The smile is the first major thing a baby accomplishes during the first year of life. At first, it seems like gas, but rest assured, it’s a smile for you! Here’s a brief overview of a baby’s first-year milestones.
The Widest Smile You’ll Ever See
Let’s not forget about the smile! About 2 months into their life, a baby will take notice of your presence, face, and voice. When babies bond with a parent, sibling, or whoever else is around, they smile most at them since they feel closer to those individuals. Your voice, presence, and face make them smile!
Sleeping Through the Night
During the first three months, babies struggle to sleep through the night and adapt to a routine. As they’re adjusting to a new world, they may still struggle to sleep past 4 and 6 months. If this happens and they exhibit one of the signs they’re not getting enough sleep, try finding the reason.
Sometimes it’s the crib—the crib might not have the right mattress type, or your furniture’s severely outdated, meaning you’ll need to upgrade the crib to one made from natural, toxin-free materials, like wood.
That First Little Giggle
When babies cry, they could fill an entire amphitheater with noise. Don’t fret, though! Once your baby’s 4 months old, they start to laugh. The slight noise escaping their lips is nothing but the sweet sound of giggles! Whether you’re tickling them, playing peek-a-boo, or making silly faces, they won’t stop.
Say Their First Word
The first word is the best milestone! From first saying “mama” or “dada” to saying different animal names, the first-word stage is the most memorable. On average, babies start talking between 12 and 18 months but can start as early as 9 months.
Standing and Walking for the First Time
Where is your little explorer wandering off to? If they’re on their legs and slowly making their way toward you, then it’s definitely you they’re after! Between 9 and 12 months, babies begin to stand and walk on their own.
It’s completely normal for babies to walk later, at 18 months. As your little one discovers how fast they can run and finds any excuse to get up and follow you around, make sure you block off the stairs, kitchen, and bathrooms.
So, parent, now that you know what milestones babies accomplish in their first year, what one are you most excited about? It will be a breathtaking journey for you and your baby, and the first year is the most exciting.
