Child, Toddler And Baby Milestones: A Timeline
Milestones you can 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.
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