Watching your baby grow and hit new milestones is one of the most exciting parts of parenthood. From their first babble to their first step, each event is a moment to celebrate. While every baby develops at their own pace, having an understanding of milestones and growth patterns can help you feel confident as your child progresses through each stage. Pediatrician Dr. Allison Whitney at The Iowa Clinic South Ankeny Pediatrics shares what each parent should know during these formative years.
Baby Growth Chart – The First 18 Months
Growth charts are more than just numbers, they’re a snapshot of your baby’s overall health and development. By tracking your baby’s height, weight and head circumference over time, pediatricians are able to ensure your baby is growing at a healthy rate.
“Growth curves are very helpful in pediatrics as there is a wide range of what is considered ‘normal’,” says Dr. Whitney. "We want to ensure your child is growing well and looking at trends over time is the best tool we have to do this.”
Average Baby Boy Weight by Month
| Birth | 5 - 10 pounds |
| 3 months | 10 - 16 pounds |
| 6 months | 13 - 17 pounds |
| 9 months | 17 - 25 pounds |
| 12 months | 18 - 26 pounds |
| 15 months | 20 - 30 pounds |
| 18 months | 21 - 32 pounds |
Average Baby Girl Weight by Month
| Birth | 5.5 - 9 pounds |
| 3 months | 9 - 15 pounds |
| 6 months | 12 - 20 pounds |
| 9 months | 15 - 23 pounds |
| 12 months | 17 - 25 pounds |
| 15 months | 19 - 28 pounds |
| 18 months | 20 - 30 pounds |
Key Milestones
Again, each child develops at their own pace, so some babies may reach milestones sooner or later than others.
“Development is a key part of pediatrics, including various milestones that children reach as they get older,” explains Dr. Whitney. “By scheduling your recommended well child checks, we can help keep a close eye on their progress toward these milestones, answer questions you may have and offer help if any issues arise.”
2 Months
- Lifting their head briefly during tummy time
- Smiling in response to your voice or touch
- Begins to track objects with their eyes
4 Months
- Pushes up on elbow during tummy time
- Rolling from tummy to back and back to tummy
- Babbling and making vowel sounds like “ooh” and “ahh”
- Reaching for toys and exploring them with their hands and mouth
5-6 Months
- Responding to their name
- Recognizes familiar faces and reacts to strangers
- Sits without support for short periods
- Starts to transfer objects from one hand to the other
- Make consonant sounds like “ba” or “da”
8 Months
- Crawls or scoots to explore surroundings
- Engages in simple games like peek-a-boo
- Recognizes familiar words and responds to simple commands
9 Months
- Pulls to stand and cruises along furniture
- Imitates gestures like clapping or waving
- Understands “no” and may use simple words like “mama” or “dada”
12 Months (One Year)
- Takes first steps or stands alone
- Follows simple directions
- Says one or two words besides “mama” or “dada”
15 Months
- Walks steadily and starts climbing furniture
- Shows interest in other children and initiates play
- Understands and uses 4-6 words consistently
- Uses objects correctly, like brushing hair
18 Months
- Shows more independence, like wanting to complete tasks on their own
- Engages in pretend play
- Says 10-20 words and points to objects they want
“The first few years of your child's life are full of excitement and challenges!” says Dr. Whitney. “As pediatricians, we enjoy following along on your journey and supporting you every step of the way.”
When to Contact Your Provider
As you track your baby’s growth and milestones, celebrate the small victories! However, if you feel your child isn’t meeting the milestones for their age or you’re concerned about your baby’s growth or development, our board-certified pediatricians are here to support you. Schedule an appointment online or call 515.875.9000 to ensure your baby is on the path to healthy development.
AllisonWhitney , MD
Allison Whitney, MD chose pediatrics because the field combines her passion for medicine, science and teaching young children.
She enjoys building long-term relationships and knowing that she’s part of helping her patients mold their future. She knows, as a pediatrician, this is a huge responsibility as well as incredibly rewarding. Following families and watching the children she has cared for grow up, makes her job worth it.
Dr. Whitney was born in Indianola but spent the majority of her childhood in central Illinois. She has lots of family in Iowa and is excited to be closer to them. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and chocolate lab, as well as reading, spending time outdoors and traveling.