As a parent, watching your baby hit those magical milestones is a blend of wonder and joy. From their first smile to the first time they sit up on their own, every stage is filled with excitement. So, when do babies actually start reaching these developmental milestones? Let’s dive into each one and see how these moments unfold.
When Can Babies Sit Up?
Imagine your little one lying on their back, completely dependent on you for everything. But then, one day, they start lifting their head, pushing up with their hands, and trying to balance themselves. That’s when the magic of sitting up begins! Around 4 to 6 months, babies begin to gain the muscle strength needed to sit with some support, like propping themselves up with pillows or your lap. By 6 to 8 months, many babies are able to sit independently—arms outstretched for balance, gazing around with wide-eyed curiosity. Your baby is seeing the world from a whole new angle!
When Can Babies Start Eating Baby Food?
It’s that time when your baby’s tongue thrust reflex (which helps push food out) starts to fade, and they begin to show more interest in what you’re eating. Most babies are ready to start solid food at around 6 months. They’ll sit in their high chair, mouth open, excited to try something new. Start with soft, mashed baby foods like rice cereal or pureed fruits and vegetables. At first, the food may get pushed out more than it gets eaten, but soon enough, you'll see your baby eagerly grabbing for that spoon, wanting more. It’s a whole new world of taste and texture!
When Can Babies Sit Up on Their Own?
There’s something magical about the moment your baby sits up on their own for the first time. Around 6 to 8 months, your baby will have enough core strength to balance themselves in a seated position. At first, they may lean forward or to the side a bit, but with time, they’ll sit up tall, ready to play with toys or watch the world go by. Their eyes will light up as they discover new ways to engage with their surroundings. Whether it's stacking blocks or reaching for their favorite stuffed animal, sitting up opens up a whole new world of exploration.
When Can Babies Start Drinking Water?
Once your baby starts eating solid foods, it’s time to introduce water, but it’s important to wait until around 6 months to offer it. At this stage, babies are learning how to use their hands to grab objects, so they may start holding their sippy cup or bottle to drink. Their tiny hands will fumble with the cup at first, but soon enough, they'll start to sip water, experimenting with this new way of hydrating. Even though breast milk or formula will still be their main source of nutrition, offering small amounts of water between meals is a great way to get them used to drinking from a cup.
When Can Babies Self-Soothe?
Around 4 to 6 months, you may notice that your baby is starting to find their own way to calm down. At this age, they’re learning to self-soothe, which means they can begin to settle themselves when they’re upset. You may see them sucking on their thumb, rubbing a blanket, or quietly exploring their hands or face. While some babies start to self-soothe sooner, it’s all part of their growing independence. It’s such an exciting milestone, but be patient—it takes practice for them to figure it out.
When Can Babies Sleep with a Blanket?
You might be eager to bundle up your little one with a cute blanket, but it’s important to wait until they’re at least 12 months old before introducing blankets to their crib. Until then, blankets can be a suffocation hazard, so it’s safest to use wearable blankets or sleep sacks. Once your baby turns 1, they’ll likely be more mobile and able to kick off blankets if needed. At that point, you can tuck them in with a cozy blanket and let them snuggle into sleep.
When Can Babies Sleep on Their Stomach?
It’s a common worry for many parents—when can my baby sleep on their stomach? The answer is: not yet. For the first 12 months, babies should always sleep on their backs. This sleeping position significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). But once your baby is able to roll over on their own, usually around 6 months, they may shift to their stomach during sleep. However, you should still put them down to sleep on their back. After 1 year, babies have better control over their movements, and stomach sleeping becomes less of a concern.
