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Frequently Asked Questions about Baby Development

We hear a lot of questions from parents and caregivers about skills that babies develop during their first 18 months.

Each day, babies seem to learn new skills and notice more about the world around them. It’s exciting to see them grow, and many parents want to know what to expect.

In these frequently asked questions, you’ll find answers to questions many parents and caregivers have on topics from first laughs to waving bye.

Disclaimer: There are a wide range of factors that influence a child’s development, including family and community beliefs. Help Me Grow Minnesota and its partners are working to address how the developmental milestones on this website reflect the values and cultures of Minnesota’s diverse communities.

Moving - Physical or Motor Development

When do babies start standing?

Many babies start standing between 9 and 12 months old. Before a baby stands on their own, they often pull to stand up by holding on to furniture to support themselves. They may start to take some steps while holding on to furniture, too. Check to make sure the furniture is solid and will not tip. Secure any furniture that has a tipping risk.

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When do babies sit up from lying down?

Many babies sit up with a little help around 6 months old. Often, babies can get into a sitting position by themselves between 9 and 12 months old. When your child starts to sit up on their own, you can help them balance by propping them up with a pillow.

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When do babies start playing with toys?

There is a wide age range when babies start playing with toys. Babies often enjoy looking at colorful, interesting toys from birth, before they are able to play with them on their own. Many babies will be able to hang on to toys to shake, explore or bring to their mouth around 3 or 4 months old. You can have them try to reach for a toy or place it in their hands to grasp. Around 6 months old, babies will start to reach for toys on their own. A blanket on the floor can be a safe environment for them to explore toys around them.

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When do babies cruise?

Many babies cruise as they learn to stand, between 9 months old and 12 months old. Cruising is when a baby begins to take steps when holding on to something like a couch, coffee table or other furniture. As your baby starts to stand, you can place them near sturdy furniture to help them safely pull themselves up. Push toys like walkers can help them build their balance, too.

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When do babies clap?

Many babies clap around 9 months old. They might clap because they are happy, because they see someone else clapping, or just because they can. Clapping takes a lot of coordination. Games like pat-a-cake or gently tapping your child's hands together can help them learn this skill.

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9-month-old milestones

Talking - Communication and Language Development

When do babies start laughing?

Many babies start laughing and giggling around 4 months, and start to smile at you as early as 2 months old. Watch to see what makes your baby happy, and repeat sounds or movements that make them laugh. Laugh with your baby to share in the moment.

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When do babies recognize their name?

Many babies recognize their own name around 6 months old. Use your baby's name when you do things with him/her, like "Dad and [baby's name] are going for a walk," or "Mom and [baby's name] are going to read a book." This helps your baby learn who they are and the names of people around them.

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6-month-old milestones

When do babies coo?

Babies begin to coo around 1 month old. This is some of your baby's first communication with you. If your baby makes a sound, repeat the sound back in a playful way. Wait for them to respond, then say it again. You can also respond to your baby’s sounds by talking and singing to them. You can never talk to your baby too much.

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1-month-old milestones

When do babies wave bye?

A lot of babies will wave bye around 12 months old. Waving back and forth can be a fun game to play with your baby. Say "Wave bye bye" while you wave to help your baby build their communication skills.

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12-month-old milestones

When do babies say dada?

Many babies say "dada" around 12 months old. Your baby may start to say sounds like "dadada," "mamama" and "bababa" around 9 months. When your baby makes these sounds, answer them. You can repeat the sounds and also say the word clearly, like "Dadada, that's Dada."

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When do babies start saying mama?

Many babies start saying "mama" around 12 months old. Your baby may start to say sounds like "mamama," "dadada" and "bababa" around 9 months. When your baby makes these sounds, answer them. You can repeat the sounds and also say the word clearly, like "Mamama, that's Mama."

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When do babies start pointing?

Babies start pointing around 9 months old. From 12 to 18 months, they will begin to point to show you things, point at things they want, or point to get your attention. When your baby points at something, look in that direction and talk about what you see or what they want.

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9-month-old milestones

When do babies start blowing raspberries?

Babies start to blow raspberries as early as 4 or 5 months old. Most babies will blow raspberries by 6 months old. They may seem like all fun and games, but blowing raspberries are part of how a baby communicates. You can blow raspberries back to see if your baby laughs or answers with a raspberry of their own.

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6-month-old milestones

Interacting - Social and Emotional Development

When do babies make eye contact?

Babies make eye contact early in life, as young as 6 weeks old. They often begin following movement around 2 months old. Looking at and talking to your baby as you feed them is a good way to encourage eye contact. We recommend immediate referral if your baby is not making eye contact with you by 3 months old.

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2-month old milestones

When do babies start to show affection?

Many babies feel a bond with their parents or caregivers from birth. They are interested in faces as a newborn. Many babies start to smile at people around 3 months, and laugh in response to what you're doing around 4 months old. Responding to your baby's needs, cuddling, talking and playing are all ways to show affection and build this bond.

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Newborn milestones

3-month-old milestones

When do babies start to cuddle?

Babies start to cuddle and show affection as early as 6 months. Many babies begin to show they enjoy hugs and cuddles around 3 months old. Gently hold, snuggle, hug and cuddle your baby throughout the day as you feed, dress and play with them. This helps them connect with you and learn how to show affection.

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When do babies start remembering faces?

Babies start to remember familiar faces around 6 months old. They also begin to understand if someone is a stranger. When they are around 9 months old, they may start being shy around people they don't know. Watch your child's reaction as they see familiar and new faces. Reassure them you or someone else they know if close by if they seem nervous.

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6-month-old milestones

When do babies smile?

Babies typically start to smile at their caregivers as early as 2 months of age. Some smiles might look random or accidental. Some might look like your baby knows exactly what is making him/her happy at that time. By 4-months of age, your playful baby might even start to imitate your smiles and frowns. Cuddle, talk and play with your baby to let them know that you are happy to be with him/her.

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2-month old milestones

When do babies stop crying?

It is important to respond to your baby’s cries to be sure they are not sick, hungry or in need of a diaper change. Once you are sure of those three things, you can help your baby learn to soothe him/herself by gently bringing their fingers or thumb to their mouth. When your baby is around 4 months of age, you might notice that he/she can calm a bit easier and stop crying when they are comforted. At around 6 months of age, many babies can comfort themselves with a thumb/finger, pacifier, soft toy or blanket.

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4-month-old milestones

Thinking - Cognitive Development

When do babies find their feet?

Babies find their feet as early as 4 months old. At this age, they are exploring their world and beginning to understand how their body works. They now understand that they can control their feet, and may bring them up to their face or mouth for a closer look.

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4-month-old milestones

When do babies start reaching for things?

Babies start reaching for things as early as 2 months old. You can lay your baby on their back and hold a toy or rattle above their head for them to try to reach for. If they can't quite reach it yet, help them be successful by moving it to their hands. When they are 3 or 4 months old, you can place toys near their hands and feet for them to reach for when they are playing on a blanket on the floor. Colorful toys can help get their attention.

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4-month-old milestones

When do babies start holding their own bottle?

Babies may start to hold their own bottle as early as 6 months old. It may take some time before they know how to bring the bottle to their mouth to feed. Before they are able to hold their own bottle, babies may grasp at toys with their hands, bring toys to their mouths, or transfer items from one hand to the other.

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6-month-old milestones

When do babies play peek-a-boo?

Many babies will play peek-a-boo back and forth around 9 months. Your baby may enjoy playing this game as early as 2 months old, before they are able to play back. Peek-a-boo helps a baby's thinking skills as they look for you, then see you reappear with a big smile.

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9-month-old milestones

When do babies learn body parts?

Babies can often point to things by 12 months old. Many babies will point to at least one body part by 18 months old. You can help them understand the names of body parts by talking about them during everyday activities. For example, "Now we're putting your arms in your shirt," "Your hat goes on your head," or "Let's wash our hands."