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Baby Development Month-on-Month: A Milestone Guide

Your baby is a unique little person. They will grow and develop in his or her own way and at their own pace. Below is a timeline of physical milestones you can use as a guide for what you may expect to see in your little one from month-to-month.

Just remember, there’s a wide range of what’s considered ‘normal’ baby development, so if you’re concerned about your baby’s progress, have a chat with your doctor or maternal health nurse.

Month-on-month guide

One month
  • Able to grasp a finger
  • Can turn head to the side when lying on tummy
  • Arms and legs kick and wave but with little control
Two  months
  • Can hold head up for short periods when on tummy
  • May turn head to follow movement of objects
  • Holds head steady when upright
Three months
  • Can raise up head and chest when on tummy
  • Sits with support on your lap
  • Arm and leg movements are smoother and more deliberate
Four months
  • Supports self on forearms or outstretched arms during tummy time
  • Holds head steady when supported to sit
  • Rolls from side to side when on tummy
Five months
  • Bears some weight on legs
  • Sits supported for long periods
  • Can bring feet to mouth and enjoys playing with hands and feet
  • May roll in one direction
Six months
  • Rolls in both directions
  • Sits well in a chair
  • Preparing to crawl getting onto hands and knees
Seven months
  • Sits without support
  • Makes lunge-like attempts at crawling
  • Attempts to pick objects up
Eight months
  • Crawing better
  • May stand whilst holding on
  • May pick objects up and pass them from hand to hand
Nine months
  • Begins to move while standing (cruise)
  • May try to use thumb and fore finger to pick up objects (pincer grasp)
  • Bangs, throws and drops objects
Ten months
  • Crawls and cruises well
  • Pulls self to standing
  • Well developed pincer grasp
  • Waves goodbye
Eleven months
  • May be able to stand alone for brief moments
  • Can put objects into containers
  • Can bend down while standing
Twelve months
  • May begin to take first steps unaided
  • Can indicate with gestures what they want
Baby laughing
Baby eating
Baby eating
Baby interacting with bunny rabbit toy

As your baby progresses through key development milestones, ensuring that their food journey also progresses is important. Rafferty’s Garden is here to support a positive start on your baby’s food journey with nutritious and delicious products, free from nasties.