Baby Milestones: Month by Month
Your baby’s first 18 months are full of exciting changes — from their very first smile to those wobbly first steps.
Every week brings something new as your little one learns, grows, and begins to understand the world around them. Watching these milestones unfold is one of the most rewarding parts of parenthood, and it’s completely normal to wonder what to expect next.
While it’s helpful to know the typical stages of development, remember that every baby is unique. Some reach certain milestones a little earlier or later than others, and that’s perfectly okay. What matters most is that your child is progressing at their own pace, surrounded by love, encouragement, and opportunities to explore.
To help guide you through these early months, we’ve broken down key developmental milestones from birth to 18 months - plus ideas for how you can support your baby’s learning through everyday play and connection.
Jump to:
0-3 Months
Gross Motor / Movement
Lifts head and chest when on tummy
Keeps head in the middle when lying on back
Begins to kick and move arms and legs
Fine Motor / Hand & Finger Skills
Opens and closes hands
Brings hands to mouth
Swipes at objects dangling in front
Visual / Perception
Watches faces intently
Follows slow movements (~40 cm in front)
Begins to recognise familiar people
Social / Emotional & Communication
Smiles in response to faces
Begins to coo and make vowel sounds
Gains trust through consistent care and comfort
What You Can Do
Give “tummy time” in short sessions (face-to-face, with toys or a mirror)
Use contrasting mobiles or toys to encourage tracking
Talk, sing, and respond to your baby’s vocalisations
4-6 Months
Gross Motor / Movement
Rolls (front to back, back to front)
Begins to support weight on legs when held
May sit with support
Fine Motor / Hand & Finger Skills
Reaches out with one hand
Grasping toys, shaking or banging them
“Raking” objects toward self
Visual / Perception
Follows moving objects more accurately
Recognises objects and people at a distance
Social / Emotional & Communication
Laughs out loud
Shows excitement in interactions
More expressive with face, coos, responds to voices
What You Can Do
Give toys of different textures, shapes, sounds
Encourage reaching, grasping, exploring in safe space
Talk about what baby sees, name objects
7-9 Months
Gross Motor / Movement
Sits unsupported
Begins to pivot or “worm” on tummy to reach
May begin crawling or bottom shuffling
Fine Motor / Hand & Finger Skills
Transfers objects from one hand to the other
Begins voluntary release of objects
Bangs objects together
Visual / Perception & Cognition
Looks for hidden objects
Responds when a toy is named
Understands simple “in / on / under” as you play
Social / Emotional & Communication
Experiments with gestures (e.g. waving, reaching)
May show stranger anxiety
Babbles with consonant sounds
What You Can Do
Play peek-a-boo, hide small objects to find
Use simple language describing what you and baby see
Provide a safe, open floor space to move
10-12 Months
Gross Motor / Movement
Moves between sitting, lying, crawling
Pulls up to stand, lowers self with control
Cruises (walks holding furniture) and may take first steps
Fine Motor / Hand & Finger Skills
Uses pincer grasp (thumb + index)
Bangs two objects together
Puts objects in a container / takes them out
Visual / Perception & Cognition
Finds hidden items
Looks at correct picture when named (e.g. “Where’s the duck?”)
Begins to understand object permanence
Social / Emotional & Communication
Says perhaps “mama”, “dada”, and a few more words
Imitates gestures (wave, clap)
Responds to simple requests without gestures
What You Can Do
Encourage self-feeding finger foods
Read picture books, point out objects and name them
Limit use of baby walkers — allow floor time to explore freely
13-15 Months
Movement / Gross Motor
Takes steps independently
Squats to pick up objects
Climbs on and off low furniture
Fine Motor / Hand & Finger Skills
Marks on paper (scribbling)
Uses both hands together (one holds, one manipulates)
Begins to use utensils or cups
Cognition / Perception
Explores putting things in and out
Points at things to indicate interest
Social / Emotional & Communication
Uses several single words
Tries to imitate daily tasks
May show more independence / testing limits
What You Can Do
Provide safe stacking toys, simple puzzles
Offer finger foods and practice spoon use
Encourage imitation (you do, baby tries)
16-18 Months
Gross Motor / Movement
Walks independently (though wobbly)
Crawls up stairs or attempts steps
Enjoys push-along toys
Fine Motor / Hand & Finger Skills
Stacks 2–3 blocks
Makes marks on paper with crayon
Removes socks/shoes, feeds self with spoon
Visual / Perception & Cognition
Points to name familiar body parts and objects
Recognises shapes and colours
Understands “in / on / under” and can point to pictures named
Social / Emotional & Communication
Uses more words (beyond “mama”/“dada”)
Follows one-step instructions without gesture
Shows separation anxiety; uses gestures to communicate
What You Can Do
Provide push/pull toys, stacking sets, simple puzzles
Encourage naming of body parts, objects
Read books together, narrate everyday life
Offer simple choices (“Do you want red or blue cup?”)
Every baby develops in their own time, so try not to worry if your little one isn’t following these milestones exactly. Some babies might take their first steps a little later, while others start talking earlier - it’s all part of their individual journey.
What’s most important is offering plenty of love, encouragement, and opportunities to play and explore. If you ever have concerns about your baby’s development, trust your instincts and reach out to your health visitor or GP for reassurance and guidance.
At My Ohana, we believe every milestone, big or small, deserves to be celebrated. Our nurseries provide a nurturing, play-based environment where children can grow, learn, and reach their full potential.
Ready to see what makes our nurseries special? Book a tour today and experience the My Ohana difference for yourself.
