Baby’s First Year Milestones
A Gentle Month-by-Month Guide to Growth, Wonder & Small Wins
Your baby’s first year is a blur of firsts — the first smile, the first time they roll over, the first wobbly attempt to stand. And while every baby’s timeline is different, it can be comforting to know what milestones to look out for — not as a checklist, but as quiet markers of progress.
At Neutral Nest, we believe in meeting babies (and parents) where they are — with support, not stress. Here's a month-by-month guide to some of the beautiful developments you may witness in your baby’s first year (and don’t forget - every baby is different! Just because they’re not there yet, it doesn’t mean there’s anything for you to worry about).
0–2 Months: Welcome to the World
In the early days, your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb — and so are you.
Possible milestones:
Lifts head briefly during tummy time
Focuses on faces and high-contrast patterns
Responds to your voice
Begins to coo and make small sounds
Shows reflexes (grasping, rooting, startle)
Support tip:
Lots of skin-to-skin, soothing sounds, and gentle routines help baby feel safe and secure.
3–4 Months: Awareness Awakens
Your baby starts becoming more alert and interactive.
Possible milestones:
Holds head up steadily
Follows moving objects with eyes
Brings hands to mouth
Begins to roll from tummy to back
Smiles responsively
Support tip:
Try black-and-white toys, soft play gyms, and chatting to your baby during daily care routines.
5–6 Months: Big Moves Begin
Physical strength and curiosity bloom.
Possible milestones:
Rolls both ways
Reaches for and grasps toys
Laughs and squeals
Pushes up during tummy time
Begins sitting with support
Support tip:
Introduce simple, safe toys they can grab and explore — like our neutral, sensory-safe rattles and teethers.
7–8 Months: Exploration and Expression
Your baby becomes more mobile and expressive.
Possible milestones:
Sits unassisted
Responds to name
Plays with objects using hands and mouth
Begins to babble (“ba-ba,” “da-da”)
Shows interest in solid foods
Support tip:
Now’s a great time to introduce baby-led weaning and soft silicone tableware that supports independence.
9–10 Months: On the Move
Little personalities shine as mobility increases.
Possible milestones:
Crawls (or scoots or rolls!)
Pulls to stand
Uses pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger)
Understands simple words like “no” or “bye-bye”
May develop separation anxiety
Support tip:
Create safe, open-ended play areas to encourage exploration and confidence.
11–12 Months: Almost One!
The big birthday approaches — and with it, more signs of independence.
Possible milestones:
Cruises along furniture
May take first steps
Tries to feed self
Says simple words with meaning (“mama,” “milk”)
Shows preferences and emotions clearly
Support tip:
Encourage free play, sing together, and don’t stress if walking comes a little later — it’s all part of the process.
A Note on Timing
Every baby develops at their own pace.
Some may walk at 10 months, others closer to 18. Some babble endlessly early on, others save their words. If your baby seems happy, engaged, and steadily progressing — you're on the right track.
But if you're ever unsure or concerned about a delay, don’t hesitate to reach out to your health visitor or GP. Trust your instincts — they're part of your parenting toolkit.
Final Thoughts
Your baby’s first year is filled with tiny triumphs — some you’ll spot in the moment, and others you’ll only notice in hindsight. So try not to rush through or compare. Be present. Celebrate the everyday.
At Neutral Nest, we’re here to support you with essentials that match the pace of babyhood — from soft muslins to sensory toys, from feeding tools to soothing bath-time brushes.
Because milestones aren’t just about what baby achieves — they’re about how you feel as you witness it all unfolding.