Month 3-4: Finding Their Voice

What you might notice:

• Smiles socially (at YOU — not just gas)
• Holds head steady when supported upright
• Reaches for objects (may not grab successfully yet)
• Laughs and squeals
• Begins to roll from tummy to back
• Discovers their hands — stares at them, puts them in their mouth
• May start sleeping longer stretches at night (but many don't — both are normal)

How you can support them:

• Play mats with dangling toys (reaching practice)
• Mirrors — babies love looking at faces, including their own
• High-contrast black and white images (their vision is still developing)
• Lots of face-to-face time and conversation

Month 5-6: On the Move

What you might notice:

• Sits with support, possibly without
• Transfers objects between hands
• Babbles consonant sounds (ba, da, ma)
• Shows interest in your food (may be ready for weaning — NHS recommends around 6 months)
• May begin commando crawling or rocking on hands and knees
• Stranger anxiety may start (cries when held by unfamiliar people)

Weaning signs (NHS guidance — around 6 months):

• Can sit up and hold their head steady
• Can coordinate eyes, hands, and mouth to look at, pick up, and eat food
• Can swallow food rather than pushing it back out

Month 7-8: Little Explorer

What you might notice:

• Sits independently and confidently
• Picks up small objects with pincer grip (thumb and forefinger)
• Responds to their own name
• Separation anxiety may intensify (completely normal and healthy — it means they're securely attached)
• Pulls to standing using furniture
• May start "cruising" (walking while holding onto furniture)
• Understands simple cause and effect (drops toy, watches it fall, looks at you)

Month 9-10: The Communicator

What you might notice:

• Points at things they want or find interesting
• Waves bye-bye (may need to see you do it many times first)
• Understands "no" (doesn't mean they'll listen — that's developmentally appropriate)
• Cruises along furniture with confidence
• May say "mama" or "dada" with meaning (or may not — both normal)
• Enjoys simple games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake
• Shows preferences for certain toys, foods, or people

Month 11-12: Nearly There

What you might notice:

• First steps (any time between 9 and 18 months is considered normal by the NHS)
• Uses 1-3 words with meaning
• Drinks from a cup with help
• Claps hands
• Looks for hidden objects (object permanence is established)
• May show interest in stacking, posting, and simple puzzles
• Develops strong food preferences (and may refuse things they previously ate — normal)

When to Speak to a Professional

Most developmental variation is completely normal. But trust your instincts. Speak to your health visitor or GP if by 12 months your baby:

• Doesn't respond to their name
• Doesn't make eye contact
• Doesn't babble or make sounds
• Doesn't point or wave
• Has lost skills they previously had
• Seems unusually floppy or stiff
• Doesn't bear weight on their legs when held upright

Helpful Resources

• NHS Start4Life: nhs.uk/start4life — official guidance on baby development, feeding, and sleep
• Health Visitor: You're entitled to health visitor support until your child is 5. They offer home visits, clinic appointments, and phone advice
• NHS 111: Call 111 for non-emergency health concerns about your baby
• PANDAS Foundation: 0808 196 1776 (Mon-Fri 10am-5pm) for perinatal mental health support