When you hear “baby milestones,” you probably think of the developmental milestones a pediatrician checks off on your child's health record, like rolling over, first steps, and first words. But the cute, smaller tricks your child suddenly springs on you are equally good evidence that their mind and body are growing fast.
So, when do babies find their feet or start blowing kisses? Here's a timeline of milestones for some of those "grab-the-camera" moments and what they say about your baby's growth and development.
Newborn to 8 Months OId
Your baby's first eight months are full of lots of firsts! From smiling and laughing to the first time they find their feet, here are some sweet things to expect.
Smiling (1 1/2 to 2 months)
What parents could possibly forget the first time their infant intentionally flashes a gummy grin? Of course, these “social smiles” (as opposed to the fleeting grimaces infants make when they're gassy) are heartwarming. But they're also a sign that the parts of your baby's brain that control eyesight and muscle movements are booting up.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), you should expect to see that first "real" smile by the end of your baby's second month.
A smile also shows off your child's newfound social savvy. They're starting to understand the positive emotions a happy face conveys—and that making one can get them plenty of attention. So encourage them by smiling at them as often as you can and, of course, acting surprised and pleased when they smile back.
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Laughing (3 to 6 months)
Laughter is instinctive, but it's also something your baby has to learn. By this age, they've heard other people laughing many times and gained enough control over their vocal cords to realize it's something they can do, too.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should expect to hear your baby's first chuckle by around 4 months.
Don't be surprised if they laugh like Flipper at first, making a staccato "heh-heh-heh" and then a high-pitched squeak as they inhale. The reason: Their larynx is still small and floppy, and they don't have good control over it. Savor this ultra-cute phase while it lasts because, by their first birthday, their laugh will sound much more like your own.
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Blowing raspberries (4 to 6 months)
If you're like most parents, you're looking forward to your baby's first words almost as much as you looked forward to their arrival. So pay attention: An infant's first communication starts much earlier than you may think.
“One of the first forms of communication is ‘blowing raspberries,'” says speech-language pathologist Amy Chouinard, MA, CCC-SLP, co-author of Let's Talk Together: Home Activities for Early Speech & Language Development. Chouinard says it shows the child is experimenting with their mouth, which goes hand in hand with speech development.
While studies have shown that a lack of purposeful, skilled oral movements is more common in those with language impairment, not all babies will blow raspberries, according to Chouinard.
Chouinard advises getting close to your baby's face and blowing raspberries at them. “When you do this, your baby will try to imitate you.” Blowing raspberries will encourage them to try other sounds, which is great practice for forming consonants, vowels, and—eventually—words.
Finding their feet (4 to 8 months)
Sooner or later, you'll probably find your baby happily sucking on their toes. While it might be a strange sight, finding their feet is an important milestone. The AAP says babies commonly grab for their feet and toes between 4 and 7 months.
Young babies' hands aren't very coordinated yet, but they're eager to learn more about the objects around them. So, babies explore things by putting them in their mouths—including their feet—once they've found them.
Besides promoting body awareness, toe-sucking is satisfying and soothing to your little one. So don't discourage it; this phase generally passes on its own. Also, don't be concerned if they never do this trick—not all babies do.
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8 to 12 Months Old
From 8 months through 1 year, your baby will hit lots of physical and emotional milestones. They will likely begin to mimic you and demonstrate attachment to people and things.
Brushing their hair or teeth (8 to 10 months)
Imitation is one of the best ways for your child to learn about the world. Now that they can grab things, they're bound to try to use some of your stuff. Your baby's fine motor control isn't developed enough to let them do delicate tasks, but they can hold your comb or brush up to their hair and try to drag it through their fuzzy mop.
If they can get their hands on a toothbrush, your baby may attempt to give their gums and teeth a once-over, too. In fact, they may scour their mouth for hours once they realize how good the bristles feel on their gums. Be careful: Their grand finale may be to throw the toothbrush into the toilet.
Wanting a lovey (10 to 12 months)
Not every baby becomes attached to a lovey or comfort object, but many do around this time. The AAP also calls these “security” or “transitional” objects because kids use them to help them fall asleep or to reassure themselves when they're separated from you.
You may have to lug a stuffed teddy along on every outing, so grin and bear it. Your baby is mastering a few milestones that bring significant changes right now, like learning to cruise and taking their first steps—away from you.
As a result, they're bound to feel insecure sometimes, which is where their comfort object—whether it's a stuffed animal, blankie, or cloth diaper—comes in. Its cuddliness reminds them of the affection they get from you. It also gives your child something to hold onto, literally, as they face up to the new challenges in life.
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Blowing kisses (10 to 12 months)
You've sent plenty of smooches your baby's way. Now, they may blow one back. Being able to bring their hand to their mouth is a major development.
At birth, your baby's arm muscles were contracted, and their hands were in fists. But by about 8 months, everything has loosened up enough so they can hold a bottle. Now their control's so good that they can put their palm to their lips and flick it away with bravado.
There's more: By blowing kisses. your growing baby is showing that they like giving affection—a sign of healthy emotional development. Try saying, “Blow a kiss!” and see whether they do it; if they do, they have a great understanding of spoken language.
Your Baby's Development Week-By-Week
12 to 18 Months Old
As your baby hits the 1-year-old mark and beyond, they will begin moving their body and exploring fun games. This is an endearing time, so enjoy these firsts from 1 year to 18 months.
Playing peekaboo (12 to 15 months)
You've probably been trying to play peekaboo for months—first to blank stares, then to polite “I'll humor you” smiles. But things are about to change: Your child will eventually join or even start the game.
It's more than mere imitation: Your baby is learning about “object permanence.” Before, if something was out of sight, it was out of mind, too; babies think it simply ceases to exist. Now, if something suddenly disappears—say it's you, ducking around the corner of the couch—they wonder where it's gone and try to find it. Popping out and gently saying “boo!” will thrill your child at this age.
Going bottoms up (13 to 15 months)
Why do toddlers sometimes put their hands on the ground and look upside down through their legs? Their balance becomes much more refined as they master the whole walking thing. It's interesting to challenge themselves in new and exciting ways.
A topsy-turvy look at the world stimulates their visual development, too. Then there's also the most important reason: It's fun.
Dancing (14 to 16 months)
Don't expect to see the moonwalk or the Macarena just yet. Actually, the most your child will probably do is bop up and down while keeping their feet planted on the ground. They may even hold onto a chair or your legs for support.
But as they rock out, they're showing off their growing motor skills and ability to pick up the pattern of the music's beat. So dance along to encourage them.
Hugging and kissing (16 to 18 months)
Your baby may have thrown their arms around you before or kissed you on command. But now, they may toddle over on their own to give you an unprompted hug and kiss. According to the CDC, by 15 months, showing affection, like giving you—or a stuffed toy—a hug or kiss is a major social-emotional milestone.
As your little one starts exploring the world, they can sometimes feel torn. One part of them wants to be fiercely independent; the other part wants reassurance that you are still there. So the best thing to do is also the easiest: Hug them right back.
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