Developmental Milestones by Age

Developmental Milestones by Age: A Guide for Parents

Understanding developmental milestones can help you know what to expect as your child grows, but it's important to remember: milestones are guidelines, not deadlines. Every child develops at their own pace, and that's completely normal. This guide will help you understand typical development while reassuring you that variation is expected and healthy.

Remember: Every Child is Different

Before diving into specific milestones, remember these key points:

Variation is normal:

Some children walk early, others talk early
Some do things in a different order
Some skip certain milestones entirely
All of this can be normal

Milestones are guidelines:

They show typical development, not requirements
Being slightly ahead or behind is usually fine
Focus on progress, not exact timing
Trust your instincts about your child

Your child is unique:

Comparison to other children isn't helpful
Your child has their own strengths and timeline
Celebrate your child's individual progress
Focus on supporting their development, not rushing it

Remember:

You know your child best. If something feels off, trust that feeling, but also remember that variation is normal.

0-3 Months: The Newborn Stage

In the first three months, babies are adjusting to life outside the womb:

Physical development:

Lifts head briefly when on tummy
Opens and closes hands
Brings hands to mouth
Kicks legs and moves arms
Can turn head from side to side

Cognitive development:

Follows objects with eyes
Recognises familiar faces and voices
Responds to sounds
Shows interest in faces

Social and emotional:

Develops social smile (around 6-8 weeks)
Makes eye contact
Calms when picked up or spoken to
Begins to show different cries for different needs

Communication:

Makes cooing sounds
Responds to voices
Turns head toward sounds
Makes different facial expressions

Remember:

Newborns sleep a lot and have limited awake time. Much of their development happens during sleep and quiet alert periods.

4-6 Months: Growing Awareness

Babies become more interactive and aware of their surroundings:

Physical development:

Rolls over (tummy to back, then back to tummy)
Sits with support
Reaches for and grasps objects
Brings objects to mouth
Supports weight on legs when held upright

Cognitive development:

Shows interest in toys and objects
Explores objects with hands and mouth
Recognises familiar people
Responds to own name
Shows curiosity about surroundings

Social and emotional:

Laughs and squeals
Enjoys social interaction
Shows preference for familiar people
May show stranger awareness
Expresses joy, frustration, and other emotions

Communication:

Babbles and makes various sounds
Responds to tone of voice
Makes sounds to get attention
Imitates some sounds

Remember:

This is when many babies start showing their personalities. Enjoy this interactive stage!

7-9 Months: On the Move

Babies become more mobile and communicative:

Physical development:

Sits independently
Gets into crawling position
May crawl, scoot, or roll to move
Pulls to stand with support
Transfers objects between hands
Uses pincer grasp (thumb and finger)

Cognitive development:

Understands object permanence (things exist when out of sight)
Looks for hidden objects
Explores cause and effect
Shows interest in picture books
Imitates actions

Social and emotional:

Shows clear attachment to primary caregivers
May show separation anxiety
Plays interactive games (peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake)
Shows preferences and dislikes
May be wary of strangers

Communication:

Babbles with more variety
Says "mama" or "dada" (may not be specific yet)
Responds to "no"
Uses gestures (pointing, waving)
Understands some words

Remember:

Mobility brings new safety considerations. Baby-proof your home as your child becomes more mobile.

10-12 Months: Standing and First Steps

Many babies take their first steps around this time:

Physical development:

Pulls to stand independently
Cruises along furniture
May take first independent steps
Climbs stairs (with help)
Uses pincer grasp effectively
Can feed themselves finger foods

Cognitive development:

Solves simple problems
Follows simple instructions
Points to objects when named
Shows understanding of familiar words
Imitates actions and sounds

Social and emotional:

Shows clear preferences
May show frustration when unable to communicate
Enjoys interactive play
Shows affection
May show independence and determination

Communication:

Says first words (typically 1-3 words)
Understands many words
Uses gestures to communicate
Shakes head for "no"
Waves bye-bye

Remember:

Walking can happen anywhere from 9-18 months. Both are normal. Don't worry if your child isn't walking yet.

12-18 Months: Toddlerhood Begins

Your baby is now a toddler, with increased independence and communication:

Physical development:

Walks independently
Climbs stairs (with help)
Runs (may be unsteady)
Kicks a ball
Stacks 2-3 blocks
Uses spoon (messily)

Cognitive development:

Follows simple two-step instructions
Points to body parts
Shows interest in cause and effect
Imitates adult activities
Solves simple problems

Social and emotional:

Shows independence
May have tantrums when frustrated
Shows empathy (may comfort others)
Plays alongside other children (parallel play)
Shows preferences and opinions

Communication:

Vocabulary expands (typically 5-20 words)
Uses single words to communicate
Follows simple commands
Points to show interest
Understands much more than they can say

Remember:

This is a stage of big emotions and growing independence. Tantrums are normal as toddlers learn to communicate and assert themselves.

18-24 Months: Language Explosion

Many children experience a language explosion during this period:

Physical development:

Runs more confidently
Kicks and throws balls
Climbs furniture
Walks up and down stairs (with help)
Builds towers with blocks
Uses utensils more effectively

Cognitive development:

Follows two-step instructions
Sorts objects by shape or colour
Shows pretend play
Understands "mine" and "yours"
Shows problem-solving skills

Social and emotional:

Shows more complex emotions
May show possessiveness
Begins parallel play with other children
Shows empathy and concern for others
May resist help (wants to do things independently)

Communication:

Vocabulary expands rapidly (50-200+ words)
Begins combining words ("more milk", "daddy go")
Asks questions
Follows simple conversations
Uses words to express needs and wants

Remember:

The "terrible twos" often begin around 18 months. This is normal development as children assert independence.

When to Seek Help

While variation is normal, there are times to seek professional advice:

Red flags to watch for:

No social smile by 3 months
Not reaching for objects by 6 months
Not sitting independently by 9 months
No babbling by 12 months
Not walking by 18 months
No words by 18 months
Loss of previously acquired skills
Extreme sensitivity to sounds, textures, or lights
Lack of eye contact or social interaction

Who to contact:

Your health visitor (for children under 5)
Your GP
Your child's nursery or school
Local children's services

Early intervention:

Early intervention can make a significant difference
Don't wait if you're concerned
Trust your instincts—you know your child best
It's better to ask and be reassured than to worry

Remember:

Seeking help doesn't mean something is wrong. It means you're being proactive about your child's development.

Frequently Asked Questions

My child isn't walking yet, but they're 15 months. Should I worry?

Walking typically happens between 9-18 months. If your child is showing other signs of development (pulling to stand, cruising), they're likely fine. However, if you're concerned, speak to your health visitor.

My child isn't talking much. When should I be concerned?

Children typically say their first words around 12 months and have 5-20 words by 18 months. However, understanding usually comes before speaking. If your child understands words and gestures but isn't speaking much, they may just be a late talker. If concerned, speak to your health visitor.

Is it normal for my child to hit milestones in a different order?

Yes, completely normal. Some children focus on physical skills first, others on communication. As long as your child is making progress overall, the order doesn't matter.

What if my child was premature?

Use their adjusted age (age from due date, not birth date) when considering milestones, especially in the first two years.

Should I be doing activities to help my child reach milestones?

Play and interaction are the best ways to support development. You don't need special programs—reading, talking, playing, and responding to your child are what matter most.

How do I know if my child is just developing at their own pace vs. needing help?

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, speak to your health visitor. They can assess whether your child is developing typically or if support would be helpful. It's always better to ask.

Celebrate Your Child's Individual Journey

Every child develops at their own pace and in their own way. Milestones are helpful guidelines, but they're not requirements. Focus on supporting your child's development through play, interaction, and love—not on comparing them to others or rushing them to meet specific timelines.

Trust your instincts. You know your child best. If you have concerns, seek professional advice. But also remember: variation is normal, and your child's individual journey is what matters.

If you need more support, check out our guides on "Supporting Your Child's Learning" or "Social and Emotional Development" for additional strategies. You're doing great.