What Do Babies Do From 0-12 Months? Common Baby Behaviors Before Age 1

2022-08-09

The first 0-12 months are when babies develop fastest. Every day brings something new, and babies give parents different responses through their movements.

Whether it's smiling or crying, these are their responses. Understanding each stage of growth and giving the right stimulation helps the parent-child relationship develop.

First Few Days After Birth

Waves arms and legs
When lying on their back, they occasionally lift their head for a while
When babies are first born, their eyes focus at a distance of only about 20-40 cm, especially for faces

Month 1

and they will gaze steadily at a face
Reacts to bells, such as startling or crying
On stomach, lifts head to a 45-degree angle; makes sounds other than crying in response
On stomach, lifts head to a 90-degree angle; holds head up when picked up; can bring hands together; smiles spontaneously.

Month 2

Smiles and reacts to the sound of a bell.
On stomach, pushes chest up with both arms; rolls to one side; grasps a rattle held at the fingertips and reaches out to touch things.
Squeals with delight; eyes follow an object about 15 cm in front up to a 180-degree movement.

Month 3

On stomach, lifts head to a 45-degree angle.
Can hold head up when sitting
When held upright, legs can bear some weight; when pulled to sit, head and body stay in a straight line; turns head toward mom's voice.

Months 5-6

Keeps head steady when upright.
May be able to sit without support.
Starts trying to crawl, attempting to creep forward by bending and stretching hands and legs while on the stomach, moving the body slowly ahead
Pulls to stand from a sitting position; protests when a toy is taken away; calls "mama" and "dada" to no one in particular.

Months 11-12

Moves from lying on stomach to sitting up.
They pick up small objects with the thumb and any part of the other fingers, so remember to put away dangerous items!
They can understand what words mean, but don't necessarily do as they are told
Claps or waves goodbye; walks while holding furniture.
Stands alone for a short time and says words other than mama and dada.
Expresses wants in ways other than crying; plays with a ball, babbles, and walks well.

So babies show many different reactions at different stages before age one. We suggest new parents learn about the reactions babies have at each stage, so they are not caught off guard and unable to cope when something unexpected happens!