Parenting with Me
The Ultimate Guide to Your Baby’s Developmental Milestones
Watching your little one grow is a magical journey — from their first smile to their first steps, every moment is pure wonder. Some milestones are big and unforgettable, others are quieter, like when your baby starts swaying to music or skillfully moving food with their tongue. At MonkiBox, we celebrate every moment, because each is a stepping stone in your child's incredible growth ❤️ Discover how MonkiBox Play Boxes are designed to nurture every milestone, right when your baby is ready for it. What Are Baby Milestones? Milestones are skills babies typically develop within a certain timeframe, guiding their physical, mental, social, and emotional growth. They fall into four key areas: Motor Skills (gross and fine movements) Cognitive Development (thinking, reasoning, learning) Language & Communication (both understanding and expressing) Social & Emotional Growth (connections, emotions, relationships) Remember: Milestones are flexible. Every baby is unique, and the "right time" is different for each child. Some skills may appear earlier, some later, and a few might be skipped altogether. That's perfectly normal! How Are Milestones Measured? Development is a beautiful dance of small steps building up to big achievements. For example: before walking, babies learn to pull up, cruise along furniture, and balance. Many milestones overlap. A baby's first smile is emotional and a motor skill! Growth is interconnected, and small wins lead to major breakthroughs. Do All Babies Hit Milestones at the Same Time? Short answer: No. Every child has their own natural rhythm. Milestones give us helpful markers, but there's a wide range of "normal." If you ever feel unsure, your pediatrician can help guide you. Early support is powerful when needed. Premature Babies and Milestones If your baby arrived early (before 37 weeks), milestones are usually measured from their due date, not their birth date — what doctors call “adjusted age.” Most premature babies catch up to full-term development by around age two. Your Baby's Month-by-Month Milestones We’ve crafted a detailed look at what you might see as your little one grows. Remember, these are ranges — some babies will zoom ahead in one area and take their time in another. 1 Month Old Motor Skills Lifts head briefly during tummy time Moves arms and legs with jerky motions Turns head to the side when lying down Cognitive Development Stares at contrasting patterns or bold colors Calms when comforted by a familiar voice Language & Communication Makes simple cries for hunger, discomfort, or tiredness Begins to make "comfort" sounds Social & Emotional Momentarily establishes eye contact Responds to being cuddled or rocked 2 Months Old Motor Skills Holds head steadier when picked up Pushes up slightly during tummy time Follows moving objects with eyes Cognitive Development Recognizes familiar people at a distance Starts anticipating routines (feeding, diaper changes) Language & Communication Coos and gurgles Smiles intentionally in response to interaction Social & Emotional Shows excitement when seeing caregivers Enjoys being talked to and smiled at 3 Months Old Motor Skills Opens hands more often Lifts chest and head with arm support Begins swatting at toys Cognitive Development Watches faces with interest Notices own hands and begins exploring Language & Communication Laughs out loud Babbles more expressively Social & Emotional Smiles at reflection in a mirror Starts recognizing familiar voices 4 Months Old Motor Skills Rolls from tummy to back Reaches for and grasps toys Brings hands to mouth Cognitive Development Notices cause-and-effect (shake a rattle = noise) Looks for sources of sounds Language & Communication Babbles with different tones Imitates some facial expressions Social & Emotional Shows pleasure through smiles and giggles Enjoys playful interactions 5 Months Old Motor Skills Rolls from back to belly Pushes up on extended arms Brings feet to mouth Cognitive Development Explores objects with hands and mouth Recognizes familiar faces vs. strangers Language & Communication Begins vocalizing excitement Reacts to sounds with movements Social & Emotional Shows preference for primary caregivers Enjoys mirror play 6 Months Old Motor Skills Sits with support Rocks back and forth on hands and knees Transfers objects between hands Cognitive Development Understands object permanence beginnings Shows curiosity about surroundings Language & Communication Responds to own name Begins "talking" during play Social & Emotional Recognizes own name Shows joy at social games like peek-a-boo 7-8 Months Old Motor Skills Sits without support Begins crawling or scooting Grasps smaller objects using a "raking" motion Cognitive Development Explores toys with hands and mouth Looks for hidden objects Language & Communication Babbles chains of sounds ("ba-ba-ba") Responds to simple verbal cues Social & Emotional Develops stranger anxiety Becomes more interactive during play 9-10 Months Old Motor Skills Pulls to stand Cruises along furniture Points with index finger Cognitive Development Engages in simple problem-solving Follows basic gestures like pointing Language & Communication Understands simple phrases like "come here" Imitates sounds and actions Social & Emotional Shows preference for certain people and toys Enjoys interactive games like pat-a-cake 11-12 Months Old Motor Skills Stands alone for short periods Takes first independent steps Picks up tiny objects with thumb and finger (pincer grasp) Cognitive Development Tests limits and reactions (cause and effect) Starts simple pretend play (feeding doll, brushing hair) Language & Communication Says "mama" or "dada" meaningfully Uses simple gestures like waving "bye-bye" Social & Emotional Displays attachment to caregivers Seeks comfort from familiar adults when upset Unlock Your Child’s Potential — the Playful Way MonkiBox Play Boxes are crafted by child development experts to spark joy and support your baby’s growth at every magical stage. ✨ Give your little one the best start. 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Tips for Healthy Fasting While Breastfeeding
✅ Before you start: Ensure you’re in good health, your baby is growing well, your milk supply is stable, and you have a support system at home. 1️⃣ Watch for dehydration signs in your baby – Fewer wet diapers, less stool output, and increased fussiness may indicate dehydration. 2️⃣ Fasting isn’t all or nothing – You can fast on some days and rest on others. Listen to your body and prioritize your well-being. 3️⃣ Support your milk supply – Eat nutrient-dense foods, stay hydrated with electrolyte-rich drinks (like coconut water & carrot juice), and include galactagogues like Moringa and Shatavari. 4️⃣ Avoid excessive caffeine, junk food, and sweets – These can dehydrate you and affect your energy levels. 5️⃣ Don’t skip Suhoor! – A high-protein Suhoor will help keep your energy levels stable and prevent crashes. 6️⃣ Be mindful of your limits – Delegate tasks, rest when needed, and adjust your routine to avoid burnout. 7️⃣ Stop fasting if you experience dehydration signs – Dizziness, fatigue, dark urine, headaches, or dry mouth are red flags. Your baby’s health comes first. 8️⃣ Break your fast in phases – Start with dates & juice, then soup & salad, followed by a balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. Hydrate well between meals. 💡 Fasting is a personal decision—there’s no one-size-fits-all. Do what’s best for you and your baby. You can follow Dr. Soulaf on Instagram for more!
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Expert Tips for Fasting While Breastfeeding
Fasting or not fasting while breastfeeding is completely up to you and your doctor. If you choose to fast during Ramadan while breastfeeding, Dr. Mariam shares a few tips that will keep you and your baby healthy: 1️⃣ Stay hydrated by drinking 2-3 liters of fluids at night, including water, juices, and milk.2️⃣ Include enough protein and dairy in your Iftar and Suhoor to maintain your energy and milk supply.3️⃣ Eat at least 2 servings of fruits and nuts to replenish lost salts and minerals.4️⃣ Avoid soft drinks, high-caffeine beverages, and excessive salt and sugar, as they can lead to dehydration.5️⃣ Watch for dehydration signs in yourself (dizziness, fatigue, headache, thirst) and your baby (fussiness, fewer wet diapers). Lastly, if you feel too exhausted but still want to continue, consider alternating fasting days to balance your well-being! You can follow Dr. Mariam Jabr for more insights on your little one’s health!
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Expert Tips for Your Little One’s Sleep During Ramadan 🌙
To change sleep routines or not to change? That’s the question! During Ramadan, we often hear different opinions on whether to adjust little ones' sleep schedules. To help you make the best decision, Christine shares four essential tips to maintain your child's sleep quality during the holy month. 1️⃣ You don’t have to change their bedtime – Even though our routines shift during Ramadan, your little one still needs their sleep. Keep their usual bedtime to ensure they stay well-rested. 2️⃣ Limit sugar before bed – Avoid giving sweets close to bedtime to prevent an energy boost that could make it harder for them to settle down. 3️⃣ Create a sleep-friendly space – Ensure a safe, quiet, and comfortable environment with a good temperature, minimal light, and no loud noises. 4️⃣ Make bedtime meaningful – Swap regular storytime for Ramadan-themed stories or simple duaas to introduce faith-based traditions before sleep. You can follow Christine on Instagram for more insights on sleep and potty training!
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Simple Tips for a Smooth Ramadan Transition
During Ramadan, our routines change drastically, which can surprise our little ones. That’s why Dr. Tala shares four essential tips to help you smoothly navigate schedule and lifestyle changes during the month. 1️⃣ Adjust Sleep Gradually (if needed) – If you want to shift your child’s schedule, do it slowly over a week. Push bedtime back by 15-30 minutes each night until you reach your goal. 2️⃣ Stick to Regular Mealtimes – Your little one’s hunger cues remain the same, so try to maintain their usual eating schedule to keep them comfortable. 3️⃣ Create a Sleep-Friendly Space – Family gatherings can be lively, but ensuring a calm, safe sleep environment will help your child rest peacefully. 4️⃣ Fasting & Breastfeeding? Stay Hydrated! – If you choose to fast while nursing, drink 2-3 liters of water at night. Most importantly, consult your doctor before making any changes. Finally, take it easy on yourself mama, you are doing great! ❤️ You can follow Dr. Tala for more insightful information!
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Week 49: Peeling Activities to Strengthen the Pincer Grasp
One of the easiest ways to practice your baby’s pincer grasp is to give them opportunities to peel things. Here are our top 5 ideas.
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Week 34: Why Teach Your Baby to Drink from an Open Cup?
Drinking from an open cup is a major milestone. Learn why this skill is crucial and how to help your baby master it.
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Week 101: Welcome to the Twos!
As your little one turns two, get ready for a year full of exciting milestones and growth. Here's what to expect as your child embarks on this new journey.
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Week 100: Tips for Handling Toddler Transitions
Discover practical tips for helping your toddler navigate transitions smoothly, from daily routines to bigger changes.
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