What are developmental milestones?

Developmental milestones are skills most children develop within a certain age range, such as:

• smiling
• sitting
• walking
• talking
• playing with others

These milestones show how your child is growing and learning.

Most children learn these skills in the same order, but not always at the same time. Some children may walk or talk earlier or later than others — that's normal.

What do developmental milestones measure?

Developmental milestones show how your child learns and builds new skills over time. These skills are grouped into areas of development.

Child health nurses and doctors will check if your baby or child is meeting milestones in the following areas:

• gross motor skills — big body movements, such as rolling, sitting, crawling and walking
• fine motor skills — small body movements, such as holding toys, using cutlery, scribbling or dressing themselves
• social and emotional development — how they bond with others, show feelings, play and react to things such as separation or new people
• cognitive skills — how they think, learn, solve problems and explore their surroundings
• speech and language — how they hear, make sounds, use words and understand what others say

When should my child meet developmental milestones?

Babies grow and develop very quickly in their first 12 months.

While all children reach milestones at different times, there are general age ranges for when most children develop certain skills. If your child hasn't met a milestone by the time most children do, it could be a sign of a developmental delay.

Early intervention can make a big difference. It can:

• support your child's development
• improve their learning and communication
• help them build important life skills

This is why regular checks with your doctor or child health nurse are important. Even if your child has regular health checks, it's important to watch how they grow and reach their milestones.

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When should I see my doctor?

If you're worried about your child's progress or development, speak with your doctor or child health nurse.

Here are some signs to watch for at different ages.

Signs to watch for by 6 months old

Speak with your doctor or child health nurse if your baby:

• doesn't make babbling sounds, such as 'aah' or 'ooh'
• doesn't reach for or hold toys
• doesn't roll or lift their head and shoulders when lying on their tummy
• doesn't smile or show interest in people
• doesn't respond to sounds or follow things with their eyes

Signs to watch for by 9 months old

Speak with your doctor or child health nurse if your baby:

• doesn't make babbling sounds such as 'bubu' or 'dada'
• doesn't pass toys from one hand to the other
• isn't moving around, such as crawling or bottom shuffling
• doesn't take weight on their legs when held in a standing position
• doesn't respond to familiar words like their name or 'bottle'

Signs to watch for by 12 months old

Speak with your doctor or child health nurse if your child:

• doesn't say any clear words
• doesn't copy sounds or gestures
• can't sit without support
• doesn't try to pull themselves up to stand
• doesn't feed themselves finger foods or hold a bottle or cup

Signs to watch for by 18 months old

Speak with your doctor or child health nurse if your child:

• doesn't use simple words to communicate
• doesn't follow short instructions such as 'come here'
• doesn't try to feed themselves with a spoon or help with dressing
• doesn't try to stack blocks or scribble with a crayon
• doesn't walk or try to walk on their own

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Resources and support

For more information about developmental milestones in babies and children:

• Speech Pathology Australia provides information sheets on communication milestones in babies and children.
• NSW Government provides information about developmental milestones for babies.
• Government of South Australia — Department of Child Protection offers information about raising children and child development.
• Tasmanian Government — Department of Health provides a guide to your child's development from 0 to 6 months old and from 6 to 12 months old.
• Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority provides information about your child's development from birth to 4 months old and for children up to 3 years of age.
• Baby Coming You Ready offers videos about ages and stages for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available from 7 am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week (including public holidays).

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby also offers more information about your child's development:

• Birth to 4 months old
• 4 to 8 months old
• 8 to 12 months old
• 1 to 2 years old
• 2 to 3 years old
• 3 to 5 years old

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Languages other than English

• Kidsafe Victoria offers translated fact sheets about ages and stages in different languages.
• The Communication Hub provides information about speech, language and literacy development in early childhood in easy English and other languages.