Baby development

Your baby's development month by month

Baby looking out window
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A second a day: from six months to nine months (video)
Baby boy
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A second a day: from three months to six months (video)
Smiling baby
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Watch this newborn grow one amazing second at a time: video
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A second a day: baby's first year (video)
Baby sucking finger in cot
Your newborn's development: The first month
By Lynda Cranston
One month old baby lying on a blanket looking at a rattle
Your one month old's development
By Lynda Cranston
Two month old baby smiling and holding head up while lying on tummy
Your two month old's development
By Lynda Cranston
Three month old baby doing a ‘push up’
Your three month old's development
Reviewed by Rachel Gregory, Writer, Editor and Project Manager
Four month old baby looking at a soft, colourful book with mom
Your four month old's development
Reviewed by Jill Irving RN (Adult) RN (Child) RM (Lapsed), Health visitor
Five month old baby mouthing a soft cuddly toy
Your five month old's development
By Lynda Cranston
Six month old baby in high chair being fed by dad
Your six month old's development
Reviewed by Jill Irving RN (Adult) RN (Child) RM (Lapsed), Health visitor
Seven month old baby drinking from a two-handed sippy cup
Your seven month old's development
Reviewed by Jill Irving RN (Adult) RN (Child) RM (Lapsed), Health visitor
Eight month old baby crawling
Your eight month old's development
Reviewed by Dr. Kellie Scott, MD, CCFP, FCFP, Family physician
Nine month old baby standing by a stool holding a toy
Your nine month old's development
Reviewed by Dr. Kellie Scott, MD, CCFP, FCFP, Family physician
10 month old baby standing up, holding onto furniture for support dad’s hand
Your 10 month old's development
Reviewed by Dr. Kellie Scott, MD, CCFP, FCFP, Family physician
11 month old baby reading with mom
Your 11 month old's development
Reviewed by Dr. Kellie Scott, MD, CCFP, FCFP, Family physician
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Physical development

When should I buy my baby their first pair of shoes?
By The BabyCenter Editorial Team
Baby swimming underwater
Is it true that babies are born with the ability to swim?
By The BabyCenter Editorial Team
Baby giving mum a flower in a field
Is it normal that my baby is 12 months old and hasn't started walking?
By The BabyCenter Editorial Team
Baby having tummy time on a mat
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Tummy time: why and how we do it
Mum holding baby's feet in her hands
Is it true that babies need to wear shoes sometimes so their feet develop normally?
By The BabyCenter Editorial Team
Baby crawling across the floor
Is it normal for my baby to crawl backwards?
Reviewed by Gemma Caton, Specialist health visitor 
When did your baby roll over for the first time?
When did your baby crawl for the first time?
Little girl sitting up playing with toys
Developmental milestones: Sitting
Reviewed by Gemma Caton, Specialist health visitor 
Grinning baby with two lower teeth showing
A complete guide to teething
By Lynda Cranston
Baby standing up with mum's help
Developmental milestones: standing
Reviewed by Jill Irving RN (Adult) RN (Child) RM (Lapsed), Health visitor
When did your baby stand alone for the first time?
Who does your baby most look like?
Baby playing and smiling on rug with toys
Baby milestone chart: one to six months
Reviewed by Rachel Gregory, Writer, Editor and Project Manager
Older baby crawling on beach
Baby milestones: seven to 12 months
By Lynda Cranston
Crawling baby reaching out to close the door
How and when will your baby learn to crawl?
Reviewed by Gemma Caton, Specialist health visitor 
Baby on tummy holding up head
Developmental milestones: Head control
By Joanne Lewsley
Baby taking his first steps
Developmental milestones: Walking
Reviewed by Gemma Caton, Specialist health visitor 
Baby grasping toy with both hands and holding it up to his mouth
Developmental milestones: Grasping
Reviewed by Gemma Caton, Specialist health visitor 
Little boy outside on the grass, clapping
What's the difference between fine motor and gross motor skills?
Reviewed by Dorothy Einon, Early years play and child development psychologist
Baby trying to roll over
Developmental milestones: Rolling over
Reviewed by Gemma Caton, Specialist health visitor 
Baby walking with mum's help
Building physical confidence
Reviewed by Jill Irving RN (Adult) RN (Child) RM (Lapsed), Health visitor
Baby lying on his tummy on a rug on the floor
Here's why tummy time is so important for your baby
Reviewed by Jill Irving RN (Adult) RN (Child) RM (Lapsed), Health visitor
Breastfeeding mums sitting outside chatting
Parents' tips: how to cope if your friend keeps comparing her baby to yours
By Charlotte McClure
Child Height Predictor
baby pushing a push toy
Walk this way: navigating baby walkers in Canada
By Caitlin McCormack
Diana Weeks, editor for BabyCenter Canada and daughter Madeleine
From bum shuffling to walking: one mom shares her daughter’s journey to first steps
Reviewed by Diana Fedele Carone , BSc, MScPT, Pediatric physiotherapist
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Social and emotional development

Mom holding smiling baby
Seven signs your baby loves you
By Ann Elisabeth Samson
Mum and baby having a cuddle before bathtime
9 things your baby needs to thrive: photos
By The BabyCenter Editorial Team
Happy smiling baby with dimples
Eight ways to help your child grow up happy
By Lynda Cranston
Dad holding baby and smiling
When will my baby smile for the first time?
Reviewed by Gemma Caton, Specialist health visitor 
Crying baby sitting on floor of nursery
Is it normal for my baby to arch her back and throw herself backwards when she's upset?
By The BabyCenter Editorial Team
Dad holding baby outside
Can I predict my baby's temperament?
Reviewed by Richard Gilham, Child psychologist
Baby sat in mum's arms, looking serious
My 7-week-old doesn't smile yet. What's wrong?
Reviewed by The BabyCenter Editorial Team
Does your baby have a 'blankie' or special comfort toy?
Baby on back crying
Can my baby feel sad?
Reviewed by Angharad Rudkin, Clinical psychologist
When did your baby smile for the first time?
two young kids sitting on a dock
Developmental milestones: Socialization
Reviewed by Richard Gilham, Child psychologist
baby boy walking away alone
Developmental milestones: separation and independence
Reviewed by Richard Gilham, Child psychologist
Mum and dad making baby laugh
How can I encourage my baby's sense of humour?
Reviewed by Angharad Rudkin, Clinical psychologist
Smiling baby girl
What does my baby find funny?
Reviewed by Angharad Rudkin, Clinical psychologist
Baby crying on playmat
How will I know if my baby is bored with an activity?
Reviewed by Angharad Rudkin, Clinical psychologist
Mom and baby playing in the sunshine
What your baby needs to thrive
Reviewed by The BabyCenter Editorial Team

Learning and communication

Baby lying on playmat, gumming toy blocks
Understanding your baby's cognitive development
Reviewed by Dorothy Einon, Early years play and child development psychologist
Baby pressing key on the piano
Can listening to classical music make your baby smarter?
Reviewed by Richard Gilham, Child psychologist
Brain development: is the difference between boys and girls all in their heads?
By The BabyCentre UK Editorial Team
Baby looking like he's reading a book
How does my baby learn?
By Ann Elisabeth Samson
Have you tried baby signing?
Baby girl thinking
Developmental milestones: Understanding words, behaviour, and concepts
By Joanne Lewsley
Mother teaching baby to sign
Sign language for babies
By Katie MacGuire
Smiling baby in blue bonnet, sticking out tongue
When will my baby start remembering things?
Reviewed by The BabyCenter Editorial Team
Mom reading to her baby
Reading to your baby
By Ann Elisabeth Samson
Child's brain graphic
Inside a child's mind: A visual guide
By Joanne Lewsley
Baby making noises at his mum
Developmental milestones: talking (0-12 months)
Reviewed by Jill Irving RN (Adult) RN (Child) RM (Lapsed), Health visitor
Young girl talking
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Talking timeline: Your child's development (video)
When can my baby do simple one-piece puzzles?
Reviewed by The BabyCenter Editorial Team
Safe screen time for babies
Reviewed by Kelley Yost Abrams, developmental psychologist

Your baby's growth

Baby being weighed
Will whether my baby’s breastfed or formula-fed affect his growth?
Reviewed by The BabyCenter Editorial Team
How long do baby growth spurts last?
Reviewed by The BabyCenter Editorial Team
Baby lying on scales
How often should I get my baby weighed and measured?
Reviewed by Dr. Kellie Scott, MD, CCFP, FCFP, Family physician
Baby lying on fluffy blanket indiaper
Tracking your baby's growth
Reviewed by Dr. Kellie Scott, MD, CCFP, FCFP, Family physician
Baby getting measured by doctor
How much will my baby grow in the first year?
Reviewed by Dr. Kellie Scott, MD, CCFP, FCFP, Family physician
Baby having head measured
Do growth charts matter?
Reviewed by Dr. Kellie Scott, MD, CCFP, FCFP, Family physician
Baby standing up, stretching in crib
Do growth spurts really exist, or are they just a myth?
Reviewed by The BabyCenter Editorial Team
Mother and baby
Understanding your baby’s growth
Reviewed by Dr. Kellie Scott, MD, CCFP, FCFP, Family physician
Breastfeeding baby
Signs that your baby is having a growth spurt: photos
Reviewed by Rachel Gregory, Writer, Editor and Project Manager
Growth charts: Taking your baby's measurements
By The BabyCentre UK Editorial Team
Growth charts: Understanding the results
By The BabyCentre UK Editorial Team
Baby lying on floor, smiling
Average child weight and size by age
Reviewed by Rachel Gregory, Writer, Editor and Project Manager
Growth chart: Baby weight and height percentile calculator

Latest in baby development

Baby lying on his tummy on a rug on the floor
Here's why tummy time is so important for your baby
Reviewed by Jill Irving RN (Adult) RN (Child) RM (Lapsed), Health visitor
Baby pressing key on the piano
Can listening to classical music make your baby smarter?
Reviewed by Richard Gilham, Child psychologist
Safe screen time for babies
Reviewed by Kelley Yost Abrams, developmental psychologist
Diana Weeks, editor for BabyCenter Canada and daughter Madeleine
From bum shuffling to walking: one mom shares her daughter’s journey to first steps
Reviewed by Diana Fedele Carone , BSc, MScPT, Pediatric physiotherapist
Crawling baby reaching out to close the door
How and when will your baby learn to crawl?
Reviewed by Gemma Caton, Specialist health visitor 
baby boy walking away alone
Developmental milestones: separation and independence
Reviewed by Richard Gilham, Child psychologist
baby fingers in mouth leaning on their dad
Your child's teething timeline
Reviewed by The BabyCenter Editorial Team
two young kids sitting on a dock
Developmental milestones: Socialization
Reviewed by Richard Gilham, Child psychologist
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