Developmental Milestones: 0-12 Months

Understanding Developmental Milestones

Developmental milestones are skills most children can do by a certain age. They're helpful guidelines, but every child develops at their own pace.

0-3 Months

Physical

• Lifts head briefly during tummy time
• Opens and closes hands
• Brings hands to mouth

Social/Emotional

• Begins to smile at people
• Can calm with rocking, swaddling
• Starts to follow faces with eyes

Communication

• Coos and makes gurgling sounds
• Turns head toward sounds
• Cries differently for different needs

4-6 Months

Physical

• Rolls over in both directions
• Begins sitting with support
• Bears weight on legs when held upright

Social/Emotional

• Knows familiar faces
• Likes to look in mirror
• Responds to emotions of others

Communication

• Babbles with consonant sounds
• Responds to own name
• Uses voice to express joy and displeasure

7-9 Months

Physical

• Sits without support
• May start crawling
• Picks up small objects with fingers

Cognitive

• Looks for things they see you hide
• Plays peek-a-boo
• Transfers objects between hands

10-12 Months

Physical

• Pulls to stand
• May take first steps
• Uses pincer grasp

Communication

• Says "mama" or "dada" with meaning
• Understands "no"
• Uses gestures like waving

When to Talk to Your Pediatrician

Contact your doctor if your baby:

• Doesn't make eye contact
• Doesn't respond to sounds
• Loses skills they once had
• Seems very stiff or floppy