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Developmental Milestones: Birth to 12 Months

Every child grows and develops in their own unique way and at their own pace.

 

Milestones are simply helpful guidelines, and it’s okay if your child reaches them a little earlier or later than others.

 

If you have questions or just want reassurance, we’re here for you—please feel free to reach out.

0-3 Months

Fine Motor:

  • Hands mostly fisted

  • Briefly holds objects placed in hand

  • Brings hands toward mouth

Gross Motor:

  • Lifts head briefly during tummy time

  • Turns head side to side

  • Begins improving head control

Play:

  • Explores toys by shaking and mouthing

  • Enjoys mirror play

  • Shows excitement with movement and sound

4-5 Months

Fine Motor:

  • Reaches for toys with both hands

  • Brings toys to mouth

  • Begins batting at objects

Gross Motor:

  • Rolls (belly ↔ back)

  • Pushes up on arms during tummy time

  • Sits with support

Play:

  • Explores toys by shaking and mouthing

  • Enjoys mirror play

  • Shows excitement with movement and sound

6-7 Months

Fine Motor:

  • Transfers toys between hands

  • Reaches accurately for objects

  • Begins picking up larger items

Gross Motor:

  • Sits without support

  • Rolls both directions easily

  • Begins moving toward crawling

Play:

  • Enjoys banging toys together

  • Responds to name

  • Engages in back-and-forth interaction

8-9 Months

Fine Motor:

  • Picks up smaller objects

  • Uses both hands together

  • Explores objects more purposefully

Gross Motor:

  • Gross Motor:

  • Crawls/creeps

  • Moves in and out of sitting

  • Pulls to stand

Play:

  • Plays peek-a-boo

  • Looks for dropped/hidden objects (object permanence)

  • Enjoys cause-and-effect toys

10-12 Months

Fine Motor:

  • Points with index finger

  • Places objects into containers

  • Begins self-feeding (finger foods)

Gross Motor:

  • Cruises along furniture

  • Stands briefly without support

  • May take first independent steps

Play:

  • Uses toys correctly (functional play)

  • Imitates actions (clapping, waving)

  • Enjoys simple routines

The first year of life is full of incredible growth and change.

 

During this time, your baby is learning to move their body, explore their environment, connect with others, and begin communicating their needs.

 

From lifting their head and rolling, to sitting, crawling, and possibly taking first steps, each milestone builds on the next.

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