Measure what matters

Every baby is different, and their activity and development will be unique. Tracking activity during the early months can be helpful in better understanding your baby’s patterns. Tracking milestones can be an opportunity to celebrate your baby’s growth and achievements. However, doing this is not for everyone, especially if you think it’ll cause more anxiety than joy.

Tracking activity 

Tracking your baby’s activities in the early months can help you understand their needs and set a routine. Recording when and how long your baby feeds (for breastfeeding) or how much they drink (for bottle feeding) can help you better understand their eating patterns and nutritional needs. Keeping track of wet and dirty diapers can also help you ensure your baby is getting enough to eat.

Monitoring sleep patterns, including naps and nighttime sleep, can help you recognize your baby’s sleep cues and establish a consistent sleep schedule, which can also be beneficial for your rest. However, if the idea of tracking these activities sounds like it would be overwhelming or stressful, you can plan to skip it.

You can simply count wet and dirty diapers in the first few weeks to ensure your baby is feeding well and watch your baby to learn their signs of overtiredness, like jerky movements, arching their back, difficulty calming down, or resisting sleep.

Your pediatrician will let you know what to look for in terms of diapers, but generally, you can expect 6 or more wet diapers a day throughout the first month of life, after the first few days.

Choosing a tracking method

If you choose to track your baby’s activity, think about what method will work best for you. If you prefer instant updates and easy access, a mobile app could be ideal, as it’ll allow you to log and review information directly from your smartphones. On the other hand, if you enjoy writing things down or want a physical record, a manual log might be more suitable. Whichever method you choose, make sure it’s simple for all caregivers to use so that you can accurately track feedings, diaper changes, and sleep patterns without added stress.

Tracking milestones

_Tracking your baby’s developmental milestones, like their first smile, rolling over, or crawling, can give you a clear picture of their growth and progress. It helps you see if your baby is hitting typical developmental stages and can provide helpful information for your pediatrician during check-ups.

This allows the doctor to address any concerns and give personalized advice. Additionally, recording these milestones creates a special keepsake, letting you look back on your baby’s early achievements with joy.

On the other hand, focusing too much on tracking can create stress for you and your baby. Every child grows at their own pace, and rigid expectations might overshadow the natural joy of watching them develop.

Excessive tracking can also lead to comparing your baby’s progress with others, which can be discouraging if milestones are reached at different times. While tracking can be helpful, balancing it with a relaxed approach, enjoying your baby's growth without becoming overly concerned about meeting specific milestones is important.

Key milestones to track in the year

0-3 Months

• Lifts head briefly during tummy time
• Focuses on faces and bright objects
• Startles at loud noises
• Grasps objects placed in hand
• Smiles and coos in response to your voice and smile

4-6 Months

• Rolls over from tummy to back
• Babbles and laughs
• Reaches for and grabs objects
• Sits with support
• Begins to develop hand-eye coordination

7-9 Months

• Sits independently
• Crawls or scoots around
• Pulls up to stand
• Responds to own name
• Plays peek-a-boo and other simple games
• Says "mama" and "dada" (even if not specific to parents yet)

10-12 Months

• Takes first steps
• Says a few simple words
• Imitates gestures and sounds
• Finds hidden objects easily
• Develops pincer grasp (picks up small objects between thumb and index finger)

Your baby may hit some of these earlier or later than these ranges. They'll write their own unique story, and you'll get a front-row seat to watch it unfold.

You might also find baby classes that can support development and offer a chance to meet other parents and babies. These classes can provide useful tips and be enjoyable, but remember, they’re not essential for your baby to learn new skills.

If you have any questions about your baby’s development, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your pediatrician. They can offer guidance and address any concerns you might have.

Choosing a tracking method 

Digital apps are a convenient option if you’ll want real-time updates and easy access to data from your smartphones. These apps often include features like automated reminders and visual charts, making it easy to stay organized and monitor your baby's growth.

Alternatively, if you prefer the experience of writing things down or want a tangible record, a traditional baby book or journal might be more appealing. These can serve as cherished keepsakes, allowing you to document milestones in a personal and sentimental way. You might also consider using printable milestone checklists alongside your manual log. 

Think about how each method will fit into your daily routine and which will be easiest for both of you to use. The goal is to choose a method that feels simple and enjoyable, so you can focus on celebrating your baby's milestones without adding unnecessary stress.

Tips for successful tracking 

Set aside dedicated time

You can choose a specific time each day to record your baby’s milestones. You might decide to do this during nap time or after your baby has gone to bed, depending on what will work best for your schedule. Establishing this routine can help you keep a detailed and organized record of your baby’s growth and development.

Encourage both partners to participate

Sharing the responsibility of tracking milestones can help ensure that no special moments are missed and can provide a bonding opportunity for you as parents. Take turns updating the baby book, app, or journal, and discuss your observations together. 

Take photos & videos to capture special moments

Taking photos and videos is a wonderful way to document your baby’s milestones. Plan to capture special moments like their first smile or first steps to complement your written notes. These visual records will create lasting memories and provide a tangible way to look back on your baby’s early days. These keepsakes will be cherished by your family for years to come.

When to consult with your pediatrician 

If you have questions about your baby's progress, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your pediatrician. They can assess your baby’s development and, if needed, refer you to specialists who can provide targeted therapies to support your baby's growth.

Regular well-baby check-ups with your pediatrician are helpful for monitoring your baby's development. These appointments are a chance to ask questions, seek advice, and make sure your baby is meeting key milestones. Come prepared with any questions or concerns you have, and remember that no question is too small or too silly.

Additional resources:

• Developmental Milestones (Centers for Disease Control)