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How exciting! That sweet baby you have been so anxiously waiting for has finally arrived! There is so much to look forward to in your baby’s first year. Your baby will go from completely dependent to possibly walking. That just doesn’t seem possible!
With all of this excitement also comes some hesitation. If you are a first-time mom you are likely overwhelmed with all there is to know. How could one person possibly understand what exactly to do month by month and week by week? My advice, focus on one day at a time, then one week, then one month.
There is an endless about of information to know. From feeding schedules to sensory play and tummy time, to sleep schedules. It easily becomes too much for one person.
So, here is the first year broken down by each month explaining the main milestones you can expect with feeding, sleeping, play, and more. It is a lot so let’s get started.
What to Expect by Month
Baby’s First Month
The first month is often broken down by weeks. There is so much growth and changes your baby will experience. Luckily, you can also expect a 1-week check-up and following appointments with your baby’s pediatrician to calm anxiety and answer any questions you may have.
Let’s focus on the main areas that we all want answers to.
Feeding
Babies should be eating somewhere around 16-24 ounces of breastmilk or formula in 24 hours.
Breastfed babies should eat as much as they want.
Here are some of your breastfeeding essentials
Nursing Pads, Nursing Pillow, Pumping Bra, Wearable Breast Pump, Lanolin Cream, and Nursing Bra
You can expect your baby to lose 5-10% of their birth weight. This is completely normal, and your baby should return to their birth weight in 1 or 2 weeks.
Sleeping
Babies are expected to sleep 14-17 hours until they are 3-4 months old.
You can expect them to wake up every 2-4 hours to eat.
Sleep schedules are often erratic during these first few months.
You can always try out a swaddle blanket or a shusher to see if they help your baby get a good night’s sleep.
Playing
The best playtime for your brand new baby is tummy time.
You can start tummy time the day you bring your baby home. Lay baby on your chest and watch as she is able to lift her head. This strength should continue to improve.
Tummy time should always be supervised.
Your baby can see 8-12 inches away, and this is the perfect distance while doing tummy time for her to look at her beautiful momma and inspect your features.
What to Look Forward to This Month
By the end of the first month, you will be able to decipher your baby’s cries. How cool!
What To Expect says the following
A short, low-pitched cry that has a pleading quality to it usually means “I’m hungry.”
A whiny, nasal, continuous cry is baby’s way of telling you he’s overtired or uncomfortable.
Bursts of crying alternating with fussy whimpers often signal boredom.
The “I’m in pain” cry starts suddenly with a loud, panicked, long wail, followed by repeated pauses and shrieks.
1-2 Months
The next month can look a lot like the first, but there are a few key and exciting milestones!
Feeding
Babies should be eating somewhere around 24-32 ounces of breastmilk or formula in 24 hours.
Breastfed babies should eat as much as they want.
Sleeping
You can expect the same amount of sleep, 14-17 hours in a day, waking every 2-4 hours to eat.
Playing
Your baby can now track moving objects which makes dangling toys perfect! You can add in some rattles and balls for toys.
Your baby can now see a whole rainbow of colors. That means it is a perfect time to introduce vibrant board books. Introducing books early does wonders for your baby!
Your baby is very aware of sounds. Toys with sounds are great. It is a good idea to determine what sounds are agitating to your baby and which are calming.
Your baby’s favorite toy might just be his fingers, as he finds them for the first time.
What to Look Forward to This Month
You can finally see your baby smile out of joy instead of just cueing you to a diaper change!
You may start to hear grunts, coos, and gurgles. It is very important to keep this conversation going. Talk to your baby, narrate every aspect of your day, even if it’s a little silly.
2-3 Months
Oh my, those first 2 months are a lot. However, there is so much to look forward to in the third month with your little one. Their personality is going to begin to flourish and you may be able to enjoy their laugh!
Feeding
Your baby should still be eating as much as they want. A good idea is 4-6 ounces of breast milk or formula every 3-4 hours.
Sleeping
You can expect the same amount of sleep, 14-17 hours in a day, waking every 2-4 hours to eat.
Playing
Your baby is working hard at expanding their senses. You can introduce brightly colored toys with patterns such as play gyms, mobiles, and anything your baby can reach for.
One of your favorite ways to interact with your baby might be a massage. This is also great to add to a bedtime routine since baths are not needed more than a couple of times a week.
Bathing too much at this age could easily dry out your baby’s skin. Use a mild soap and shampoo.
Also, check out this laundry detergent to avoid irritating your baby’s skin.
What to Look Forward to This Month
Your baby won’t be experiencing separation anxiety just yet, as he is not wary of new people.
Your baby might be able to show off those skills from tummy time and roll from tummy to back.
3-4 Months
Good news momma! Things will start to become a bit more routine and with that, hopefully, a bit easier. You are likely to be able to catch up on some sleep. That’s awesome!
Feeding
Feeding will remain the same with your baby eating as much as they want. A good idea is 4-6 ounces of breast milk or formula every 3-4 hours.
Sleeping
Good news! You can expect your baby to sleep longer. They are likely to wake up closer to every 4 hours to eat.
Playing
Because of all the awesome tummy time you all have been doing, your baby can now lift her head up 90 degrees and roll over.
The best toys at this stage are activity mats and sensory toys that make noise.
Continue reading as your baby is growing more captivated.
What to Look Forward to This Month
This month you can expect your baby to appear happier. She will love hugs which helps with her cognitive development.
Your baby will be able to laugh out loud and start expanding her speaking making sounds.
Now is the time when your baby is developmentally ready to be put on a schedule. Start with a consistent routine that your baby will adapt to.
4-5 Months
Give yourself a high five momma! You have made it four months! You have gone through the erratic sleep patterns and you now know your baby’s cries. You are a pro at this parenting thing and have a lot to look forward to this month.
Feeding
Breastfed babies should have 24-36 ounces of milk spread over 5-6 feeds.
Formula baby’s should have 24-36 ounces of formula in 5 feeds of 6-8 ounces.
Sleep
You can expect your baby to sleep 10-12 hours at night, waking up for a feeding or two. They will likely nap for 3-5 hours a day spaced between 2 or 3 naps.
Playing
Your baby can now notice differences in shades of color, especially red and green.
She can track faster movements with her eyes and perceive depth and even grab at moving objects.
This month her favorite toy might just be her toes, as she finds them for the first time.
What to Look Forward to This Month
You might hear your baby babbling new sounds. Keep up the reading and talking!
She might raise up her arms when playing on her tummy and be able to keep her head level when propped in a sitting position.
If you have been working hard on tummy time, your baby might just start rolling over.
5-6 Months
Your baby is all personality this month. How fun! He will show his attitude or sense of humor. There will be so many silly moments to look forward to this month.
Feeding
Your feeding schedule will remain the same, but baby might not need those middle of the night snacks.
Your baby may even show interest in starting solid foods now or wait until next month.
Sleeping
By now, you are likely to find yourself settled into a sleep and feeding schedule. Hallelujah! It is a great idea to have a calming bedtime routine if you don’t already.
Playing
You can finally play peek-a-boo with baby as he is now developmentally ready to understand and love the concept of something disappearing and coming right back.
He can now pass a toy from one hand to the other
What to Look Forward to This Month
Your baby’s hearing and vision are almost completely developed and he may even recognize that sweet name you’ve given him.
Your baby is likely to be sitting up at this time which makes playtime so much fun!
6-7 Months
It’s time for those yummy solid foods! This is an exciting time where you can have baby with you at the dinner table and really get to understand her likes and dislikes. It may be messy but oh so fun!
Feeding
If you haven’t started solid foods yet, this is your time.
Please research the best ways to start solid foods as there are so many great tips.
Baby can also get 24-30 ounces of breastmilk or formula.
Sleeping
You can expect your baby to sleep 11 hours at night and many straight through. Baby might need 2 daily naps adding up to 3-4 hours although this varies.
Playing
The best toys for your sweet baby would be stacking toys and games.
Look for toys that encourage crawling like cars, trains, balls, or toys that light up and make music.
What to Look Forward to This Month
Baby may be sitting up unsupported depending on how much tummy time there has been.
He may even be able to bear some weight on his legs when held upright and even begin to crawl.
7-8 Months
Oh my, momma. You have already had this sweet baby for half a year. Congrats to you for being such an awesome mom! The upcoming months will be full of fun activities and keeping a close eye as your little one becomes mobile.
Feeding
It is recommended that your baby has 24-30oz of breast milk or formula, 4-9 tablespoons of cereal, fruit, and vegetables daily along with 1-6 tablespoons of protein food.
Eating honey or drinking cow’s milk and fruit juice is a no-no until 1 year old.
Sleeping
You can expect your sleep routine to remain the same. Focus on the nighttime routine as it is so important. A great nighttime routine limits many headaches and stress.
Playing
The best toys would be toys on wheels or things your baby can push across the room while crawling or scooting.
Activity tables or sturdy push toys are great as well.
What to Look Forward to This Month
If you have been doing lots of tummy time you may have a crawler on your hands.
Your baby might be rolling both ways and standing while holding onto someone or something.
8-9 Months
During this month you will begin to notice how smart your baby really is. She may even show you by looking away from something that is too easy or too difficult for her to understand. You will continue to try new foods and also may struggle with some separation anxiety.
Feeding
Your baby may have shown what they like and dislike by now. You can try expanding the menu by trying new foods like whole grain bread, waffles, rice cakes, bananas, pears, cooked carrots, sweet potatoes, meatballs, pasta, and eggs.
Make sure these things can be gummed before swallowing or dissolve easily.
Avoid uncooked raisins, whole pears, hotdogs, nuts, popcorn, grapes, candy, chunks of peanut butter, large chunks of cheese, meat, and poultry.
Sleeping
You should expect to continue that sweet bedtime routine and your baby should continue sleeping throughout the night. Yay!
Playing
Your baby’s favorite game might be the “oopsie game”. I am sure you are familiar. This is when they throw something on the floor, you pick it up, and then they do it again, and again, and again.
Although this can be highly frustrating to you, this is actually great developmentally as they learn cause and effect.
Great toys for your little one would be soft blocks with colorful pictures and jingly sounds.
What to Look Forward to This Month
Your baby’s communication is expanding and she may be attempting to use sounds, gestures, facial expressions, laughs, and squeals.
You may even hear the sweet sound of Mama and Dada.
One obstacle that may arise is that of separation anxiety. It is normal for your baby to develop a fear of strangers which may cause her to become clingy to you.
With this newfound clinginess, she may get attached to a comfort object like a blanket or stuffed animal.
9-10 Months
Watch out momma because if your baby isn’t already on the move, this is the month for it. Your baby may be crawling, standing, cruising, and getting more and more explorative while he is at it.
Feeding
It is recommended that your baby should eat ¼ to ½ cup each of grains, fruit and veggies, ¼ to ½ cup of dairy foods, and ¼ to ½ cup of protein foods per day.
You can still offer 24 to 30 ounces a day of breast milk or formula too.
He should be snacking between 3 meals a day, not snacking all day.
Sleeping
Unfortunately, sleep regression is common between 8-10 months due to all the new skills they want to practice like standing in the bed. Keep on with the nighttime routine and like most things, it will pass.
Playing
Since your baby is busy on the move the best toys are play tunnels, large balls to roll, and even stacks of pillows to climb over.
What to Look Forward to This Month
Like it was mentioned earlier, if your baby hasn’t started crawling yet, this is the month.
He may be cruising when he is able to use the furniture to hold himself steady as he moves from point A to B.
Because he is so smart, he may even be able to gesture what he wants. Wouldn’t that make things easier!
It is even possible that baby’s first words may happen this month, but if not that’s ok.
His memory is 40% developed and will be fully developed by 18 months. This is why routines are growing more and more important.
Comfort objects may be used to replace mommy when you aren’t around. These things may be a little weird like an old sock or plastic toy.
10-11 Months
By now your baby has a strong desire for discovery and exploration, so keep a close eye on that little one. They are perfecting their crawling, standing, cruising, and may even be walking.
Feeding
Your baby might start becoming a picky eater. The best thing to do is to keep introducing foods.
You may begin weaning from the bottle.
Experts agree that weaning from the bottle by around 12 months — or as soon as possible after the first birthday (and by 18 months at the latest unless otherwise advised by the pediatrician) — is best for your baby.
Sleeping
You can expect to continue your sleep schedule and hopefully, the sleep regression has passed.
Playing
Your baby may start waving bye-bye, playing patty cake, and blowing kisses.
Unfortunately, he may begin to bite. If this occurs, the best response is to remain in a calming state and state “no biting” while offering something he can bite on such as a teething toy, pacifier, or washcloth.
Keep introducing books and never stop. He may not be able to sit still and read them but that’s ok. Don’t force it, you want him to enjoy books. Get sturdy books that he can play with as he pleases.
What to Look Forward to This Month
Unfortunately, that separation anxiety could be at an all-time high this month.
You may even see some pretty weird behaviors such as head banging, rocking, rolling, teeth grinding, and hair-pulling. These are often due to stress, such as over-stimulation or a change in their routine.
Due to your baby wanting independence, you may see some meltdowns, especially during transition times, like bedtime.
Be sure to commend him for his efforts and praise him for his accomplishments.
Your baby can easily be distracted, so if you want him to focus on something like nursing or eating, then do it in a quiet dimly lit place.
If you are thinking about getting a family pet, this would be a great time! Research has shown that parents and babies have healthier first years, less stress, and develop fewer allergies when growing up with a dog.
11-12 Months
You did it, momma! You have done a wonderful job at raising such a beautiful baby. Although it is hard to believe, this is your last month with an infant, then you will have a toddler. Oh my!
Feeding
It is recommended that your baby should eat ¼ to ½ cup each of grains, fruit and veggies, ¼ to ½ cup of dairy foods, and ¼ to ½ cup of protein foods per day. You can still offer your baby 16 to 24 oz of breast milk or formula a day.
Your goal should be to be completely bottle free just after your baby’s first birthday and no later than 18 months.
If nursing and want to keep going then go for it!
Sleeping
By now I am sure you have perfected that bedtime routine. Your baby should continue sleeping throughout the night and you should continue to be able to get a good night’s rest.
Playing
Your baby is likely able to clap hands, wave bye-bye, bang toys together, raise her arms to be picked up, drink from a cup, and possibly say dada or mama.
The best toys now are push toys like a baby doll stroller, toy shopping cart, or an activity center on wheels. Ride-on toys are good too.
Your baby will start to become more imaginative and role-play toys would be great. Things such as dolls, playhouse, play kitchen, pretend food, toy phone, workbench, or doctor kit.
What to Look Forward to This Month
Your baby may be walking and talking, although don’t get discouraged if they aren’t as most don’t yet.
Here is a tip: keep her feet bare or just socks for better balance and coordination. Tall botties or high-top sneakers can actually slow down your walker.
She may be able to stand alone for a minute or 2.
Now would be the perfect time to start teaching your little one some basic differences between what’s right and what’s wrong.
Set rules and be consistent.
You Made It!
The biggest congratulations momma! You have an absolutely amazing baby and you have grown into one heck of a mom! You should be so proud of yourself!
Take a minute to look back at all of your accomplishments and give yourself a pat on the back. Parenting is the hardest job you will ever have, as I am sure you have figured out.
So, take a breather before you plan that oh so special first birthday party and hold on extra tight to your baby. They grow up way too fast. Here is a great book to capture those first-year moments.
Don’t forget to get the FREE chart of Baby’s First Year!
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