I'm sure both new parents and expectant parents have already done plenty of homework in preparation for the arrival of their baby. But beyond the things you need to prepare and learn to welcome your baby, what milestones will you witness as you grow with them during their first year? We’ve summarized some of the many “firsts” your baby will experience in this crucial period, so you can get a better understanding of their growth and development.
Laughter
The first sound you’ll hear from your newborn is usually a cry, which marks the beginning of their life outside the womb. That first cry is like a “start” button — one that doesn't seem to stop or even pause. However, with these cries, of course, comes laughter. Around the fourth month of life, your baby will start to giggle, and from there, the laughs will become more frequent. Simple activities like peek-a-boo or making funny faces will keep them laughing.
Rolling Over
Around three to four months, you’ll be amazed to notice your baby starting to roll over. A simple roll from back to front or vice versa is no small feat at this age, and they’ll soon become more skilled at it in the coming weeks. This is also the time when you’ll need to stop swaddling your baby and make sure not to leave them unattended in risky places (like on high surfaces or a bed), as they can now roll and potentially fall.
Sleeping Through the Night
If sleep has been a challenge, there’s hope. Between four and six months, many babies start sleeping for longer stretches and may even sleep through the night. For parents, this milestone means a full night’s rest, so don’t forget to give yourselves a well-deserved round of applause — you've finally made it!
Sitting Up
By five to six months, your baby will likely be able to sit up with support, either propped up on their hands or leaning against furniture. Around seven to nine months, you’ll see them sitting up on their own. Sitting is a huge milestone, as it opens up more opportunities for play and learning. At this point, they may also start exploring toys on their own, giving you a bit more time to yourself. However, always be sure to keep an eye on them — they still need supervision.
Crawling
Crawling can be an exciting milestone to witness. Some babies start crawling as early as six months, while others may take until ten months to get moving. It depends on the baby’s individual development. Not all babies crawl, though, and that’s perfectly normal — it’s just one of many ways babies start exploring their world.
Waving Bye-Bye
By nine months, your baby will start to understand simple gestures and might begin mimicking them. A common milestone at this stage is waving “bye-bye.” You’ll notice that they start associating movement and sound with meaning, and may even respond to you when you wave. It’s a fun and exciting time as they begin to interact with you in more meaningful ways.
Bracing
By the time your baby reaches 12 months, most will be able to stand for short periods without support. They may also start taking small steps while holding onto furniture or other objects. This stage, known as "bracing," is an important part of the transition to independent walking. In the months leading up to their first steps, your baby will likely spend a lot of time practicing standing and holding on — getting ready for the big milestone!
Taking Their First Steps
Before your baby walks independently, they’ll likely stand while holding onto furniture, and attempt small steps with support. This may begin anywhere between the 9th and 17th month. It’s an exciting and sometimes unpredictable milestone, but each baby takes their first steps in their own time.
Saying the First Word
A moment many parents eagerly anticipate is when their baby speaks their first word. Whether it’s “mama” or “dada,” this usually happens around their first birthday. From this point on, your baby will begin picking up more words and start expressing themselves more clearly. No more guessing what they want — it’s the beginning of two-way communication.
Maydollybaby has always been committed to supporting your baby’s growth every step of the way. From bassinets to nursing tables to dining chairs, we offer a wide range of high-quality products to help parents along their journey. We believe that as babies grow healthy and strong, parents deserve the same level of reliable quality and care. For more details about our products, feel free to explore our website.
Reference：
Laura Asmundsson, (August 21, 2024), A Week-by-Week Guide to Your Baby's First Year Milestones
