Year One: Milestones and Meaningful Moments
Your baby’s first year is a time of astonishing growth. In just 12 months, they move from newborn reflexes to intentional interaction, mobility, and early communication. Every new sound, smile, and step reveals their developing mind and body. While every child grows at their own pace, understanding what’s typical can help you support their journey and know when to seek expert guidance.
This section covers the major developmental milestones typically observed in the first year of life, broken down by age and skill area. You’ll also find helpful at-home activity suggestions and tips for identifying when it may be time to reach out for support.
At 2 Months: Early Connections Begin
By two months, your baby is transitioning from reflexive responses to more intentional interaction. They’re starting to recognize your voice and engage with their surroundings.
Language & Communication
- Begins making noises other than crying, like cooing and soft gurgling sounds
- Reacts to loud noises
Cognitive Development
- Prefers black and white or high-contrast patterns
- Begins watching people as they move
- Looks at a toy for a few seconds at a time
Social & Emotional Development
- Smiles in response to your smile—early signs of social reciprocity
- Looks at your face
- Seems happy when you approach
Movement & Sensory Skills
- Raises head slightly during tummy time
- Moves both arms and both legs
- Opens hands briefly
Feeding Skills
- Shows hunger cues like opening their mouth when hungry or turning toward the bottle/breast
- Latches to the nipple, sucks and swallows
- Your baby is building the foundation for communication, connection, and movement
At 4 Months: Strength, Curiosity, and Interaction
At four months, your baby becomes noticeably more alert and social. Their body is stronger, and they’re better able to interact with people and objects around them.
Language & Communication
- Coos and babbles with more variety in sounds
- Responds vocally when spoken to—an early form of conversation
- Turns head to locate voices or sounds
Cognitive Development
- Shows anticipation (e.g., opens mouth when seeing bottle)
- Can easily bring interesting objects to their mouth
- Tracks moving objects smoothly with eyes
Social & Emotional Development
- Smiles on their own and in response to stimuli
- Lets out soft laughs (though not full laughter yet) when you try to amuse them
- Engages by looking, moving, or vocalizing to capture or maintain your attention
Movement & Sensory Skills
- Pushes up onto elbows during tummy time
- Discovers their hands, brings them together and to the mouth
- Swipes at dangling toys, attempts to reach and grab
Feeding Skills
- Holds head steady while feeding
- Brings hands to breast or bottle
- Opens mouth for spoon
At this stage, your baby thrives on interaction.
At 6 Months: Exploration and Self-Expression
At six months, babies become active explorers. They’re discovering the world with all their senses.
Language & Communication
- Takes turns “talking” by babbling in response to your speech
- Makes playful sounds like high-pitched squeals
- Makes Raspberry noises with tongue and mouth
Cognitive Development
- Moves things to their mouth to explore
- Reaches for toys
- May close mouth to show they don’t want to eat
Social & Emotional Development
- Laughs out loud—especially during play
- Seems to know familiar people
- Likes to see their reflection in the mirror
Movement & Sensory Skills
- Pushes up with straight arms while on tummy
- Sits with support or props themselves up with hands
Feeding Skills
- Opens mouth for spoon and begins to try mashed solids
- Moves food around in their mouth with their tongue
This is a perfect time to introduce simple games like peek-a-boo and play with soft, chew-safe toys.
At 9 Months: On the Move and Making Sounds
Nine months marks a big leap in physical movement and communication. Babies at this stage are full of personality and eager to explore every corner of their environment.
Language & Communication
- Uses repetitive sounds: “mamama, bababa” etc.
- Raises arms to signal “pick me up
Cognitive Development
- Searches for hidden or dropped objects
- Explores objects in different ways: shaking, throwing
- Can bang two objects together
Social & Emotional Development
- Plays interactive games like peek-a-boo
- Exhibits separation anxiety when a caregiver leaves
- Responds to own name
Movement & Sensory Skills
- Sits without support
- Transfers toys from one hand to the other
- Begins crawling or scooting
Feeding Skills
- Picks up food with fingers and brings it to mouth
- Drinks from a cup with help (and some spills)
- Tries to hold a spoon or assist with feeding
Create a safe space for movement and allow your baby to explore different surfaces. Let them self-feed with bite-sized pieces of soft food, and name objects often to build vocabulary.
At 12 Months: First Steps and First Words
By their first birthday, your baby has blossomed into a tiny person with opinions, preferences, and emerging independence. Their growth is something to celebrate!
Language & Communication
- Calls a parent “mama” or “dada” or another special name
- Waves “hi” or “bye”
- Understands “no” and pauses when they hear it
Cognitive Development
- Places objects into containers—like dropping a toy into a cup
- Looks for objects you hide during play
Social & Emotional Development
- Engages in back-and-forth play like pat-a-cake
- Begins to noticeably clap
Movement & Sensory Skills
- Cruises along furniture
- Takes first steps or stands alone briefly
- Able to pick up and hold small items
Feeding Skills
- Self-feeds with fingers
- Holds bottle or sippy cup with both hands
- Begins taking more appropriate bites and chewing well
- Holds spoon during meal
Your baby is growing into a toddler! Encourage early language by naming objects and actions. Practice walking safely, and offer praise for new attempts.
Everyday Activities to Support Development
The best part? You don’t need fancy tools or complicated routines to help your child thrive. Simple, loving interactions are incredibly effective.
- Talk, sing, and read daily. Use expressive language, name objects as you use them, and narrate your activities.
- Practice tummy time and floor play. Get down with your baby and cheer them on!
- Introduce cause-and-effect toys like rattles or pop-up games.
- Let your baby explore with their hands during mealtimes. Offer age-appropriate foods and utensils.
- Use mirrors, books, and simple songs to stimulate curiosity and promote social engagement.
Is Your Child Meeting These Milestones?
If your child isn’t hitting some of these milestones—or you’re not sure what’s typical—trust your instincts. Some early signs to watch for include:
- Not responding to sounds, name, or visual cues
- Difficulty holding head up or limited movement
- Lack of social smile or eye contact
- Delays in feeding skills or disinterest in exploring objects
If you notice any of these signs, start by observing their play and interactions. Keep track of behaviors that seem delayed and talk to your pediatrician about your observations. Early support can make a big difference. Don’t wait to reach out for guidance if you have concerns about your child’s development.
How Tender Ones Therapy Services Can Help
If you’re unsure if your child is meeting expected milestones appropriately, or if you have any questions, partner with TOTS for your child’s best start! You can schedule your free screening online, call 770-904-6009 or fill out our contact form (Link) to begin your child’s journey to success.