When Baby Starts Crawling, Teething & Talking: Milestones & Growth Chart
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Time to read 5 min
Roopa K
B.Sc ,Certified Lactation Educator (CLC), Certified Lactation Professional (CLP), Garbh Sanskar Expert, Postpartum Health Nutritionist.
Roopa is committed to providing holistic support and guidance throughout the prenatal, postnatal, and breastfeeding journey of Indian mothers.
Your baby’s first year is filled with exciting developmental milestones. As a parent, you likely find yourself wondering about many things: when babies start crawling, when will they laugh, sit, or begin talking? While every child is different, understanding average timelines and knowing when to seek help can bring peace of mind.
In this blog, we'll guide you through major milestones from smiling to eating solids. We’ll also explore growth patterns for baby boys and girls and discuss what to do if your baby seems delayed in achieving these milestones.
Table of content
1. Month-by-Month Baby Milestones 1.1) When Do Babies Start Smiling? 1.2) When Do Babies Start Laughing? 1.3) When Do Babies Start Rolling Over? 1.4) When Do Babies Start Sitting? 1.5) When Do Babies Start Crawling? 1.6) When Do Babies Start Walking? 1.7) When Do Babies Start Talking or Speaking? 1.8) When Do Babies Start Teething? 1.9) When Do Babies Start Eating Solid Food? 2. Baby Boy and Baby Girl Growth Chart 3. When Things Don’t Go as Expected: Common Concerns 4. Final Thoughts 5. FAQs
1. Month-by-Month Baby Milestones
Right after delivery, your hormone levels shift dramatically. Estrogen and progesterone drop sharply, which can lead to emotional ups and downs. At the same time, prolactin levels rise to help with breastfeeding, while oxytocin supports bonding and milk letdown.
These hormone fluctuations after childbirth are normal, but they can affect your mood, energy, sleep, and even your hair and skin. Understanding this hormonal storm helps make the postpartum experience feel less overwhelming.
1.1) When Do Babies Start Smiling?
One of the earliest signs of emotional development, a baby’s first social smile generally appears around 6 to 8 weeks. These early smiles show that your baby is learning how to communicate and respond to people. If your baby hasn’t started smiling by 3 months, consult your pediatrician.
1.2) When Do Babies Start Laughing?
Most babies laugh for the first time between 3 and 4 months of age. These laughs can be triggered by familiar faces, tickles, or funny sounds. Laughter indicates cognitive development and emotional bonding.
1.3) When Do Babies Start Rolling Over?
Rolling over typically starts between 4 and 6 months. This milestone is a key indicator of developing neck and upper body strength. It’s also a good time to stop swaddling, as babies may roll during sleep.
1.4) When Do Babies Start Sitting?
By 5 months, many babies can sit with support. Independent sitting usually occurs around 7 to 8 months. Sitting is crucial because it allows babies to interact with their environment and prepares them for crawling.
1.5) When Do Babies Start Crawling?
Babies usually begin crawling between 6 and 10 months. Some may scoot, belly crawl, or even skip crawling entirely and go straight to walking. Crawling supports motor development and spatial awareness. If your baby isn’t attempting to crawl by 12 months, discuss it during a pediatric visit.
1.6) When Do Babies Start Walking?
First steps often occur between 9 and 15 months. Before walking, babies pull themselves up to stand and cruise while holding furniture. If your child isn’t walking by 18 months, an evaluation may be needed.
1.7) When Do Babies Start Talking or Speaking?
Babies usually begin babbling by 4 to 6 months, saying their first words (like "mama" or "dada") around 12 months. By 18 to 24 months, many can say two-word phrases. If your baby isn’t speaking words by 18 months, a hearing or speech evaluation may be helpful.
1.8) When Do Babies Start Teething?
Teething may start as early as 3 months, but the first tooth often appears by 6 months. Common signs include drooling, irritability, and chewing on objects. By age one, most babies have 4-6 teeth.
1.9) When Do Babies Start Eating Solid Food?
Solid food is usually introduced around 6 months. Signs of readiness include good head control, sitting with minimal support, and interest in food. Start with iron-fortified cereals or pureed fruits and vegetables.
2. Baby Boy and Baby Girl Growth Chart
Understanding how your baby is growing can provide peace of mind or an early sign to seek help. Below is a general growth chart based on WHO standards:
Age |
Baby Boy Weight (kg) |
Baby Girl Weight (kg) |
Baby Boy Height (cm) |
Baby Girl Height (cm) |
Birth |
3.3 |
3.2 |
50 |
49 |
3 months |
6.4 |
5.8 |
61 |
59 |
6 months |
7.9 |
7.3 |
67 |
65 |
9 months |
8.9 |
8.2 |
71 |
69 |
12 months |
9.6 |
8.9 |
76 |
74 |
Note: Always consult your pediatrician for personalized guidance. Genetics, feeding, and health conditions influence growth.
3. When Things Don’t Go as Expected: Common Concerns
Baby is Not Sleeping
Sleep regressions, teething, or changes in routine may cause sleep disturbances. Establish a consistent bedtime roxsutine, avoid overstimulation, and ensure the baby is comfortable.
Baby is Crying Too Much
Frequent crying may signal colic , hunger, gas, or overstimulation. If crying exceeds 3 hours a day for multiple days, it's advisable to consult your pediatrician.
Baby is Not Eating or Drinking Milk
Teething, illness, or an aversion to feeding could be the cause. Try offering smaller, more frequent meals and check with your doctor if the issue persists.
Baby is Not Pooping
Constipation can occur when transitioning to solids. Hydration and fibre-rich foods (like pureed prunes or pears) can help. Massage and warm baths also provide relief.
Baby is Not Gaining Weight
Growth plateaus should be monitored. Inadequate feeding, latching issues, or medical concerns may be involved. Regular weight checks and tracking are important.
Baby is Vomiting While Feeding
Spitting up is common, but projectile vomiting or frequent occurrences may indicate reflux or an allergy. Discuss symptoms with your pediatrician.
Baby is Not Passing Urine or Not Burping
Fewer wet diapers can be a sign of dehydration. If the baby doesn’t burp, try repositioning or taking breaks during feeding.
4. Final Thoughts
Most babies smile by 2 months, crawl around 9 months, and walk by 12-15 months.
Teething and solid foods usually begin at 6 months.
Baby boy and baby girl growth charts provide helpful but general guidance.
Delays can be normal but should be discussed with your pediatrician if persistent.
Every baby develops at their own pace. Track progress but don’t panic over slight delays.
FAQs
Q1: What if my baby is not crawling by 10 months?
Not all babies crawl. Some scoot or roll. However, if your baby isn’t mobile by 12 months, talk to your pediatrician.
Q2: Can teething affect sleep and feeding?
Yes, teething may cause discomfort leading to sleep disturbances and feeding refusal.
Q3: Should I worry if my baby is not talking at 15 months?
It depends on other developmental signs. Late talking isn’t uncommon. If there are no words by 18 months, an evaluation is suggested.
Q4: Do baby girls and boys grow differently?
Slight differences exist. Girls may develop communication skills faster, while boys may excel in gross motor skills earlier.
Q5: What is a normal baby milestone range?
Milestones typically occur within ranges. For example, crawling between 6-10 months or walking by 9-15 months. It's not a rigid timeline.