Developmental Milestones
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start tummy time, and how long should each session be?
You can start tummy time as early as the first few days after bringing your baby home. Begin with 1-2 minutes a few times a day and gradually increase as they get more comfortable. By 3-4 months, aim for about 20-30 minutes per day, broken into shorter sessions.
What if my baby isn’t crawling by 10 months?
Every baby develops at their own pace. Some babies skip crawling altogether and go straight to standing and walking! However, if you’re concerned, consult your pediatrician to rule out any issues. In the meantime, encourage movement by placing toys just out of reach or engaging them in tummy time to build strength.
How can I help my baby learn to clap and wave?
Babies usually start copying gestures like clapping and waving between 9-12 months. You can encourage this by modeling the actions frequently. For example, clap your hands during playtime or wave hello and goodbye. Praising or smiling when they attempt to copy can also reinforce these new skills.
Share a photo
Want to share a photo of your baby’s progress? Send us an email at share@babyworld.terralegion.com
Teacher
- Tummy Time (0-6 months)
Starting from the newborn stage, tummy time helps strengthen your baby’s neck, shoulders, and upper body, which is essential for later motor skills like rolling, sitting, and crawling. Begin with a few minutes a day, gradually increasing as your baby gets more comfortable. - Learning to Roll (3-6 months)
Around 3-4 months, babies start practicing rolling. Help them by gently guiding their arms and legs during tummy time. Rolling is an important milestone that strengthens core muscles and helps them gain control over their bodies. - Sitting with Support (5-8 months)
As your baby nears the 5-6 month mark, they’ll begin to practice sitting up with a little help. Use a boppy pillow or your own hands to support their back and core. Sitting helps your baby develop balance and coordination.
- Crawling Practice (6-10 months)
Babies typically start crawling between 6-10 months. Create a safe space for exploration, and place toys just out of reach to encourage movement. Crawling strengthens their arms, legs, and core, giving them the freedom to explore their surroundings. - Teaching Safe Descent (9-12 months)
Once your baby is crawling confidently, start teaching them how to safely get down from low surfaces like a couch or low bed. Show them how to turn and slide feet-first off the edge, which helps build body awareness and spatial skills.
- Reaching and Grasping (3-6 months)
Around 3 months, babies become more interested in reaching and grasping objects. Offer toys they can easily hold to improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor control. - Self-Feeding Skills (7-12 months)
Between 7-12 months, encourage self-feeding with baby-safe finger foods and soft spoons. This activity helps develop finger strength and precision, as well as coordination between hand and mouth.
- Eye Contact and Smiling (0-3 months)
Right from birth, make eye contact and smile at your baby. Babies learn to recognize faces and emotions early on, and these interactions are the foundation of social and emotional skills. - Responding to Their Name (6-9 months)
Around 6 months, babies begin to respond to their name. Call to them from across the room to help them recognize and respond, reinforcing their sense of identity and connection. - Clapping and Waving (9-12 months)
From 9 months onward, babies start copying gestures like clapping and waving. Encourage these social behaviors during playtime or when saying hello and goodbye—they’re fun and help your baby engage with others.