile at them, look at your face, and seem happy to see you when you walk up. She calms when you pick her up or speak softly.
She's starting to make sounds other than crying, and she watches you move across the room. On her tummy, she can hold her head up for a moment, and those tiny hands open briefly, as if to wave hello.
By 4 months: the first chuckle
Somewhere around now, you'll hear it: a chuckle. Not quite a full laugh yet, but close. She smiles on her own to get your attention and coos back when you talk to her, with sweet "oooo" and "aahh" sounds. Your first conversations have begun.
She turns her head toward your voice, discovers her own hands with fascination, and holds a toy when you place it in her palm. During tummy time, she pushes up onto her elbows to look around.
By 6 months: laughter and raspberries
Now the giggles really arrive. By six months, most babies laugh, know familiar faces, and love looking at themselves in the mirror. She takes turns making sounds with you, squeals with delight, and blows raspberries that will make the whole family dissolve.
She reaches for the toy she wants and puts everything in her mouth to explore it. She rolls from tummy to back and leans on her hands to support herself while sitting.
By 9 months: peek-a-boo and "mamamama"
Peek-a-boo becomes the best game in the world. Most babies smile or laugh during it by nine months, look when you call their name, and lift their arms up to be picked up. You'll hear a happy chorus of "mamamama" and "bababababa."
She may be a little shy with new people and reach for you when you leave the room. That's a sign of how much you mean to her. She sits on her own, gets herself into a sitting position, passes toys from hand to hand, and bangs things together with great enthusiasm. When her spoon falls out of sight, she looks for it.
By 1 year: bye-bye and pat-a-cake
Her first birthday brings a whole new set of firsts. By one year, most babies wave bye-bye, call a parent "mama," "dada" or another special name, and play games like pat-a-cake. She understands "no," pausing when she hears it, at least for a moment.
She pulls up to stand and walks while holding on to furniture. She picks up small things between her thumb and pointer finger, drops a block into a cup, and finds a toy you hid under a blanket. She can drink from an open cup while you hold it.
Her own pace, always
These are ages by which most babies reach each milestone, not deadlines. Some days she'll surprise you, and some skills will take a little longer. The CDC encourages families to share her progress with her doctor at every well visit. If you have a concern, or she isn't reaching a milestone, talk with her pediatrician and ask about developmental screening. Acting early is always a good thing.
Ways to keep every first
The days are long and the year is fast. A few simple rituals help you hold on to it.
- A monthly photo. Same spot, same time each month, so you can watch her grow in a row of pictures.
- A little journal. A line or two a week is plenty. Her first laugh, the song that calms her, the face she makes at lemons.
- Voice notes and videos. Record her coos and babbles. One day you'll want to hear that first "dada" again.
- A letter on her birthday. Write down who she is right now, and save it for when she's older.
- Tell the story out loud. Share her firsts with grandparents, friends and her own little ears. She loves hearing your voice.
One year of wonder
Look back at that first photo, the one where she was so new. Then look at her now, pulling up on the couch and waving at you with a grin. Every single first happened because she had you cheering her on.
Happy first year, Mama. Here's to all the firsts still waiting just around the corner.
The date and the story of every first, ready to print.
Where this comes from
This article draws on guidance from the CDC's milestone guide. It's here to help, not to replace your own doctor, midwife or pediatrician. If you have questions, ask them.
- Milestones by 2 Months, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Milestones by 4 Months, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Milestones by 6 Months, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Milestones by 9 Months, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Milestones by 1 Year, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- About Learn the Signs. Act Early., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention