Motor Skills
Walking
Your baby’s first steps may happen anywhere from 9 to 18 months of age, a wide range that represents the uniqueness of each child’s development.
Skills & Stages
Your child's first years are full of exciting changes. With each new stage, they discover more about their environment, how their body works, and how to move, communicate, concentrate, and play. Explore our expert guides to learn the key skills and milestones in each stage.
All Topics
Motor Skills
Crawling
Crawling opens the door to a new phase of exploration and movement for your baby.
Learning & Cognitive Skills
Problem Solving
How do babies and toddlers learn problem-solving skills like creativity and flexible thinking?
Language & Communication
Smiling
When do babies start smiling? Here’s what to know about your baby’s first smile, including how to encourage more of them.
Tummy Time
Tummy Time
Tummy time looks a little different at each age. Your baby’s skills and abilities may change from month to month—or even week to week.
Language & Communication
Laughing
When will you hear your baby's first laugh? At first, your baby’s laugh may be short and quiet. But over time, it will develop into a full belly laugh.
Motor Skills
Sitting
By around 5 to 9 months, your baby may be able to sit up on their own briefly before needing help.
Motor Skills
Standing
Many babies can stand up unassisted—at least briefly—by around 10 to 16 months of age.
Language & Communication
Pointing
Pointing is an important early step in your child’s ability to communicate.
Language & Communication
Crying
For at least the first few months, crying is the primary way that babies communicate with their caregivers.
Motor Skills
Throwing
Throwing is an early lesson in cause and effect for babies—who might practice their newfound skills in some less-than-fun ways at first.
Language & Communication
Talking & language development
Here’s what to know about your baby’s language development, including how to encourage their first words.
Motor Skills
Stacking
Learning to stack objects involves fine motor skills, coordination, and a basic understanding of how pieces work together.
Learning & Cognitive Skills
Object Permanence
When your baby looks for something hidden, that's object permanence at work—here's when to expect it, and why it matters.
Motor Skills
Rolling
Rolling helps your baby learn how different parts of their body move, while strengthening their core and back muscles.
