Baby Milestones for Your Child’s First Year

Use these guidelines to offer age-appropriate activities for your baby.
Honolulu Family Team,


During the first year of life your baby responds best to a warm, loving environment. Holding your baby and responding to his or her cries are essential in building a strong, healthy bond.

Remember, you can’t “spoil” a baby. Use these guidelines to offer age-appropriate activities for your baby. Remember, these are just guidelines, and a healthy child may achieve a milestone later than average.

 

Child’s Age: 1 Month

Mastered Skills Most Can Do: 

• Lifts head when lying on tummy• Responds to sound• Stares at facesEmerging Skills  Half Can Do:


• Follows objects briefly with eyes

• Vocalizes: oohs and aahs

• Can see black and white patterns

Advanced Skills Few Can Do:


• Smiles, laughs

• Holds head at 45-degree angle

 

Child’s Age: 2 Months

Mastered Skills Most Can Do: 

• Vocalizes: gurgles and coos• Follows objects across field of vision• Notices his/her hands• Holds head up for short periods on tummyEmerging Skills  Half Can Do:


• Smiles, laughs

• Holds head at 45-degree angle

• Makes smoother movements

Advanced Skills Few Can Do:   


• Holds head steady

• Can bear weight on legs

 • Lifts head and shoulders when lying

Child’s Age: 3 Months

Mastered Skills Most Can Do: 

• Recognizes your face and scent• Visually tracks moving objects• Holds head steady• Does mini-pushupEmerging Skills  Half Can Do:


• Squeals, gurgles, coos

• Blows bubbles

• Recognizes your voice

Advanced Skills Few Can Do:   


• Rolls over, from tummy to back

• Turns toward loud sounds

• Can brings hands together, bats at toys

Child’s Age: 4 Months

Mastered Skills Most Can Do: 

• Smiles, laughs• Can bear weight on legs• Coos when you talk to him/herEmerging Skills  Half Can Do:


• Can grasp a toy

• Rolls over, from tummy to back

Advanced Skills Few Can Do:   


• Imitates sounds: “baba,” “dada”

• Cuts first tooth

• May be ready for solid foods

Child’s Age: 5 Months

Mastered Skills Most Can Do: 

• Distinguishes between bold colors• Plays with his/her hands and feet• Rolls over in both directionsEmerging Skills  Half Can Do:


• Recognizes own name

• Turns toward new sounds

• Separation anxiety may begin

Advanced Skills Few Can Do:   


• Sits momentarily without support

• Mouths objects

 

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