Skills & Stages

Your child's first years are full of exciting changes. With each new stage, they discover more about their environment, how their body works, and how to move, communicate, concentrate, and play. Explore our expert guides to learn the key skills and milestones in each stage.

Father holding up their baby

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Baby walking and pulling The Pull Pup by Lovevery

Walking

Your baby’s first steps may happen anywhere from 9 to 18 months of age, a wide range that represents the uniqueness of each child’s development.

Toddler crawling on the floor

Crawling

Crawling opens the door to a new phase of exploration and movement for your baby.

Father practicing pointing with their child

Language & Communication

Pointing

Pointing is an important early step in your child’s ability to communicate.

Mother and child using the Liquid Color Lab from The Problem Solver Play Kit

Learning & Cognitive Skills

Colors

Understanding color is a surprisingly complex learning process. Learn why learning colors is important and activities to support it.

Mother comforting an upset child

Language & Communication

Crying

For at least the first few months, crying is the primary way that babies communicate with their caregivers.

Child playing with different toys from The Play Kits by Lovevery

Play & Activities

Independent Play

Learn easy ways to get your child started with independent play, and why this type of play is so important for their development.

Baby playing with the Ball Drop Box from The Inspector Play Kit

Throwing

Throwing is an early lesson in cause and effect for babies—who might practice their newfound skills in some less-than-fun ways at first.

Mother with their baby on her lap

Language & Communication

Talking & Language Development

Here’s what to know about your baby’s language development, including how to encourage their first words.

Child stacking the Lovevery Wooden Stacking Stones

Stacking

Learning to stack objects involves fine motor skills, coordination, and a basic understanding of how pieces work together.

Baby learning object permanence with the Ball Drop Box from The Inspector Play Kit

Learning & Cognitive Skills

Object Permanence

When your baby looks for something hidden, that's object permanence at work—here's when to expect it, and why it matters.

Baby play with the Organic Cotton High-Contrast Ball from The Play Gym

Rolling

Rolling helps your baby learn how different parts of their body move, while strengthening their core and back muscles.

Child putting together the Wooden Wobble Puzzle from The Problem Solver Play Kit

Learning & Cognitive Skills

Problem-Solving

How do babies and toddlers learn problem-solving skills like creativity and flexible thinking?

Mother and child looking at the 'Things I See' Texture Cards from The Inspector Play Kit

Language & Communication

Smiling

When do babies start smiling? Here’s what to know about your baby’s first smile, including how to encourage more of them.

Child doing tummy time with the Magic Tissue Box by Lovevery

Tummy Time

Tummy time looks a little different at each age. Your baby’s skills and abilities may change from month to month—or even week to week.

Child playing with the Storytelling Puppet Set in the Puppet Theater from Lovevery

Play & Activities

Pretend Play

Pretend play is an important part of growing up—here's what to know about how it develops in early childhood.

Mother and baby laughing together

Language & Communication

Laughing

When will you hear your baby's first laugh? At first, your baby’s laugh may be short and quiet. But over time, it will develop into a full belly laugh.

Child playing with the Drop & Match Dot Catcher from The Helper Play Kit

Learning & Cognitive Skills

Matching & Sorting

Read why matching and sorting are important skills for your toddler. Try these activities to help them practice and learn.

Child sitting up playing with the Tummy Time Wobbler by Lovevery

Sitting

By around 5 to 9 months, your baby may be able to sit up on their own briefly before needing help.

Siblings fighting over the Wooden Camper With Locking Doors from The Free Spirit Play Kit

Sharing & Taking Turns

Learning to share is a complex, collaborative process that takes years to develop. Here’s what to know about when and how children learn to share.

Child stacking and playing with the Nesting Stacking Dripdrop Cups from The Inspector Play Kit

Standing

Many babies can stand up unassisted—at least briefly—by around 10 to 16 months of age.

Child stacking things on top of the Montessori Sensory Box from The Analyst Play Kit

Play & Activities

Sensory Play

Everything your child touches, tastes, hears, smells, or eats helps create new neural connections. See how sensory play experiences are building blocks for your child’s brain.