A baby’s first year of life is filled with remarkable growth and development. Babies will go through physical, cognitive, and emotional milestones that mark their progress. Early on, your baby will develop basic motor skills, such as lifting their head, rolling over, and eventually sitting up. As they approach 6 months, they will begin to reach for toys, roll in both directions, and interact more actively with the environment. Around 9 months, many babies start to crawl, and by 12 months, they may even start standing or walking with support.
Cognitive development during the first year is just as crucial. Babies begin to recognize familiar faces, respond to their names, and show curiosity about the world around them. Early communication also starts with babbling, cooing, and responding to sounds. Around 6 months, babies start understanding cause and effect, like realizing that shaking a rattle produces sound.
Emotional development includes bonding with caregivers, showing signs of attachment, and expressing joy or distress. It’s important to celebrate these milestones while also keeping track of any delays or concerns. If you feel your baby is not meeting their developmental milestones, discuss this with your pediatrician to address any potential issues early on.
