Babies, toddlers and children – childhood milestones to expect

Remember!

These are just a guide and every child develops at their own pace. If you have any questions about your child’s development, consult your doctor.

2 months

• Starts smiling at others.
• Directs head toward noises.
• Notices faces.
• Supports own head.

Tip: Speak, sing and read to your two month-old.

4 months

• Mimics certain facial expressions and movements.
• Starts babbling.
• Reaches for objects.
• May roll from stomach to back. Tip: Surround your baby with safe toys to explore.

6 months

• Recognises familiar faces.
• Uses sounds to express emotions.
• Starts passing objects between hands.
• Starts sitting unsupported; rolls from stomach to back and vice versa.

Tip: Point to and talk about things your baby notices.

9 months

• May fear strangers.
• Comprehends ‘no’.
• Uses thumb and index finger to pick up objects.
• Stands, with support; crawls; pulls self into seated position.

Tip: Play games that involve taking turns.

12 months

• Cautious around strangers; gets upset when parent leaves.
• Performs basic gestures (e.g. waving goodbye).
• Follows simple instructions.
• May take some steps plus stand unassisted.

Tip: Encourage your child to name body parts.

18 months

• May throw tantrums.
• Points at things he/she wants.
• Can point to a body part.
• Can walk and possibly run; eats using a spoon and drinks from a cup.

Tip: Encourage your child to use a cup and spoon at mealtimes.

2 years

• Independence increases.
• May start playing with, rather than just beside, other kids.
• Can name body parts and familiar people.
• Can kick a ball.

Tip: Encourage your 2-year-old to do basic chores.

3 years

• Expresses more emotions.
• Can follow 2- or 3-step instructions.
• Can have a conversation.
• Climbs and runs well.

Tip: Give 2- or 3-step instructions (e.g. “Go to the front door and put on your shoes.”).

4 years

• Prefers playing with other kids than alone.
• Shares stories.
• Can use scissors and identify some colours and numbers.
• Can usually catch a bounced ball.

Tip: Encourage imaginary play (e.g. dress-ups).

5-6 years

• May be excited or nervous about starting school.
• Benefits socially, emotionally and cognitively from playtime.
• Emotional self-control and attention span increase.
• Can learn how to jump rope and bike-ride.

Tip: Help prepare your child for school by applying classroom practices (e.g. listening, responding and asking questions about a topic).

6-8 years

• Likes making friends.
• Can do basic maths (e.g. addition and subtraction).
• Speech is clear.
• May do cartwheels and jump down steps.

Tip: Reassure your child that making mistakes is okay.

9-10 years

• May experience a growth spurt.
• Places great value on friends’ opinions.
• May have more squabbles with siblings, especially younger ones.
• Increasingly self-conscious.

Tip: Set up a study space at home for completing homework.

Here to help

At nib, we offer health insurance for every life stage. Contact us today.