Watching your baby grow is a thrilling experience. As you navigate infant care, you’ll want to watch for key milestones to make sure your baby is developing on track. Here are a few key changes to watch for in their first year.

A Guide to First Year Milestones for New Parents

One to Two Months

Within the first month, the main developments your little one makes will be responding to their environment and experimenting with movement. You can expect them to move their head from side to side, make jerky arm movements, and lift their hands towards their face.

They may also be able to focus on objects a few inches to a foot in front of them, blink when exposed to brightness, and respond to loud noises. After two months, you could start to hear them making sounds other than cries, such as vowel sounds, and watch them follow objects with their eyes. You might even see a smile by this point.

Six Months

Through the next few months, your baby’s movements will progress significantly. They’ll be able to pick their head up, roll over, hold a bottle, and grab objects. You may watch them recognize other people, such as relatives and infant care providers. By six months, they may begin experimenting with facial expression, so feel free to make funny faces and see if they’ll copy you. Also, listen for two-syllable sounds at this stage.

One Year

The latter half of the year will likely be characterized by teething, crawling, and standing. Your child will grow increasingly interested in their spoon during feeding time, be able to recognize themselves in a mirror, and begin identifying “mama” and “dada.” Your child may also express an interest in books, form attachment to toys, and begin playing with objects by pushing and pulling.

If you’re looking for an infant care center where your child can excel through their first year and beyond, turn to Merry Manor School of Childhood. Serving Lincoln, NE, this nurturing day care center welcomes children as young as 6 weeks old. Their childcare professionals have seven decades of combined experience and offer a creative curriculum to help children excel through the age of 13. Learn more about their programs for children of all ages online or call (402) 466-2215 to inquire about enrollment.