Start the New Year Strong: 5 Ways to Help Baby Reach Their Milestones

• Small, everyday actions can make learning fun and natural for Baby at home.

• Encourage independence, make simple playtime adjustments, and celebrate each small win to help Baby reach milestones with confidence.

• Pathways.org gives you the expert tools and activities to support Baby’s development all year long.

A new year brings new milestones, and we’ve got your game plan to support Baby’s development! These expert-backed tips will help you make learning fun, natural, and easy so Baby can thrive all year long.

1. Encourage Baby-Directed Movement

Let Baby take the lead! Baby-directed movement, or when Baby explores and figures things out independently, allows Baby to discover what their body can do, like realizing shaking a rattle makes a fun noise or lifting their head lets them see your smiling face. These moments build new brain connections that support growth and learning!

Encourage baby-directed movement by giving Baby plenty of floor time to explore and minimizing the time they spend in baby containers. When they’re working toward a new motor skill, try waiting before showing or helping. For example, if Baby is working on rolling, you can motivate them by placing a favorite toy nearby. If they need a little boost? Gently rock them on their side and let them do the rest. If they still can’t get it, then you can guide them through the movement.

Here’s what this can look like:

Remember to take a break if Baby gets fussy. This helps keep the experience positive. Plus, trying something new is hard work!

2. Make Simple Adjustments to Playtime

Baby doesn’t need fancy toys or equipment to learn! Using their everyday surroundings and making small changes is all it takes to create the best learning environment for Baby.

Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Try a variety of positions to help Baby engage different muscles

• Use a blanket on hard surfaces so Baby feels comfortable during floor time

• Keep only a few toys out at a time so Baby can focus without feeling overwhelmed

• Reduce background noise or distractions to help Baby stay engaged

• Make playtime social by talking, singing, and interacting with Baby

Weaving learning moments into your daily routine can help them feel less like “one more task”. For example, you might get a few minutes of Tummy Time in after a diaper change or let Baby explore textures while you’re folding laundry.

And remember to have realistic expectations for you and Baby. You might set a small goal, like doing intentional learning activities three times a day for 10-15 minutes.

3. Engage Others in Baby's Care

It really does take a village! Having a strong support system that understands Baby’s goals and routines can make a big difference in their development.

If Baby spends time with grandparents, babysitters, or other caregivers, share what’s working for you at home. Let them know how you encourage baby-directed movement, build learning into everyday routines, and the activities you use to support their skills.

If Baby will be in a different space, offer a few quick tips for their play area, like using a comfortable surface for Tummy Time or keeping a few favorite toys within reach.

When everyone caring for Baby is on the same page, it creates more opportunities for Baby to practice new skills and stay consistent from one environment to another.

4. Celebrate the Small Wins

It’s natural to look forward to what’s next—Baby’s first word, first steps, or first birthday. But in the middle of all those “nexts”, it’s important to pause and celebrate where Baby is right now.

Maybe Baby just lifted their head for the first time during Tummy Time or rolled to their back after a week of trying. Those small wins deserve big cheers! These early accomplishments lay the foundation for all the milestones still to come.

When you take time to notice and celebrate Baby’s progress, it helps you stay present and builds Baby’s confidence, too. Praise and encouragement are powerful motivators at any age, so smile, clap, and cheer on Baby to show their hard work matters!

5. Take Advantage of Resources That Make Supporting Baby Easier!

Supporting Baby’s development is easier when you have expert tools to guide you. With the free Pathways.org Baby Milestones App, you can track milestones, discover easy activities that fit into your routine, and feel confident about Baby’s growth.

The app helps you stay aware of Baby’s strengths and what they need extra help with, which makes conversations with your healthcare provider even more productive at each well-baby visit. You can also share Baby’s account with other caregivers so everyone stays on the same page, sees Baby’s progress, and knows which activities to try together.

The Pathways.org Baby Milestones App makes supporting Baby’s development feel simple, natural, and fun! Download the app now.

Here’s to a new year full of learning, memories, and milestones to celebrate!