Month-by-Month Infant Development

While there is a chart of basic development guidelines, infants develop at their own rate, so parents should not panic if their child does not talk, roll over or walk at the typical developmental time.

1-2 Months

During the first month of development, most infants can lift their head for a few seconds and turn it sideways if they are lying down. They focus on their parents more than anyone else and cry frequently to express their needs. During the second month, infants' heads drop forward while in a sitting position. They begin to smile in response to certain people and objects.

3-4 Months

During the third month, infants learn to bear weight on the arms before learning to crawl. They recognize family members, and smile and play with them. Most infants can sit up with help by the fourth month. They begin learning hand-eye coordination skills as they start to grasp objects with two hands.

5-6 Months

Infants often start teething and put objects in their mouths during the fifth month. They might also start babbling simple vowel-consonant phrases. During the sixth month, infants might bite others as teething continues. They can hold and grasp objects on their own, including their own bottle.

7-8 Months

By the seventh month, most infants can sit up without support and bear weight on their feet if held in position. They have learned to recognize their name and will babble in response. Infants often try to stand during the eighth month by holding on to an object such as a coffee table. They begin actively reaching for objects they want and grasp them with four fingers.

9-10 Months

During the ninth month, most infants start crawling and can pull themselves from a sitting position to a standing position. They are learning to understand simple directions and the word "No." Infants can say "mama" or "dada" and understand who that is by the 10th month. They also enjoy interacting with family by playing pat-a-cake or being read to.

11-12 Months

During the 11th month, infants attempt to walk by holding on to furniture and might learn how to roll a ball. By the first year, most infants can stand alone and walk a few steps if holding the hand of a parent. They can speak a few other words besides "mama" and "dada."