The baby’s development takes place through stages in which the baby acquires new skills, such as sitting alone, using gestures and taking his first steps, which can change the way he interacts with people and the environment in which he lives.
Just like growth, the baby’s development can also be monitored month by month, especially in the first year of life, making it possible to check whether the baby is learning and developing his skills in the expected time.
If you suspect a delay in the baby’s development, it is important to consult a pediatrician, who is the best doctor to assess how the baby is growing and developing.
Baby development stages
The main stages of a baby’s development are:
1. month old baby
At this stage of development, the baby begins to observe people’s faces and recognize their parents’ voices and is able to make small movements with their body. At 1 month, the baby also learns to communicate by crying and making some noises. Find out what a 1-month-old baby’s development is like.
2. month old baby
Most 2-month-old babies already observe people’s faces well, tend to calm down when held and smile when someone interacts with them. In addition, they usually also learn to make other sounds besides crying.
At this stage, the baby can also lift their head and shoulders when placed on their stomach and move their arms and legs more. Check out more details about the baby’s development at 2 months.
3. month old baby
At 3 months, the baby normally has his hands open most of the time and is learning to grasp objects. He can also put his hands to his mouth, lean on his arms and is more communicative, trying to imitate facial expressions, sounds and enjoying playing. Understand better what a baby’s development is like at 3 months.
4. month old baby
A 4-month-old baby may try to smile, move and look at someone to gain attention and make noises similar to laughter when played with. At this stage of development, it is also expected that the baby will be able to sit with support, supporting the head, for example. See more about baby development at 4 months.
5. month old baby
At this stage of development, the baby is learning to identify when he is called by name, roll over and better demonstrate what he wants, being able to raise his arms to be carried or cry when his parents leave the room, for example.
Furthermore, it is common for a 5-month-old baby to become interested in solid foods. However, it is normally recommended to maintain exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months. Find out more details about the development of a 5-month-old baby.
6. month old baby
The 6-month-old baby can already roll over on his own, tries to reach objects with his hands and sits down using his arms for support. At this stage of a baby’s development, it is also common for him to find people he doesn’t know strange and make sounds using his lips, which is called babbling. Check out how your 6-month-old baby is developing.
7. month old baby
At 7 months, the baby is normally learning to recognize objects by name, understand when they say “no”, make sounds to show that they like or dislike something and recognize emotions by the tone of voice. At this stage, she can also sit without support and transfer objects from one hand to the other. Understand the details of a 7-month-old baby’s development.
8. month old baby
At this stage of development, the baby is typically learning to obey simple commands, look for familiar people when stimulated, and respond by shaking their head to say “no.”
In addition, 8-month-old babies can also pull themselves up with their arms to sit or even reach this position on their own and, sometimes, begin to crawl at this age. Learn more about baby development at 8 months.
9. month old baby
The 9-month-old baby can now use his fingers to pick up small objects, pull to get up and change positions on his own more easily, to sit, for example. See more about the development of a 9-month-old baby.
At this stage of development, they can also make many different sounds, including saying “papa” or “mama”, but without the intention of referring to their parents.
10. month old baby
At this age, the baby can usually stand by leaning on furniture or holding a person’s hand and can take a few steps when both hands are held. Furthermore, he can use other gestures to communicate, such as “saying goodbye” or “blowing a kiss”. Learn more about the development of a 10-month-old baby.
11. month old baby
At 11 months, the baby usually needs less support to walk and stand, being able to take steps when held by just one hand or standing alone for a few moments, for example. At this age, the baby already cooperates when putting on clothes and looking at pictures in a book. Check out how the 11-month-old baby is developing.
12. year old baby
At this stage of development, it is common for babies to take their first steps without help or support. Furthermore, at 12 months old babies already know many gestures, such as pointing and clapping, and begin to speak their first words. Better understand the development of a 1-year-old baby.
13. month old baby
At 15 months, the baby may already be able to walk well, climb furniture and crawl up stairs, for example. However, some babies only start to take their first steps at this age.
Furthermore, at this stage of development it is common for babies to try to use objects, such as cups, books and telephones, in the same way as adults and understand commands and gestures when used together. Find out more details about the development of a 15-month-old baby.
14. month old baby
At 18 months, most babies are curious and explore the environment independently, but always looking to see if their parents are nearby. At this age they also like to show things they found and help with putting on clothes.
Furthermore, they usually already know 3 or more words besides “papa” or “mama” and start to play with toys in a simple way, pushing a stroller, for example. See what the development of an 18-month-old baby is like.
15. year old baby
The 2-year-old baby is already able to run, kick a ball, eat with a spoon and recognize when other people are upset, for example. Furthermore, it is at this stage of development that the baby begins to put 2 words together to form small phrases, such as “give me water” or “I don’t want to”. Learn more about the development of a 2-year-old baby.
When to go to the pediatrician
It is recommended to visit the pediatrician regularly to check whether the baby is gaining weight adequately, growing well and developing his skills within the expected time.
If you want to make an appointment, you can find the pediatrician closest to you using the tool below:
Furthermore, if you suspect a delay in the baby’s development, it is also recommended to consult a pediatrician to check whether there really is a delay and identify its cause.
