Dear Parent, Here Are The Development Milestones To Look Out For In Your Baby

As a parent, watching your baby grow and reach new milestones is one of the most rewarding experiences. Understanding these developmental stages can help you ensure your child is progressing healthily and allow you to catch any early signs of potential issues.

Here’s a guide to the key milestones your baby should reach from birth to 24 months.

Newborn to 3 Months

Physical Development

• Lifts head briefly during tummy time
• Moves arms and legs excitedly

Social and Emotional

• Begins to smile at people
• Attempts to self-soothe

Cognitive

• Follows objects with eyes
• Recognizes familiar faces

Communication

• Turns head towards sounds
• Starts cooing and making gurgling sounds

4 to 6 Months

Physical Development

• Rolls over in both directions
• Sits with support

Social and Emotional

• Responds to affection
• Enjoys playing with others

Cognitive

• Reaches for objects
• Transfers items between hands

Communication

• Babbles with varied sounds
• Responds to name

7 to 9 Months

Physical Development

• Sits without support
• Crawls and pulls to stand

Social and Emotional

• Shows stranger anxiety
• Enjoys social play

Cognitive

• Looks for hidden objects
• Explores with hands and mouth

Communication

• Understands “no”
• Uses gestures like pointing

10 to 12 Months

Physical Development

• Stands alone
• May take first steps

Social and Emotional

• Shows preference for familiar people
• Engages in simple pretend play

Cognitive

• Uses objects correctly (e.g., drinks from cup)
• Follows simple instructions

Communication

• Says basic words like “mama” and “dada”
• Uses simple gestures

13 to 18 Months

Physical Development

• Walks independently
• Begins to run

Social and Emotional

• Shows affection
• Has temper tantrums

Cognitive

• Understands the purpose of everyday objects
• Engages in basic pretend play

Communication

• Says several single words
• Points to express needs

19 to 24 Months

Physical Development

• Runs and kicks a ball
• Walks up and down stairs with support

Social and Emotional

• Imitates others
• Plays alongside other children

Cognitive

• Sorts shapes and colors
• Begins to engage in make-believe play

Communication

• Forms simple sentences
• Follows two-step instructions

Every child develops at their own pace, so variations are normal. However, if you notice significant delays in reaching these milestones, it’s a good idea to consult with a paediatrician or a child development specialist.

Early intervention can make a significant difference in helping your child reach their full potential.