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Baby calendar

Happy baby crawling
Photo credit: Studio Memoir for BabyCenter
Your baby grows and changes so much in their first year of life. We're here to help you through this first year with our week-by-week baby guides. They give you all the expert information you need to understand your baby's development, along with advice on feeding, age-appropriate activities, and daily care. You'll be able to track your baby's growth and learn which milestones to expect when.
Photo credit: Studio Memoir for BabyCenter

Baby newborn

Newborn baby sleeping
Your 1-week-old baby
From being curled up inside your uterus, your newborn will keep his arms and legs tightly curled up against his body. He may even appear bowlegged, but this will wear off as he grows.
mum holding newborn baby up to her face
Your 2-week-old baby
After the cosiness of your womb, all the extra space around your baby is a strange feeling for her. She may have jerky movements as she adjusts to the space, and might feel comforted when swaddled.
mum bending over baby in cot
Your 3-week-old baby
Your baby probably loves to be held, caressed, kissed, stroked, massaged, and carried. He may even make an "ah" sound when he hears your voice or sees your face.
mum leaning over baby on bed to kiss him
Your 4-week-old baby
Your baby may gurgle, coo, grunt, and hum to express their feelings. A few babies also begin squealing and laughing. Be sure to coo and gurgle back, and talk to your baby face to face. They'll enjoy holding your gaze now.
dad kissing small baby on the cheek
Your 5-week-old baby
Your baby’s favourite sounds will probably be the voices of their family members. Make the most of every chance to talk, read, sing or make noises with them.
smiling mum nose to nose with baby
Your 6-week-old baby
Your baby's first smile will probably make your heart melt, even if you've just had your worst night yet.
baby's hand holding onto adult's finger
Your 7-week-old baby
Your baby may be interested in their own hands. Understanding that their hands are a part of their own body, and that they can control them, is the first stage in being able to reach for and hold things.
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Baby 2 to 6 months

dad holding and smiling at baby
Your 2-month-old baby: Week 1
Your baby's brain is expanding in size and complexity. It will grow about 5 centimeters during the first three months. You may notice short periods of time when your newborn is quiet and alert. This is the best time to talk with them.
mum holding baby who's turning his head
Your 2-month-old baby: Week 2
Your baby's movements are getting more coordinated. You'll notice that the jerky arm and leg movements of their newborn days have given way to smoother, more circular motions, especially when they're watching people.
Baby looking at his parents
Your 2-month-old baby: Week 3
At this age, most babies wake up at least once or twice during the night for a feed. You can encourage your baby to fall back asleep quickly by keeping games and talking for the day only. You may find that your little one's starting to stay awake for longer periods in the day, which is the perfect time to read, sing or speak together.
baby in a nappy lying on a white towel with fist in mouth
Your 2-month-old baby: Week 4
Your baby's sense of humour is developing. When you tickle them, play a game of peekaboo, or blow a raspberry on their tummy, you'll be rewarded with a gummy grin.
baby boy in mum's arms smiling into the camera
Your 3-month-old baby: Week 1
Babies love to be touched. In fact, they thrive on it – touch is a critical part of growth and development. When you give your baby a massage, it can be comforting and and soothing for them when they're upset or irritable. It also gives you both a moment to bond.
mum playing peek a boo with baby who is sitting in a breastfeeding pillow
Your 3-month-old baby: Week 2
Your baby is starting to draw conclusions about the world around them. They're looking at everything with curiosity – even their own reflection. They may also show they recognise you by breaking into a big smile when they hear your voice or see you.
baby lying on tummy chewing on a cube toy
Your 3-month-old baby: Week 3
When placed on their stomach, your baby will probably lift their head and shoulders high, using their arms for support. This mini push-up helps strengthen their muscles and gives them a better view of what's going on.
baby holding onto toy hanging from play mobile
Your 3-month-old baby: Week 4
You may notice your baby playing with their hands and feet for a few minutes at a time. They're quite fond of doing one action over and over again until they're sure of the result. Then they'll switch things up a bit to see if the result is different.
Mum holding and smiling at baby
Your 4-month-old baby: Week 1
Between now and 6 months of age, your baby will start babbling, which means you may hear the words you've been dreaming about – "mama" and "papa."
Baby getting nappy changed holding rattle in hand
Your 4-month-old baby: Week 2
Your baby's natural curiosity means she's learning more about the world all the time. She'll also begin to amuse herself and play on her own for short periods of time.
Mum and baby laughing
Your 4-month-old baby: Week 3
Your baby's sense of humour is beginning to bloom, and you may find him laughing at any funny faces and sounds you make.
Mum and baby laughing
Your 4-month-old baby: Week 4
If you're lucky, you may get hugs and kisses from your baby already, but they're more likely to reveal their love for you by staring into your eyes, and being comforted by your smell.
Baby with his hand in his mouth, looking into the camera
Your 5-month-old baby: Week 1
Your baby may become clingy and anxious around new (and even familiar) people and may cry if a stranger suddenly approaches them.
Smiling baby girl in an orange outfit lying on the bed
Your 5-month-old baby: Week 2
If you’re finding it difficult to settle your baby in the evenings, following a regular night-time routine may help them to unwind and get ready to sleep.
Baby boy lying on his playing with a toy phone
Your 5-month-old baby: Week 3
Your baby might have started babbling - repeating one syllable such as ba, ma, ga, over and over. A few babies at this age may even add another syllable or two, making their sounds more complex.
Smiling baby showing her two bottom teeth
Your 5-month-old baby: Week 4
Mum feeding her baby in a high chair
Your 6-month-old baby: Week 1
Your baby is now ready to eat foods other than breastmilk or formula. Whether you're opting for baby-led weaning, purees, or a bit of both, have fun with it, and don't put too much pressure on yourself, or your baby.
Dad playing with baby making baby laugh
Your 6-month-old baby: Week 2
Your baby may show a preference for using one hand for a while and then switch to the other. You can't really tell if they'll be left-handed or right-handed until they're about 2 or 3 years old.
Happy baby boy trying to crawl
Your 6-month-old baby: Week 3
Your baby may try to feed themselves. Encouraging this curiosity for food and budding independence, even if it gets messy, can go a long way in helping your child love eating.
Mum lying on back holding smiling baby on her tummy
Your 6-month-old baby: Week 4
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Baby 7 to 11 months

Mum holding baby above her head and smiling up at him
Your 7-month-old baby: Week 1
By now, you may have already told your baby that the phone isn't a toy, or that rattles aren't for throwing, or that their sibling's hair isn't for pulling. At this age, your baby may begin testing your authority by refusing to follow your simple directions.
Mum and baby playing with blocks
Your 7-month-old baby: Week 2
Your baby probably loves to put things in their mouth. It’s a good way for them to find out about the world, exploring textures and shapes. Make sure to only let them play with age appropriate toys that they cannot accidentally swollow or choke on.
baby lying on tummy holding himself up by his hands
Your 7-month-old baby: Week 3
Although he isn't ready to stand on his own, your baby can support his weight with his legs if you hold him upright, and may enjoy bouncing up and down. He will also be strengthening the muscles for crawling by pushing himself up off the floor, or rocking backwards and forwards on his hands and knees.
baby sitting on mum's tummy and covering mum's eyes with her hands
Your 7-month-old baby: Week 4
Your baby's emotions are becoming more obvious. Over the next few months, they'll start to understand and imitate moods, and might show the first signs of empathy. For example, if they hear someone crying, they may start crying too.
smiling baby boy crawling
Your 8-month-old baby: Week 1
Your baby's newfound mobility means that they're now entering the land of bumps and falls. These are an inevitable part of childhood. Try to enjoy watching your baby explore their surroundings and discover their limits.
smiling baby girl sitting up stacking rings
Your 8-month-old baby: Week 2
Your baby is working on smaller movements, like pointing and grasping little things (and pieces of food). These are called fine motor skills.
baby boy sitting in high chair eating chapati
Your 8-month-old baby: Week 3
Your baby may have already started feeding themself finger foods, although this can begin as late as 10 months. Once they reach this stage, you can introduce a sippy cup.
Smiling baby girl standing up in her cot
Your 8-month-old baby: Week 4
Once your baby starts standing and cruising, you may think about buying some shoes for them. Most doctors and development experts advise against shoes until your baby is walking around outdoors regularly. Walking barefoot helps your baby's feet develop.
Dad watching baby standing by a coffee table
Your 9-month-old baby: Week 1
It's natural for your baby to show signs of separation anxiety when you leave them in the care of others. In fact, it's a sign of normal, healthy development, but it can make it difficult to be away from your baby for any length of time.
Mum kneeling by baby holding her hands and speaking to her
Your 9-month-old baby: Week 2
The more you talk to your baby, the more they learn about communication. They are beginning to understand many simple words and phrases.
Baby standing with dad's help and looking at him
Your 9-month-old baby: Week 3
If your baby develops their own way of saying certain words, you can show them you understand, but reply using adult language. This will help them learn and say the words in a way for all to understand.
Smiling baby in a blue top
Your 9-month-old baby: Week 4
Your baby's personality is really starting to show. They may be very social, giving big smiles to everyone they meet, or a little more shy, hiding their face when well-meaning strangers try to engage them.
Baby boy trying to walk while holding dad's hands
Your 10-month-old baby: Week 1
Baby standing against a table as her parents look on
Your 10-month-old baby: Week 2
Your baby may be walking while holding onto furniture - cruising. They may also start trying to help you out with daily tasks, for example by lifting their arms when you dress them.
Baby on a high chair feeding himself
Your 10-month-old baby: Week 3
At this age, your baby's pincer grasp is improving, and they're picking things up (even very small things) wherever they may find them. Keep objects they could choke on out of reach.
Two mums with babies on their lap sit speaking to each other
Your 10-month-old baby: Week 4
Your baby can understand simple instructions, though you may still be ignored when you say "no". To help the word carry more weight, use it sparingly, for setting important limits. At other times you can divert your baby's attention by offering an alternate activity to the one you want them to stop doing.
Smiling mum embracing her happy baby
Your 11-month-old baby: Week 1
Your baby may be using furniture to pull herself up to stand, but it might be a while still before she can sit back down again. Until then, you may have to help her.
Parents showing a book to their daughter who's looking and speaking to them
Your 11-month-old baby: Week 2
Little boy looking out from behind a tree trunk
Your 11-month-old baby: Week 3
If your baby isn't walking already, they're likely to take their first independent steps soon. (If not, don't worry. Some babies are 17 or 18 months old before they start walking, and that's perfectly normal.)
1 year old baby celebrating with cake
Your 11-month-old baby: Week 4
Although your baby is more independent each day, and is beginning to realise that they can do things without you, they may still have bouts of separation anxiety. Rest assured that this is perfectly normal.
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