In short

  • Milestones are ranges: many healthy babies get there a little earlier or later.
  • Tummy time and everyday play help your baby build new skills.
  • Call your pediatrician if your baby loses a skill or you're worried.

Every baby has their own timeline

Milestones are skills like smiling, rolling and babbling. The CDC lists the ones most babies (75% or more) can do by a certain age, which means lots of healthy babies get there a little earlier or later.

Try not to compare your baby with friends' babies or social media. Watch your baby instead, enjoy what they can do now, and share any worries with your pediatrician. Your baby's checkups include developmental checks, with screening recommended at 9, 18 and 30 months.

Around 2 months

Things many babies do by now:

  • Calms down when you talk to them or pick them up
  • Looks at your face and smiles back at you
  • Makes sounds other than crying, and reacts to loud sounds
  • Follows you with their eyes
  • Lifts their head during tummy time

Around 4 months

Things many babies do by now:

  • Smiles on their own to get your attention, and chuckles
  • Coos ("oooo", "aahh") and makes sounds back when you talk
  • Turns their head toward your voice
  • Holds their head steady when held, and brings hands to mouth
  • Pushes up onto elbows or forearms during tummy time

Around 6 months

Things many babies do by now:

  • Knows familiar people and laughs
  • Takes turns making sounds with you, blows raspberries and squeals
  • Reaches for toys and puts things in their mouth to explore
  • Rolls from tummy to back
  • Leans on their hands for support when sitting

9 months, 1 year and beyond

The CDC has free milestone checklists for 9 months, 1 year and older. They're a helpful way to see what's coming next, not a test your baby has to pass.

Tummy time and play

Tummy time helps your baby build the muscles they need to lift their head, roll, sit and later crawl. You can start the day you bring your baby home.

Babies learn through everyday moments with you, so play doesn't need special toys.

  • Try tummy time 2 to 3 times a day for 3 to 5 minutes, for example after a diaper change or a nap.
  • Build up to 15 to 30 minutes a day in total by about 7 weeks.
  • Tummy time is only for when your baby is awake and you're watching. Sleep is always on the back.
  • Get down at their level, or lay your baby on your chest so they can see your face.
  • Talk, sing and narrate your day. Babies love your voice.
  • Offer safe things to look at, touch and hear: a mirror, different textures, a rattle.

Understanding your baby's cues

Crying is how babies talk. They might be hungry, tired, uncomfortable, overstimulated, or just want to be held. Over time you'll start to recognize what your baby needs.

Hungry babies often show early signs before crying, like opening their mouth when they see the breast or bottle, or bringing their hands to their mouth.

Things that can help calm a fussy baby: holding them close, rocking or walking, gentle back rubs, white noise, a pacifier, or swaddling if your baby isn't trying to roll yet.

You may come across "wonder weeks" or "leaps": the idea that fussy phases happen on a set schedule. That isn't part of official US guidance. Fussy stretches are common, but every baby has their own rhythm.

When crying feels like too much

It's okay to need a break. If nothing works and you feel overwhelmed, put your baby on their back in a safe crib with nothing else in it, step away for 10 to 15 minutes, and calm yourself. Call a friend or listen to music, then check on your baby.

Never shake, throw or jerk a baby, however frustrated you feel. If you're struggling, call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) or 988.

When to call your pediatrician

Trust your instincts. Call if:

  • Your baby is younger than 2 months and has a fever. Call right away.
  • Your baby is fussy after feeding, spits up or vomits a lot, or isn't gaining weight.
  • The crying sounds different, or your baby seems sick or hard to settle.
  • Your baby loses a skill they used to have.
  • You're worried about how your baby moves, plays, sees, hears or communicates. Don't wait: you can also contact your state's early intervention program.
  • In an emergency, call 911.

Sources

All articles, recipes, guides, tips and chat answers in Mama & Baby Bites are for general information and education only. They are not medical, pediatric or nutritional advice, and they don't replace care from a qualified professional. In an emergency, call 911.