How do I track developmental milestones in the first year?

Monitoring early development

Tracking milestones helps you notice the baby’s progress in motor, social, language, and cognitive skills. Typical checkpoints include responding to sounds, smiling socially by 2 months, rolling by 4–6 months, sitting by 6 months, crawling by 8–10 months, and walking by around 12 months.

Simple ways to track milestones:

• Use checklists provided by pediatricians or reputable organizations.
• Note behaviors during play: babbling, eye contact, reaching for objects, and rolling.
• Bring observations to well visits; providers can compare development against expectations.

When to seek evaluation

If your baby consistently misses multiple milestones, shows little eye contact, limited babbling, or poor muscle tone, ask your pediatrician about early intervention services. Early assessment and support can make a big difference in outcomes.