Developmental milestones

Developmental milestones refer to the steps that baby and children take in their early years to develop skills. All children are different, but an awareness of milestones and your child’s progress can be a helpful way of working out if your child needs extra support. A child’s family and the people in their lives are essential in supporting them to develop - talking, playing and guiding your child will support them on their journey.

Below, you can find a list of some of the things you might expect your child to be doing at certain ages. Remember that milestones are a rough guide, and it’s unlikely that your child will be on target across all areas. But if there may be a delay, acting early is important.


Two months:

• Turns head to the side while lying on tummy

• Waves arms and legs while lying on back

• Briefly holds a toy when given to them

• Follows objects or people with both eyes

• Makes cooing sounds and smiles when spoken to

Four months:

• Holds head up when lying on tummy

• Holds head steady when sitting

• Reaches for nearby toys

• Holds and explores toys in their hand

• Smiles at themselves in a mirror and chuckles

Six months:

• Rolls from back to tummy

• Sits with support

• Gets into a crawling position

• Grasps toys with both hands and passes them from one hand to the other

Nine months:

• Sits without support

• Crawls or pulls to stand

• Rolls over both ways

• Responds to simple commands and points at objects

Twelve months:

• Sits well and stands with support

• Walks around furniture and may stand alone

• Uses first finger and thumb to pick up small objects

• Says meaningful words like "Mummy" and "Daddy"

Eighteen months:

• Walks well and climbs stairs with help

• Stacks blocks and turns pages of a book

• Says several single words and follows simple commands

Two years old:

• Tries to kick a ball and runs well

• Holds a pencil correctly and strings small items

• Uses cups with no lid and engages in pretend play

Three years old:

• Walks on tip toes and pedals a tricycle

• Climbs walls and catches a large ball

• Says name, age, and numbers up to 10

Four years old:

• Walks up and down stairs using alternate feet

• Hops and stands on one foot

• Draws a person with recognizable body parts

Five years old:

• Balances and stands on one foot for about 10 seconds

• Swings, climbs, and slides down a slide

• Speaks very clearly, knows their name and address, and enjoys storytelling