Parent guides
Raising capable kids, one stage at a time
One guide for every stage from newborn to 18. Each covers what’s developing, what the research says, parenting techniques, what to teach, and activities to try, with the strength of the evidence behind each one.
Your pregnancy, day by day
Things to do while you're pregnant, week by weekEvery daily activity from conception to the due date and after, filtered by month and by kind.
Weeks 2 to 4 · days 14 to 34 · 21 writtenYour first month of pregnancy, day by dayDays 14 to 34, from conception: the egg and the sperm, the journey to the womb, implantation, the missed period, and the test, with what's forming, what your body is doing, and one thing to try every day.Start with day 14 →
Weeks 5 to 8 · days 35 to 62 · 28 writtenYour second month of pregnancy, day by dayDays 35 to 62: the brain, spine, and heart begin, a heartbeat, limb buds and paddle hands, the first appointment, folic acid, nausea and tiredness, and what to avoid, with one thing to try every day.Start with day 35 →
Weeks 9 to 13 · days 63 to 97 · 35 writtenYour third month of pregnancy, day by dayDays 63 to 97: the embryo becomes a fetus, fingers and toes, the first screening tests, telling people, nausea's peak and easing, and the end of the first trimester, with one thing to try every day.Start with day 63 →
Weeks 14 to 17 · days 98 to 125 · 28 writtenYour fourth month of pregnancy, day by dayDays 98 to 125: the second trimester begins, the skeleton hardens, lanugo, the bump shows, appetite returns, exercise, sleep on your side, and the anomaly scan ahead, with one thing to try every day.Start with day 98 →
Weeks 18 to 22 · days 126 to 160 · 35 writtenYour fifth month of pregnancy, day by dayDays 126 to 160: hearing begins, the anomaly scan, quickening, vernix, the halfway mark, back and pelvic aches, and iron, with one thing to try every day.Start with day 126 →
Weeks 23 to 27 · days 161 to 195 · 35 writtenYour sixth month of pregnancy, day by dayDays 161 to 195: viability, the glucose test, lungs and air sacs, kicks you can see, Braxton Hicks, swelling and the signs that aren't normal, and the end of the second trimester, with one thing to try every day.Start with day 161 →
Weeks 28 to 31 · days 196 to 223 · 28 writtenYour seventh month of pregnancy, day by dayDays 196 to 223: the third trimester, the eyes open, surfactant, kick counting, the Tdap and RSV vaccines, Rh and the glucose results, leave and the plan, with one thing to try every day.Start with day 196 →
Weeks 32 to 35 · days 224 to 251 · 28 writtenYour eighth month of pregnancy, day by dayDays 224 to 251: bones formed but soft, a half pound a week, head down, the group B strep test, the hospital bag, feeding plans, preterm labor signs, and the pediatrician visit, with one thing to try every day.Start with day 224 →
Weeks 36 to 40 · days 252 to 280 · 29 writtenYour ninth month of pregnancy, day by dayDays 252 to 280: early term, the baby drops, the signs of labor, real versus false contractions, the cervix, waters breaking, what the first hours look like, and your due date, with one thing to try every day.Start with day 252 →
Weeks 40 to 42 · days 281 to 294 · 14 writtenPast your due date, day by dayDays 281 to 294: the two weeks after the due date, why most babies come when they come, monitoring, membrane sweeps and induction, kick counts, and the day your baby's first notes begin, with one thing to try every day.Start with day 281 →Your baby, day by day
Things to do with your baby, by ageEvery daily activity from day 1 to the first birthday, filtered by month and by kind.
Newborn · days 1 to 30 · 30 writtenYour first month, day by dayA short note for every one of your baby's first 30 days: what's developing in their heart, head, and body, one thing to try, what to watch for, and a word for you.Start with day 1 →
1 month · days 31 to 60 · 30 writtenYour second month, day by dayDays 31 to 60: first smiles, the crying peak, tummy time and head shape, coos, your six-week visit, and the 2-month checkup, with one new thing to try every day.Start with day 31 →
2 months · days 61 to 90 · 30 writtenYour third month, day by dayDays 61 to 90: after the shots, the crying curve bends, chuckles, hands that reach and grasp, cause and effect, back to work, and the swaddle's goodbye, with one new thing to try every day.Start with day 61 →
3 months · days 91 to 120 · 30 writtenYour fourth month, day by dayDays 91 to 120: laughs, grabbing, first rolls, a steadier head, depth and color, sleep reorganizing, the drowsy-but-awake question, and the 4-month checkup, with one new thing to try every day.Start with day 91 →
4 months · days 121 to 150 · 30 writtenYour fifth month, day by dayDays 121 to 150: rocking toward rolling, toy hand-offs, babble, cause and effect, the sleep-training question, teeth maybe, and the safety sweep for a baby who grabs, with one new thing to try every day.Start with day 121 →
5 months · days 151 to 180 · 30 writtenYour sixth month, day by dayDays 151 to 180: rolling both ways, tripod sitting, babble, the allergen plan, iron, teeth, a roller's sleep, the floor over containers, water and cord safety, and the 6-month checkup, with one new thing to try every day.Start with day 151 →
6 months · days 181 to 210 · 30 writtenYour seventh month, day by dayDays 181 to 210: first bites, one new food at a time, peanut and egg early and often, gagging versus choking, cups, the drop game, the first tooth, night waking, babyproofing, and seven months, with one new thing to try every day.Start with day 181 →
7 months · days 211 to 240 · 30 writtenYour eighth month, day by dayDays 211 to 240: the 7-to-12-month guide, sitting and getting there, crawling or not, raking and banging, mamamama, thicker textures and the family table, choking, out of sight, the yes space, stranger wariness, night waking, childproofing, batteries, water, screens, and eight months, with one new thing to try every day.Start with day 211 →
8 months · days 241 to 270 · 30 writtenYour ninth month, day by dayDays 241 to 270: the 9-month list, looking when you call, arms up, goodbyes, peekaboo, the pincer, finger foods, cups, crawling and pulling up, walkers, pointing, shoes, nights, the safety walk, bye-bye and pat-a-cake, vaccines, the 9-month visit, and nine months, with one new thing to try every day.Start with day 241 →
9 months · days 271 to 300 · 30 writtenYour tenth month, day by dayDays 271 to 300: pulling up and getting down, cruising, the push box, walking's honest range, the pincer, letting go on purpose, pointing, hand it to me, waving, first words, separation anxiety, child care, nights, cups and bottles, cow's milk, finger foods, water, hot drinks, medicines, screens, and three hundred days, with one new thing to try every day.Start with day 271 →
10 months · days 301 to 330 · 30 writtenYour eleventh month, day by dayDays 301 to 330: the almost-one list, first words, understanding no, things have uses, helping games, hidden toys, pat-a-cake, standing alone, first steps maybe, shoes, favoring a side, family food, the not-before-one list, the bottle wind-down, cups, whole milk ahead, nights, new fears, separation, the yes space at standing height, windows, tip-overs, the car seat, sun, fever, screens, the 12-month visit ahead, and eleven months, with one new thing to try every day.Start with day 301 →
11 months · days 331 to 365 · 35 writtenYour twelfth month, day by dayDays 331 to 365: the last-month list, pat-a-cake for real, bye-bye and hello, the special name, no understood, hidden and found, cruising and first steps, shoes, family food, choking, whole milk from the birthday, the bottle wind-down, iron, teeth, sleep, the first family jobs, the clean-up song, words for feelings, books, balls, the house at walking height, the car seat, fever, the 12-month visit, what a year changed, and one year, with one new thing to try every day.Start with day 331 →The first year
Birth to 1 monthNewbornThe first month is about feeding, sleep, and getting to know each other. Here's what's developing, what the research actually shows, 16 simple activities, and answers to the questions new parents ask most.Read the guide · 16 min16 activities · 18 common questions
1 to 2 months1 monthMonth two brings real smiles, new sounds, and for many families the hardest stretch of crying. Here's what's developing, what the research shows about colic and sleep, and what actually helps.Read the guide · 14 min14 activities · 12 common questions
2 to 3 months2 monthsMonth three brings coos, chuckles, and hands that finally find each other. Here's what's developing, what to expect after the 2-month shots, what the research says about talk and sleep, and what helps.Read the guide · 26 min13 activities · 12 common questions
3 to 4 months3 monthsMonth four brings chuckles, hands that finally grab, and for some babies a first roll. Here's what's developing, what research actually says about the '4-month sleep regression,' and how to get everyone more rest.Read the guide · 18 min13 activities · 12 common questions
4 to 5 months4 monthsAround 4 months, babies start reaching for the world and putting all of it in their mouths. Here's what's developing, what research says about sleep training, early solids, and teething, and what actually helps.Read the guide · 17 min12 activities · 12 common questions
5 to 6 months5 monthsMonth six brings rolling, wobbly sitting, babble with the first consonants, and a lot of questions about food. Here's what's developing, what the research says about peanut, egg, teething, and baby walkers, and what actually helps.Read the guide · 17 min14 activities · 12 common questions
6 to 7 months6 monthsSix months brings first foods, first teeth for many babies, wobbly sitting, and babble that starts to sound like talk. Here's what's developing, what the research says about allergens and baby-led weaning, and what actually helps.Read the guide · 27 min11 activities · 11 common questions
7 months to 1 year7 to 12 monthsThe second half of the first year turns a sitting baby into a mover, a pointer, and maybe a walker. Here's what's developing, what the research says about crawling, babble, and new foods, and how to keep a mobile baby safe.Read the guide · 17 min14 activities · 12 common questions
Toddlers
12 to 24 monthsAge 1This is the year your baby becomes a walking, talking, opinionated toddler. Here's what's developing, what the research says about words, tantrums, screens, and spanking, and how to welcome the helper in your house.Read the guide · 26 min11 activities · 12 common questions
2 to 3 yearsAge 2Two is the year toddlers start talking in sentences, insist on doing it themselves, and want in on everything you do. Here's what's developing, what research says about tantrums, potty training, and stuttering, and what actually helps.Read the guide · 19 min14 activities · 12 common questions
Preschool
3 to 4 yearsAge 3Three-year-olds hold real conversations, ask why about everything, and start making friends. Here's what's developing, what the research really says about preschool, pretend play, and the marshmallow test, and what helps at home.Read the guide · 27 min13 activities · 12 common questions
4 to 5 yearsAge 4Four-year-olds tell long stories, make up rules, and test the truth. Here's what's developing, what research really says about early reading, math, lying, and holding kindergarten off a year, and what helps at home.Read the guide · 18 min14 activities · 12 common questions
Early school years
5 to 6 yearsAge 5Five is the kindergarten year. Here's what's developing, what the research really says about phonics, reading aloud, early math, and starting school young, and what helps at home, from family jobs to a first save jar.Read the guide · 18 min13 activities · 12 common questions
6 to 7 yearsAge 6Six is the start of middle childhood: first grade, wiggly teeth, best friends, and big feelings about fairness. Here's what's developing, what the research really says about homework, praise, and mindset, and what actually helps.Read the guide · 16 min14 activities · 12 common questions
7 to 8 yearsAge 7Seven is the age of rules, fairness, and real competence. Here's what's developing, what research says about self-esteem, worry, reading, and math, and how to build responsibility and money habits that last.Read the guide · 24 min12 activities · 12 common questions
8 to 9 yearsAge 8Eight brings best friends, bigger schoolwork, and for some kids the first signs of puberty. Here's what's developing, what research says about praise, reading, bullying, and sports, and how to build real responsibility at home.Read the guide · 17 min14 activities · 12 common questions
Tweens
9 to 10 yearsAge 9Nine is the start of the tween years: more privacy, a bigger friend world, harder schoolwork, and the first signs of puberty for some kids. Here's what's developing, what the research says (including famous findings that shrank), and what helps.Read the guide · 17 min14 activities · 12 common questions
10 to 11 yearsAge 10Ten is when puberty starts for many kids, friends move to the center of life, and the phone question lands on the kitchen table. Here's what's developing, what the research says (including where experts disagree), and what helps.Read the guide · 24 min13 activities · 12 common questions
11 to 12 yearsAge 11Eleven often brings a new school, a changing body, louder feelings, and the first group chats. Here's what's developing, what the research says (including what's been oversold), and how to stay close while handing over more.Read the guide · 18 min14 activities · 12 common questions
12 to 13 yearsAge 12Twelve often brings a body deep in puberty, a later body clock, sharper arguments, and new pressure online. Here's what's developing, what the research says about the 'teen brain' (and where it's oversold), and practical ways to stay close while handing over more.Read the guide · 18 min13 activities · 12 common questions
Teens
13 to 14 yearsAge 13Thirteen brings bigger feelings, later bedtimes, a first phone or social account, and a strong pull toward friends. Here's what's developing, what the research really shows (including where it's contested), and practical ways to stay connected.Read the guide · 25 min13 activities · 12 common questions
14 to 15 yearsAge 14Fourteen often brings a new high school, heavier homework, first relationships, and maybe a first paycheck. Here's what's developing, what the research says about motivation, studying, sleep, and risk, and practical ways to help.Read the guide · 18 min13 activities · 12 common questions
15 to 16 yearsAge 15Fifteen often brings a learner's permit, a first summer job, and bigger questions about who your teen is becoming. Here's what's developing, what the research says about practice driving, mood, sex talks, and cannabis, and what actually helps.Read the guide · 18 min14 activities · 12 common questions
16 to 17 yearsAge 16Sixteen often brings car keys, a first paycheck, and more freedom than ever. Here's what's developing, what the research says about teen drivers, work, money, and risk, and what actually helps.Read the guide · 26 min13 activities · 12 common questions
17 to 18 yearsAge 17Seventeen is the last full year before legal adulthood. Here's what the research says about college, cost, and finishing, plus the money, health, and life skills your teen needs before they leave home.Read the guide · 17 min14 activities · 12 common questions
18 and launching into adulthoodAge 18Eighteen is a legal line, not a finish line. Here's what changes for parents on paper, what the research says about the young adult brain, mental health, and launching, and how to stay close while your young adult takes the wheel.Read the guide · 17 min12 activities · 12 common questions
These guides summarize published research and guidance from groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics, the CDC, and the WHO. They’re for general education, not medical advice: your pediatrician knows your child, and every child develops on their own timeline. Every guide is also available as plain Markdown for AI assistants and other tools; see llms.txt.