The first year of your baby's life is filled with remarkable changes. From the tiny newborn who can barely lift their head to the curious almost-toddler taking those first wobbly steps, the transformation is extraordinary. Understanding developmental milestones helps you appreciate your baby's progress and know when to seek guidance—but it's equally important to remember that healthy babies develop at their own pace, and variation is normal.
Milestone ranges represent when most babies achieve certain skills. Your baby might be early with some milestones and later with others. Premature babies should be assessed using their corrected age (calculated from their due date rather than birth date) until around age two.
Birth to Two Months
Your newborn arrives with remarkable capabilities, yet remains completely dependent on you. These early weeks are about adjustment—for both of you.
Physical Development
- Reflexes dominate movement—rooting, sucking, startle (Moro), and grasp reflexes
- Limited head control; head needs support when held
- By six weeks, may briefly lift head during tummy time
- Arms and legs move in jerky, uncoordinated patterns
- Eyes can focus on objects 20-30cm away
Social and Communication
- Recognises mother's voice from birth
- First real smile typically appears around six weeks
- Cries to communicate needs
- Begins making cooing sounds
- Fascinated by faces, especially yours
Three to Four Months
This is often when parents feel the "fourth trimester" ends. Your baby becomes more interactive and their personality shines through.
Physical Development
- Much improved head control; holds head steady when supported upright
- Pushes up on forearms during tummy time
- Brings hands together and discovers fingers
- Reaches for objects (though not accurately)
- May begin rolling from tummy to back
Social and Communication
- Laughs and squeals with delight
- Smiles responsively and initiates social interaction
- Coos with vowel sounds ("aaah", "oooh")
- Watches faces intently
- May show preference for familiar people
Talk to your baby constantly—narrate your day, sing songs, and respond to their vocalisations. This "serve and return" interaction builds brain connections and language skills.
Five to Six Months
Your baby is becoming a skilled observer and more capable of interacting with their world. Many parents find this a delightful stage.
Physical Development
- Rolls both ways (tummy to back and back to tummy)
- Sits with support, may begin sitting briefly unsupported
- Bears weight on legs when held standing
- Grasps objects and transfers between hands
- Everything goes to the mouth for exploration
Social and Communication
- Responds to their name
- Babbles with consonant sounds ("ba-ba", "da-da")
- May show stranger awareness or shyness
- Enjoys social games and laughs readily
- Shows curiosity about surroundings
Around six months is typically when solid foods are introduced, adding a whole new dimension to mealtimes and development.
Seven to Nine Months
Mobility often emerges during this period, though the type and timing varies enormously between babies. Some crawl traditionally, others bum-shuffle, commando crawl, or skip crawling entirely.
Physical Development
- Sits independently and confidently
- Crawling may begin (average age is 7-10 months, but wide variation is normal)
- Pulls to standing while holding furniture
- Uses pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger) to pick up small objects
- Claps hands
Social and Communication
- Understands "no" (though may not comply)
- Waves bye-bye
- Points at objects
- Separation anxiety may peak
- Enjoys peek-a-boo and other interactive games
Once your baby is mobile, your home becomes an adventure playground from their perspective. Ensure your home is baby-proofed before they're crawling, not after—mobility often arrives suddenly!
Ten to Twelve Months
The final months of the first year bring increasing independence, first words, and for some babies, first steps. Your baby is becoming a toddler.
Physical Development
- Cruises along furniture
- May stand briefly unsupported
- First steps may appear (average 12 months, but 9-18 months is normal range)
- Improved fine motor skills; can pick up small items precisely
- May stack blocks or put objects in containers
Social and Communication
- First words often emerge ("mama", "dada", and one or two others)
- Understands simple instructions
- Points to indicate wants
- Shows preferences and developing personality
- Imitates actions and sounds
When to Talk to Your Child Health Nurse or GP
While variation in development is normal, certain signs warrant professional assessment. Contact your child health nurse or GP if your baby:
- Isn't making eye contact or smiling by three months
- Doesn't respond to loud sounds
- Isn't bearing weight on legs when held upright by six months
- Loses skills they previously had
- Seems unusually stiff or floppy
- Doesn't babble by nine months
- Shows no interest in interacting with others
- Doesn't point or wave by twelve months
Early intervention services in Australia are well-developed and can make a significant difference if developmental concerns are identified. Don't hesitate to raise concerns—health professionals would rather reassure you than miss an issue.
Supporting Your Baby's Development
The best way to support development is through responsive parenting: following your baby's lead, providing a safe environment for exploration, talking and reading to them, and giving plenty of love and interaction. Fancy toys aren't necessary—everyday objects and experiences provide rich learning opportunities.
Remember that development isn't a race. A baby who walks at nine months isn't "ahead" of one who walks at fifteen months—both are normal. Your child health nurse can track your baby's individual progress and provide reassurance or referrals as needed.
Enjoy this incredible first year. It passes quickly, and each stage, while challenging, brings new joys and discoveries. Trust your baby's development, trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to ask for support when you need it.
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