Baby's Firsts- 1 Year, 18 Months, 36 Months
Baby Firsts
Baby's first year is filled with remarkable developmental stepping stones across various domains.
Here's a comprehensive overview of the stepping stones during the
first 12 months, with additional insights for the first 18 and 36 months:
0 to 3 Months
Physical and Motor Development
- Makes jerky, quivering arm thrusts[1]
- Brings hands within range of eyes and mouth[1]
- Moves head from side to side while lying on stomach[1]
- Lifts head and chest when lying on stomach (by 3 months)[1]
- Stretches legs out and kicks when lying on stomach or back[1]
Visual and Auditory Development
- Focuses 8 to 12 inches away[1]
- Prefers black-and-white or high-contrast patterns[1]
- Prefers the human face to all other patterns[1]
- Hearing is fully mature[1]
- Recognizes some sounds[1]
Cognitive and Social Development
- Recognizes parents' voices from birth[2]
- Discovers their own voice[2]
- Enjoys eye contact and smiles at people[2]
- Cries to communicate needs[2]
- Coos and gurgles when given attention[2]
4 to 6 Months
Physical and Motor Development
- Rolls over (often belly to back first)[1]
- Sits with support[2]
- Reaches for and grasps objects[1]
- Opens and shuts hands[1]
- Brings hand to mouth[1]
Visual and Auditory Development
- Develops full-colour vision[1]
- Distance vision matures[1]
- Ability to track moving objects improves[1]
Cognitive and Social Development
- Responds to own name[1]
- Begins to respond to "no"[1]
- Distinguishes emotions by tone of voice[1]
- Uses voice to express joy and displeasure[1]
- Babbles chains of consonants[1]
7 to 9 Months
Physical and Motor Development
- Sits without support[1]
- Crawls or scoots around[1]
- Pulls up to stand while holding onto furniture[1]
- Develops pincer grasp (using thumb and forefinger)[1]
Cognitive and Social Development
- Understands object permanence[4]
- Plays simple games like peekaboo[1]
- Shows stranger anxiety[3]
- Makes several facial expressions (happy, sad, angry, surprised)[3]
Language Development
- Responds to simple words and verbal requests[1]
- Uses simple gestures, such as shaking head for "no"[1]
- Babbles with inflection[1]
10 to 12 Months
Physical and Motor Development
- Cruises along furniture[2]
- Takes first steps (typically between 12-18 months)[2]
- Drinks from a cup and uses objects correctly (e.g., brushing hair)[1]
Cognitive and Social Development
- Finds hidden objects easily[1]
- Begins to use objects correctly (drinking from cup, brushing hair)[1]
- Enjoys social interaction and may cry when playing stops[1]
Language Development
- Says "dada" and "mama"[1]
- Uses exclamations, such as "oh-oh!"[1]
- Tries to imitate words[1]
12 to 18 Months
Physical and Motor Development
- Walks alone[2]
- Climbs stairs one step at a time[2]
- Feeds self using fingers or a spoon[2]
Cognitive and Social Development
- Shows a range of emotions[2]
- Wants approval and needs praise[2]
- Asks a lot of questions[2]
Language Development
- Uses 2 or 3-word sentences[2]
- Understands basic sentences[2]
- Asks for help using words or actions[2]
18 to 36 Months
Physical and Motor Development
- Runs, climbs, kicks, and throws a ball[2]
- Rides a tricycle[2]
- Uses one hand more than the other[2]
Cognitive and Social Development
- Engages in pretend play[2]
- Shows increased attention span[2]
- Solves problems by trial and error[2]
Language Development
- Uses social language, such as please and thank you[2]
- Tells stories and sings songs[2]
- Participates in group activities[2]
Remember that every child develops at their own pace, and these stepping stones are general guidelines. If you have concerns about your child's development, it's always best to consult with a pediatrician.
Citations:
[1] https://childmind.org/guide/parents-guide-to-developmental-milestones/
[2] https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/your-childs-development-birth-3-years
[3] https://www.understood.org/en/articles/developmental-milestones-from-birth-to-age-1
[4] https://www.allforkids.org/news/blog/why-the-first-5-years-of-child-development-are-so-important/
[5] https://pathways.org/all-ages/milestones/
[6] https://www.thebump.com/a/baby-milestone-chart
[7] https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-3yr.html
[8] https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
