The first two years, from newborn to toddler
Two years, seven stretches, a lot of handoffs. A map of what tends to change, where to read more, and what is worth keeping track of along the way.
Why the first two years change so fast
- Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act and move, and the CDC lists new milestones at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 months.[1]
- Feeding moves from breast milk or formula alone to family foods, with solid foods usually starting around 6 months.[2][3]
- Newborns often sleep in short stretches, and regular sleep cycles usually come later.[4]
- Children do not all develop at the same rate, and there is a wide range of normal.[5]
The seven stretches
- Newborn. Feeds, diapers, short sleeps, handoffs and the first checkups.
- 0 to 3 months. Feeding rhythm, tummy time, sleep and caregiver shifts.
- 3 to 6 months. Sleep changes, rolling, feeds and questions about solid foods.
- 6 to 9 months. First foods, teething, moving around and more caregivers.
- 9 to 12 months. Pulling up, new textures, early words and the first birthday.
- 12 to 18 months. Walking, words, family meals and childcare.
- 18 to 24 months. Language, routines, independence and the end of babyhood.
What parents keep track of
Feeding
For most healthy, full-term babies, parents can follow hunger cues rather than the clock.[6]
Routines
Steady routines for sleeping and feeding help babies learn what to expect.[9]
Appointments
Well-child visits follow a schedule the AAP publishes, from infancy onward, and are a time to talk about growth, development, sleep and eating.[10][11]
Development
Milestones are things most children can do by a certain age. If you have a concern, talk with your child’s doctor.[9]
Shared care
Parents, grandparents, nannies and daycare each see part of the day. The work is keeping one picture of it.
Memories
The big firsts are worth writing down, in whatever way suits your family.
Where product help ends
Our Little Two keeps the record: feeds, sleep, diapers, pumping, meds, temperature, weight and tummy time, in one log the whole Care Team shares. Ask when she last ate or whether you are on track, and the answer comes from that log.
Your pediatrician gives the medical advice. Bring the log to the visit; leave the judgment to them.
Read more: Baby tracker, Shared tracker and Guides.
Sources
- CDC. CDC's Developmental Milestones
- World Health Organization. Infant and young child feeding
- CDC. When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP). Getting Your Baby to Sleep
- MedlinePlus (NIH). Toddler Development
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP). How Often and How Much Should Your Baby Eat?
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Safe Sleep
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP). A Parent’s Guide to Safe Sleep
- CDC. Milestones by 2 Months
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP). AAP Schedule of Well-Child Care Visits
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Bright Futures/AAP Periodicity Schedule