9 Baby Milestones to Watch for in the First Year

Explore the exciting milestones of a baby’s first year, from their first smile to their first steps. Highlight the joy, humor, and surprises that come with each new skill! In this blog we’ll be offering parents tips, relatable stories, and reassurance as their little ones grow and develop. Whether it’s rolling over during a diaper change or clapping after a meal, these moments are cherished memories in the making.

1. The First Smile

There’s nothing quite like that first gummy smile. Usually, around 6 to 8 weeks, babies start showing off their little grins, and let me tell you, it’s heart-melting! It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, I see you, and I’m happy about it.” I always tell parents that those early milestones are golden because they’re a sign that your baby is beginning to recognize you and feel joy.

A friend of mine shared a story about her baby’s first smile. She was in the middle of singing a lullaby (and getting all the lyrics wrong, as most of us do). Just as she reached the last note, her baby broke into the biggest grin, as if to say, “Mom, that was… something.” She said, “Well, I guess I’ve got my toughest critic!” It’s those tiny moments that make the sleepless nights a little easier.

Tip: Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t smile right away—some take their time. If you want to encourage those first smiles, try making silly faces or gently talking to your baby. Babies are drawn to human faces, so make the most of it!

2. Rolling Over

This usually happens around 4 to 6 months, and once babies figure out how to roll from their back to their belly (or vice versa), things get real! You look away for a second, and suddenly your baby has flipped themselves over like a pro. It’s one of those milestones that can catch you off guard, especially when it happens at the most inconvenient times.

Be careful with your little one’s first roll—it can be right in the middle of a diaper change! I had a mom look down in disbelief, mid-wipe, as her baby happily flipped over onto their belly. Let’s just say that diaper change took a bit longer than expected, but it’s all part of the adventure. And yes, baby-proofing becomes more important from here on out!

Tip: If your baby seems a bit stuck, help them practice rolling during tummy time by gently rolling them back and forth. It’s a great way to build up those muscles.

3. Sitting Up

Sitting up on their own is a major milestone, usually happening between 6 and 8 months. It’s a moment of pride for both baby and parents because now your little one can see the world from a whole new perspective. No more lying down all the time—they’ve got a front-row seat to everything!

A doula client of mine shared how her daughter sat up on her own for the first time. The baby gave her parents this wide-eyed look, as if she was saying, “Wow, I’ve been missing out!” She immediately started reaching for everything in sight. It’s amazing how sitting up opens up a whole new world for them, and the excitement is contagious.

Tip: When your baby starts sitting up, stay close. In the beginning, they might still topple over unexpectedly, so a soft surface nearby is always a good idea. Pillows can be lifesavers during this time!

4. Crawling

Once babies master sitting up, crawling is usually the next milestone, happening between 7 to 10 months. Suddenly, your little one turns into an explorer, determined to check out every corner of your home. It’s a game-changer, and before you know it, you’ll be chasing after them!

One of my clients shared a hilarious story about her baby’s first crawl. She’d left the room for just a second, only to come back and find her little girl crawling straight toward the dog’s water bowl like she was on a secret mission. I think she was trying to join the pack!

Watching a baby crawl for the first time is one of those moments that fills your heart with pride and a bit of, “Uh-oh, time to make sure everything’s baby-safe!”

If your baby doesn’t crawl much, don’t worry! Every child develops in their own unique way. On the odd case some even jump straight to walking so don’t be alarmed.

5. Babbling & First Words

Babbling is one of the most adorable milestones, and it usually happens around 6 to 9 months. It’s like babies are trying out their first “words,” testing different sounds like “ba-ba,” “da-da,” and “ma-ma.” These early conversations are so heartwarming.

Babies love to babble away to anyone and anything—their toys, parents, even the ceiling fan! Sometimes, babies seem like they’re having a full-blown conversation with you, and you just have to nod along, like, “Yep, I totally get it!”

A client of mine couldn’t stop laughing when her baby’s first word turned out to be “cookie.” She joked, “Well, at least he’s honest about what he wants!” Whether your baby’s first word is “dog,” “ball,” or “up,” it’s a milestone you’ll treasure forever.

Don’t stress if your baby says “da-da” before “ma-ma.” It’s not a competition—“ma-ma” will get their turn!

6. Clapping

Around 8 to 12 months, babies often start clapping, and it’s such a sweet milestone because it’s like they’re cheering themselves on. Every time they do something they’re proud of—like stacking blocks or picking up a toy—they’ll clap with excitement.

A neighbor once told me her son would clap after every spoonful of mashed peas. She said, “I’m not sure if he’s clapping because he likes the peas or because he’s just proud of eating them!” Either way, it’s an adorable phase, and clapping is a great sign that your baby is developing their motor skills.

7. Pulling to Stand

Pulling up to stand happens between 9 to 12 months, and it’s a big moment for your baby. Suddenly, they’re trying to go from crawling to standing like they’ve got somewhere important to be!

Pulling to stand is usually the beginning of your baby’s quest to start walking, so get ready for even more exciting milestones. This is also the time to make sure anything within reach is baby-safe because your curious explorer will want to grab everything in sight.

Tip: Encourage pulling up by placing toys just out of reach. It’ll motivate your baby to stand and grab them.

8. Waving

Around 9 to 12 months, babies start waving “bye-bye,” and it’s one of the cutest milestones. This is when they start learning social gestures, and let me tell you, they’ll wave at anything—people, pets, even the refrigerator!

9. First Steps

And finally, the big one—first steps. Most babies take their first steps around their first birthday, but it can happen anywhere between 9 and 15 months. It’s such an exciting, emotional moment, and once they get the hang of it, there’s no stopping them!

One family shared that their baby took his first step, then immediately plopped down with the biggest smile on his face, as if to say, “Well, that was fun, but let’s not rush it!” It’s these moments that make all the waiting worth it.

Whether your baby starts walking early or takes their time, those first steps are something you’ll never forget. And before you know it, they’ll be running!

Tip: Be patient—every baby walks on their own schedule. Offer a helping hand for balance but let them practice walking on their own too.

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