Interactive Timeline: Brain Development from Birth to Age Two

  • Birth

    Birth
    At birth/Infancy, they learn to trust based on how well their caregivers meet their basic needs. The brain has approximately 100 billion neurons but is not fully connected.
  • Month 6

    Month 6
    Babies can recognize familiar faces and sounds. The brain is quickly developing.
  • Month 1

    Month 1
    Babies start to respond to stimuli, and basic reflexes are present.
    The brain connections start to form.
  • Month 3

    Month 3
    Babies begin to develop visual tracking skills and show social responsiveness. There is an increase in visual activity and listening skills.
  • Month 9

    Month 9
    Babies can crawl and begin to understand simple words. These are the motor and cognitive skills. Development of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
  • 1 Year

    1 Year
    Language development begins, and babies can say simple words.
  • 18 Months

    18 Months
    Vocabulary expands, and toddlers start to form simple sentences. Autonomy vs. shame/doubt. The second stage is independent versus dependent.
  • 2 years

    2 years
    Complex thoughts and problem-solving skills begin to emerge. Toddlers can express their needs and desires.