Babies: development

Baby development and developmental milestones

Babies develop through relationships and play. Developmental milestones track changes in babies as they learn to move, see, hear, communicate and interact.

Growth charts give a guide to how well children are growing. Growth usually follows a typical pattern, which is influenced by genes and environment.

Child development: the first 5 years

The first 5 years of life are critical for child development. Find out how your child’s experiences and relationships shape the way your child develops.

Relationships and child development

Loving relationships with parents and carers are critical in early child development. These relationships shape how children see and understand the world.

Play is more than just fun for babies and children. It’s how they learn and develop. Playing with your child is one of the most important things you can do. Article available in: Arabic, Dari, Dinka, Hakha Chin, Karen, Persian, Simplified Chinese, Swahili, Tamil, Vietnamese.

VIDEO: The role of play in child development

The role of play in child development is physical, cognitive, social and emotional. When it comes to development, play is like ‘fireworks’ for the brain!

Understanding sexual development in children: 0-3 years

Learn about typical sexual development in 0-3-year-olds, including expected behaviour. Get parent guidance on supporting healthy growth in childhood.

Parent guide to talking about sex: 0-8 years

Talking about sex is important for children’s healthy development. Get parenting tips to help you cover topics like bodies and where babies come from.

At 3-4 months in baby development, your baby is learning about emotions and communication. Read more about what your baby might be doing and how to help. Article available in Arabic, Dari, Dinka, Hakha Chin, Karen, Persian, Simplified Chinese, Swahili, Tamil, Vietnamese.

Baby development at 4-5 months is about blowing raspberries, grabbing things and bonding with you. Read how to help development and spot developmental delay. Article available in Arabic, Dari, Dinka, Hakha Chin, Karen, Persian, Simplified Chinese, Swahili, Tamil, Vietnamese.

At 5-6 months of baby development, your baby is working out who they are and who other people are. Read more and find out how to spot developmental delay. Article available in: Arabic, Dari, Dinka, Hakha Chin, Karen, Persian, Simplified Chinese, Swahili, Tamil, Vietnamese.

Baby development at 6-7 months is an exciting time, as your baby’s imagination comes alive. Get development tips and find out how to spot development delay. Article available in: Arabic, Dari, Dinka, Hakha Chin, Karen, Persian, Simplified Chinese, Swahili, Tamil, Vietnamese.

Baby development at 7-8 months is all about playing, learning, moving, feeling and babbling. Get development tips and read how to spot developmental delay. Article available in: Arabic, Dari, Dinka, Hakha Chin, Karen, Persian, Simplified Chinese, Swahili, Tamil, Vietnamese.

Babbling, clapping hands, crawling, pulling up to stand – there’s a lot going on at 8-9 months. Here’s how to boost baby development and spot delay. Article available in: Arabic, Dari, Dinka, Hakha Chin, Karen, Persian, Simplified Chinese, Swahili, Tamil, Vietnamese.

Dada? Mama? Your baby might be trying out first words around now. Read more about babies at 9-10 months, how to help baby development and how to spot delay. Article available in: Arabic, Dari, Dinka, Hakha Chin, Karen, Persian, Simplified Chinese, Swahili, Tamil, Vietnamese.

10-11 months: baby development

At 10-11 months, your baby is busy learning, finding hidden objects and exploring how things work. Read more about baby development and developmental delay. Article available in: Arabic, Dari, Dinka, Hakha Chin, Karen, Persian, Simplified Chinese, Swahili, Tamil, Vietnamese.

11-12 months: baby development

At 11-12 months, your baby is better at using their hands and fingers and might be taking first steps. Read more about baby development and signs of delay. Article available in: Arabic, Dari, Dinka, Hakha Chin, Karen, Persian, Simplified Chinese, Swahili, Tamil, Vietnamese.

Read this essential guide to learn about premature baby development from 0-6 months – weight, muscles, vision, hearing, states, skin, sucking and feeding.

VIDEO: Baby development at 0-6 months

What do babies need for development at 0-6 months? Everyday interactions like comforting, playing and talking help to build your baby’s brain and skills.

VIDEO: Baby development at 6-12 months

What do babies need for healthy development at 6-12 months? Talking, cuddling, playing, singing and moving help your baby learn, build skills and feel secure.

Developmental regression: when children lose skills

Developmental regression is when children lose skills they’ve already learned. Signs are related to age or developmental stage. See your GP or child nurse.

VIDEO: What are developmental concerns in babies?

Find out what to do if your baby has developmental concerns or you’re worried about your baby’s vision, hearing, emotions or movement at 0-12 months.

Developmental delay is when young children are slower than expected to develop skills. See your GP or nurse if you think your child has developmental delay.

VIDEO: What to do if you’re worried about developmental delay

Watch this video for information about recognising developmental delay in babies. Seek professional help if you’re worried about your baby’s development.

Language development: 3-12 months

At 3-12 months, there’s a lot happening with baby language development. Expect your baby to coo, laugh, play with sounds, babble and gesture. Read more.

Language development in children: 0-8 years

Language development underpins cognitive, social and literacy development. A lot of talking, responding and reading with you helps your child learn language.

If children miss language development milestones by a long way, they have language delay. Children should see a professional for early diagnosis and support.

Most young children make mistakes with speech. Some mistakes can be signs of speech disorders. If you’re concerned, see your child’s GP, nurse or teacher.