Baby milestones - your baby's growth & development for the first 12 months
Watching your little one grow and develop is one of parenthood's greatest joys. From their first smile to those wobbly first steps, every milestone is a precious moment. As your baby grows and changes through their first year, understanding their development can help you prepare for each exciting new stage. Discover our useful guide for understanding your baby's development in the first 12 months.
Understanding Developmental Milestones
Resources like the Raising Children Network and the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne website provide comprehensive guidelines for understanding how most children progress. While babies learn and develop skills in roughly the same order, they may reach these important skills at different ages.
Our guide covers both fine motor skills (small body movements involving your baby's hands) and large body movements, along with social skills and communication development, and will help you monitor your baby's growth and development through their first year. Remember that babies develop at their own pace. If you're concerned about your child's development, always consult your baby's health care provider, Maternal and Child Health nurse, or local health service.
1 month old developmental milestones
Physical milestones
- Developing head control when lying down
- Makes small body movements with arms and legs
- Shows early fine motor skills with hands in tight fists
- Strong grasp reflex
- Can lift head briefly during tummy time
Cognitive milestones
- Demonstrates early eye contact
- Focuses on objects and familiar people
- Shows recognition of familiar faces
- Tracks objects with eyes
- Begins to recognise names and voices
Social & emotional milestones
- Beginning to express joy through facial expressions
- Makes eye contact with parents
- Shows recognition of familiar people
- Demonstrates early social skills
- Uses different sounds to communicate needs
Language development
- Begins to develop communication skills by making sounds
- Starting babble chains
- Responds to familiar voices
- Shows early signs of understanding sounds
2 month old developmental milestones
Physical milestones
- Improved head control during tummy time
- Makes smoother small body movements
- Opens and closes hands, developing fine motor skills
- Begins pushing up on arms during tummy time
- Shows more controlled leg and arm movements
Cognitive milestones
- Follows moving objects and toys with eyes
- Recognises familiar people at a distance
- Shows interest in different objects
- Begins to develop hand-eye coordination
- Demonstrates longer attention span with toys
Social & emotional milestones
- Smiles in response to familiar people
- Expresses joy during play and makes sounds to communicate pleasure
- Develops different cries for different needs
- Shows early signs of their own personality
Language development
- Produces cooing sounds
- Creates longer babble chains
- Responds to voices with sounds
- Shows different expressions while vocalising
- Demonstrates varied crying patterns for different needs
3 month old developmental milestones
Physical milestones
- Strong head control during tummy time
- Uses arms to support upper body
- Shows improved fine motor skills with hands
- Makes purposeful arm movements towards objects
- Kicks legs more purposefully when lying down
Cognitive milestones
- Watches faces intently during play
- Shows recognition of familiar toys
- Follows objects from side to side
- Begins reaching for dangling objects
- Shows early problem-solving skills
Social & emotional milestones
- Smiles spontaneously at familiar people
- Expresses joy during social interaction
- Shows early signs of own personality
- Might cry when play stops
- Demonstrates attachment to parents
Language development
- Creates more complex babble chains
- Makes sounds to express different emotions
- Shows recognition of familiar voices
- Responds to social interaction with sounds
- Experiments with volume and pitch
4 month old developmental milestones
Physical milestones
- Shows consistent head control
- Makes early reaching movements toward toys
- Uses whole body movements to express joy
- May roll from tummy to back
- Brings hands to mouth with better coordination
Cognitive milestones
- Develops better hand-eye coordination
- Shows clear recognition of familiar people
- Uses hands and eyes together to track toys
- Demonstrates memory of regular routines
- Shows anticipation of regular events (like feeding)
Social & emotional milestones
- Expresses joy through whole body movements
- Shows distinct personality traits
- Responds differently to familiar people versus strangers
- Uses sounds and movements to get attention
- Shows emotional responses to play
Language development
- Creates varied babble chains
- Copies sounds they hear
- Shows different cries for different needs
- Makes sounds to express joy and displeasure
- Responds vocally to social interaction
5 month old developmental milestones
Physical milestones
- Can roll over in both directions
- Begins to sit with support
- Rocks back and forth
- Pushes up on arms during tummy time
- May support whole weight on legs when standing
Cognitive milestones
- Shows interest in small objects
- Explores objects with hands and mouth
- Struggles to get objects out of reach
- Can pass objects from one hand to another
- Shows curiosity about surroundings
Social & emotional milestones
- Knows familiar faces
- Likes to look at self in mirror
- Responds to others' emotions
- Shows happiness and displeasure clearly
- Enjoys playing peek-a-boo
Language development
- Links sounds with meaning
- Responds to sounds by making sounds
- Makes sounds to show joy and displeasure
- String vowels together when babbling
- Responds to own name
6 month old developmental milestones
Physical milestones
- Sits without support
- Tries to crawl when lying on their stomach
- Uses hands to support themselves while sitting
- Can roll over in both directions
Cognitive milestones
- Looks around at things nearby
- Brings objects to mouth
- Shows curiosity about things out of reach
- Begins to pass things from one hand to another
- Explores objects in different ways
Social & emotional milestones
- Recognises familiar faces
- Likes to play with others
- Responds to emotions of others
- Often happy and playful
- Likes to look at self in mirror
Language development
- Makes consonant sounds (ba, da, ga)
- Strings vowels together
- Responds to sounds with sounds
- Uses voice to express joy and displeasure
- Responds to own name
7 month old developmental milestones
Physical milestones
- Stands while holding on to something
- Can get into sitting position
- Supports whole weight on legs
- Tries to crawl forward or backward
- Manages controlled reaches for objects
Cognitive milestones
- Finds partially hidden objects
- Explores with hands and mouth
- Shows goal-directed behaviour
- Develops object permanence
- Can track rapidly moving objects
Social & emotional milestones
- Enjoys social play
- Shows interest in mirror images
- Responds to others' expressions
- May be fearful of strangers
- Shows distinct personality
Language development
- Increases variety of sounds
- Uses voice to attract attention
- Makes different consonant sounds
- Responds to simple verbal requests
- Shows understanding of some words
8 month old developmental milestones
Physical milestones
- Crawls forward on belly
- Gets into sitting position
- Sits steady without support
- Pulls to stand
- Can stand holding on
Cognitive milestones
- Understands object permanence
- Looks where you point
- Moves objects from hand to hand
- Picks up small objects
- Shows interest in new toys
Social & emotional milestones
- May show stranger anxiety
- Has 'favourite' toys
- Tests parental responses
- Shows specific preferences (e.g. for toys or food)
- Makes specific requests using sounds and gestures
Language development
- Understands 'no'
- Makes a lot of different sounds
- Copies sounds and gestures
- Uses fingers to point
- Combines syllables when babbling
9 month old developmental milestones
Physical milestones
- Makes progress in large body movements
- Shows strong sitting position control
- Demonstrates improved fine motor skills
- Uses pincer grasp more effectively
- May cruise along furniture, developing walking skills
Cognitive milestones
- Shows advanced object permanence
- Uses problem-solving skills with toys
- Demonstrates memory of daily routines
- Explores objects in different ways
- Shows understanding of cause and effect
Social & emotional milestones
- Expresses clear emotional attachments
- Shows distinct personality traits
- Demonstrates separation anxiety
- Uses social skills in play
- Shows clear preferences for familiar people
Language development
- Makes lots of different sounds
- Creates consistent babble chains
- Shows recognition of many words
- Makes specific sounds for specific needs
- Responds to simple verbal requests
- May use simple words like "mama" or "dada"
10 month old developmental milestones
Physical milestones
- Shows progress toward standing position
- Makes purposeful large body movements
- Demonstrates improved fine motor skills
- Uses hands effectively with toys
- May take first steps while holding on
Cognitive milestones
- Shows clear problem-solving abilities
- Demonstrates memory of hidden objects
- Uses tools to reach objects
- Shows understanding of object functions
- Explores toys in complex ways
Social & emotional milestones
- Expresses range of emotions clearly
- Shows strong personality traits
- Demonstrates social skills with family
- Uses gestures to communicate
- Shows emotional responses to play
Language development
- Uses longer babble chains
- Shows understanding of commands
- Makes varied sounds for communication
- Attempts to copy words
- Uses gestures with sounds
11 month old developmental milestones
Physical milestones
- May progress to independent standing
- Shows improved balance skills
- Demonstrates coordinated movements
- Uses fine motor skills effectively
- May take first independent steps
Cognitive milestones
- Shows advanced problem-solving
- Demonstrates learning through play
- Uses memory in daily activities
- Shows anticipation of routines
- Explores objects thoroughly
Social & emotional milestones
- Shows clear emotional expression
- Demonstrates strong personality
- Uses social skills confidently
- Shows preferences in activities
- Expresses joy in achievements
Language development
- Creates varied sound combinations
- Shows increased word recognition
- Uses consistent sounds for objects
- Responds to verbal communication
- May use several simple words
12 month old developmental milestones
Physical milestones
- Makes progress in walking skills
- Shows improved large body movements
- Demonstrates advanced fine motor skills
- Uses pincer grasp effectively
- Shows coordination in movement
Cognitive milestones
- Demonstrates clear learning ability
- Shows problem-solving skills
- Uses memory effectively
- Understands simple concepts
- Shows advanced toy exploration
Social & emotional milestones
- Shows strong personality development
- Expresses range of emotions
- Demonstrates social understanding
- Uses communication skills to express needs and wants
- Shows emotional attachments clearly
Language development
- Uses several recognisable words
- Shows understanding of many words
- Creates complex babble chains
- Uses gestures with words
- Demonstrates early conversation skills
Tracking Your Baby's Progress
Always remember that child development happens over time. As your baby develops and grows, you'll notice them reaching different milestones at their own pace. While most babies follow a similar developmental path, it's important to remember that each child is unique. If you're concerned about your baby's progress, useful tools like the Personal Health Record (Blue Book/Green Book/Child Health Record, depending on your state) can help you track their development. Your Maternal and Child Health nurse or GP can guide you through these important skills and address any concerns you may have about your child's development.
How often will you need to buy new baby clothing in the first 12 months?
Most babies will typically need new clothes 4-5 times during their first year due to rapid growth. Here's what to expect:
0-3 months
During these early months, babies grow rapidly, often needing new sizes every few weeks! Look for soft, stretchy fabrics that are gentle on delicate skin and accommodate frequent nappy changes. Natural fibres like organic cotton will help to regulate their temperature during varying seasons.
3-6 months
While their growth may slow slightly, babies aged three to six months still need regular wardrobe updates. Choose clothing that allows freedom of movement for rolling and early crawling attempts, as well as easy-access designs to make dressing and changing more convenient for both you and your baby.
6-9 months
Active babies need durable clothes that can withstand crawling. Quality materials become especially important as your baby becomes more mobile - consider pieces with reinforced knees and stretchy fabrics that won't restrict movement.
9-12 months
Walking babies need sturdy clothes that allow for plenty of movement. Choose slightly larger sizes to accommodate growth. Durability will be key as your little one starts to explore their world!
Our tips on preparing for different seasons
Summer
Lightweight, breathable natural fibres are essential for hot summers. Choose loose-fitting clothes to allow air circulation. Sun safety is also crucial, so look for UV-protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats, as well as rashies and swimsuits for beach or pool days. It's also a good idea to have a light muslin wrap handy to act as an extra layer in air-conditioned spaces.
Autumn
Temperatures can vary significantly in autumn, so it's best to layer lightweight pieces. Long-sleeve bodysuits provide warmth without overheating, and light jumpers cardigans are useful for cooler mornings and evenings. Where you can, try to choose transitional pieces that work across seasons.
Winter
In winter we love merino wool layers that provide natural warmth without bulk. Consider warm inner layers, as well as lighter pieces that are suitable for heated spaces and can be removed easily. You'll also need waterproof layers for wet winter days, and don't forget beanies and mittens for extra warmth!
Spring
You'll need to return to layering as temperatures become variable. Choose breathable fabrics that adapt to changing weather and keep sun protection handy as UV levels begin to rise.
Shop Purebaby's range of premium organic cotton baby clothing in stores or online.
