Baby Milestones Month by Month: What to Expect in Baby’s First Year
Posted by Feltman Brothers on 15th Jan 2026
Baby’s first year goes by in the blink of an eye. One day you’re bringing them home from the hospital, and before you know it, they’re sitting up, smiling, and reaching new milestones every month.
Whether you’re a first-time parent or welcoming another little one, documenting baby’s milestones month by month is a beautiful way to slow down and savor each stage. Here’s a helpful guide to what many parents can expect during baby’s first year — plus sweet ways to capture each moment.
Month 1: Welcome to the World
In the first month, babies are adjusting to life outside the womb. You’ll notice lots of sleeping, tiny stretches, and brief moments of alertness.
Common milestones:
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Turns head slightly
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Responds to sound
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Makes eye contact for short periods
Memory tip: This is the perfect time for a cozy first photo — many parents love capturing baby’s “one month” moment with a milestone blanket or card to mark the beginning of their journey.
Month 2: First Smiles
This is when babies start to feel more interactive — and those early smiles melt hearts.
Common milestones:
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Social smiling
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Lifting head during tummy time
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Making cooing sounds
Memory tip: Soft outfits and comfortable knits are ideal for milestone photos during this stage, when baby wants to be held and cuddled most of the time.
Month 3: More Awareness
By three months, babies become more aware of their surroundings and loved ones.
Common milestones:
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Smiles at familiar faces
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Follows objects with eyes
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Holds head up more steadily
Memory tip: Capture this stage with a simple setup — a milestone blanket paired with baby’s favorite outfit keeps the focus on those expressive little faces.
Month 4: Stronger & More Curious
Babies start gaining strength and curiosity as they explore the world around them.
Common milestones:
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Rolling from tummy to back
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Grabbing objects
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Laughing out loud
Memory tip: Monthly milestone photos start to show just how much baby is growing — a consistent blanket or card helps highlight those changes beautifully.
Month 5: Exploring Everything
Everything becomes interesting at five months — especially hands, toys, and textures.
Common milestones:
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Reaching and grasping
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Rolling both ways
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Recognizing familiar voices
Memory tip: Comfortable outfits are key for photos now that baby is more active and wiggly.
Month 6: Sitting & Smiling
Six months is a big milestone — many babies begin sitting with support and showing lots of personality.
Common milestones:
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Sitting with assistance
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Babbling
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Showing excitement around people
Memory tip: This is a favorite month for milestone photos. Sitting babies pair perfectly with milestone blankets for a clean, classic keepsake image.
Month 7: On the Move
Babies become more mobile and adventurous.
Common milestones:
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Scooting or early crawling
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Responding to their name
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Exploring objects with hands and mouth
Memory tip: Stick with the same milestone setup each month — consistency turns these photos into a treasured series.
Month 8: Big Personalities
By eight months, babies are expressive and playful.
Common milestones:
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Laughing easily
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Pulling up with support
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Showing preferences for people and toys
Memory tip: Capture candid moments alongside milestone markers — personality really starts to shine.
Month 9: Standing Tall
Babies love testing their strength and independence.
Common milestones:
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Pulling to stand
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Clapping or waving
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Understanding simple words
Memory tip: Milestone cards are especially helpful now, since babies may not want to sit still on a blanket.
Month 10: Little Explorers
Curiosity is at an all-time high.
Common milestones:
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Cruising along furniture
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Pointing at objects
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Trying finger foods
Memory tip: Keep milestone photos quick and fun — sometimes the best ones are imperfect and full of movement.
Month 11: Almost One
Babies are preparing for that big first birthday.
Common milestones:
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Saying simple words
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Standing briefly alone
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Showing strong emotions
Memory tip: Many parents begin planning a special one-year photo using milestone blankets or cards to mark the final month of baby’s first year.
Month 12: A Year to Remember
One year old — what a milestone.
Common milestones:
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First steps
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Saying “mama” or “dada”
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Showing independence
Memory tip: A “One Year” milestone photo becomes a keepsake you’ll treasure forever — a reminder of just how much baby has grown.
Capturing Baby’s First Year
Documenting baby’s milestones month by month creates memories you’ll cherish long after the first year passes. Milestone cards and milestone blankets make it easy to stay consistent, simple, and meaningful — turning everyday moments into lasting keepsakes.
However you choose to capture them, these milestones tell the story of baby’s first year — one month at a time.
