Your Baby's First Year: Well-Child Visits & Key Milestones
The first twelve months are a whirlwind of firsts — first smiles, first teeth, first wobbly head-lifts. Staying on top of routine checkups is one of the simplest things you can do to make sure your little one is on track.
Why well-baby visits matter
Routine checkups — sometimes called well-baby or well-child visits — are appointments specifically for healthy babies, separate from visits for illness or injury. During these appointments a doctor or nurse tracks your baby's growth, screens for any early signs of concern, and administers scheduled vaccinations. Catching potential issues early almost always means easier, more effective treatment.
These visits are also your dedicated time to ask questions — no concern is too small. How much should my baby sleep? Is this rash normal? Bring a list.
The first-year schedule
Most babies have at least six well-child visits before their first birthday. The first typically happens just two to three days after coming home from the hospital, since so much changes in those first few days.
2–3 days
after coming home
1 month
well-baby visit
2 months
well-baby visit
4 months
well-baby visit
6 months
well-baby visit
9 months
well-baby visit
Never wait until a scheduled visit if something feels off. Call the doctor's office right away — that's what they're there for.
Developmental milestones to watch for
At each visit, your doctor will ask about new skills your baby has picked up. These "developmental milestones" are general guideposts — not strict deadlines — but they help flag areas that might need extra attention.
1–2 months
Begins to smile at faces, follows moving objects with eyes, lifts head briefly during tummy time, responds to sounds.
4 months
Laughs and squeals, holds head steady without support, pushes up on arms during tummy time, recognises familiar faces.
6 months
Rolls both ways, begins sitting with support, babbles consonant sounds, reaches for and grabs objects.
9 months
May pull to stand, crawls or scoots, understands "no," waves bye-bye, shows stranger anxiety.
Dental milestones in the first year
Teeth tend to arrive when you least expect them — usually around 4 to 7 months, though the range of "normal" is wide. Some babies cut their first tooth at 3 months; others don't see one until after their first birthday. Both ends of the spectrum are fine.
4–7 months
Central incisors
Lower front teeth usually arrive first, followed by the upper front pair.
8–12 months
Lateral incisors
The teeth flanking the front two begin to emerge, top and bottom.
By 12 months
First dental visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental checkup by the first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth.
Caring for those first teeth
Even before the first tooth breaks through, you can wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. Once a tooth appears, switch to a soft-bristled infant toothbrush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste — about the size of a grain of rice. Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice, as prolonged contact with sugary liquids is one of the leading causes of early childhood tooth decay.
Teething discomfort is real. Cold teething rings or a gentle gum massage can help. Check with your doctor before using any teething gels.
A note on parental wellbeing
Well-baby visits aren't just for your baby. Doctors and nurses will often check in on how you're doing too — whether you feel supported, whether you're managing the sleep deprivation, and whether you're showing any signs of postpartum depression. Don't brush off these questions. Your health matters as much as your baby's.