0–2 Months
Focus: Regulation + Bonding
- Recognizes caregiver’s voice and scent
- Makes brief eye contact, especially during feeding
- Moves in reflexive patterns (startle, rooting, sucking)
- Begins to lift head slightly when on tummy
- Sleeps often, feeds often, cries often (all normal)
Support:
Slow days at home, skin-to-skin, holding, rocking, responsive care. Your presence is the “activity.”
2–4 Months
Focus: Connection + Early Motor Control
- Smiles intentionally at people
- Begins cooing and experimenting with sound
- Tracks objects and faces with eyes
- Lifts head and chest more confidently in tummy time
- Hands open more often; starts batting at toys
Support:
Talk, sing, offer floor time daily, face-to-face moments, soft rattles or cloths to explore.
4–6 Months
Focus: Strength + Curiosity
- Rolls in one or both directions (timing varies)
- Uses hands to reach and grasp objects
- Laughs and vocalizes to get attention
- Sits with support, possibly tripod sitting
- Watches you carefully to understand the world
Support:
Floor freedom is more valuable than equipment. Let frustration happen in small, supported doses. Model simple language.
6–8 Months
Focus: Mobility Foundations + Joint Attention
- Sits independently for longer stretches
- May begin scooting, army crawling, or rocking on hands and knees
- Babbles with variation (ga-da-ba)
- Starts solids and explores food with hands
- Shows preference for familiar people
Support:
Safe space for movement, simple foods to explore, narrate feelings, stay available without micromanaging.
8–10 Months
Focus: Intentional Communication + Exploration
- Crawls or finds another way to move independently
- Pulls to stand using furniture
- Uses gestures, like reaching or pointing
- Begins to understand simple words and routines
- Separation anxiety may increase (a sign of secure attachment)
Support:
Peek-a-boo, naming emotions, predictable rhythms, warm goodbyes rather than sneaking away.
10–12 Months
Focus: Emerging Independence + Problem Solving
- Cruises along furniture
- May take first steps, or may not yet (both normal)
- Uses a few intentional sounds or words
- Plays purposeful games (drop → you pick up)
- Shows strong curiosity and persistence
Support:
Allow exploration, toddler-proof instead of constantly redirecting, celebrate attempts rather than outcomes.
Important Notes for Parents
- Babies develop along a range, not an exact calendar
- Movement patterns vary wildly
- Speech timelines are broad and not linear
- Separation anxiety is healthy
- “Milestones” are guides, not tests
Your job is not to teach milestones. Your job is to provide relationship, safety, and space.
