Baby Milestones: What's Normal and When to Talk to Your Pediatrician

Developmental milestones are skills that most babies achieve by a certain age. They're not checkboxes to stress over — they're tools for spotting potential issues early, when intervention has the greatest impact. The milestones listed here are drawn directly from the CDC's 'Learn the Signs. Act Early.' program and AAP developmental guidelines.

2 Months

By 2 months (per CDC guidelines): Calms down when spoken to or picked up, looks at your face, follows things with eyes and reacts to sounds, holds head up briefly during tummy time, smiles when talked to. Talk to your pediatrician if by 2 months your baby doesn't respond to loud sounds, doesn't watch things as they move, doesn't smile at people, or doesn't bring hands to mouth.

4 Months

By 4 months: Smiles spontaneously (not just in response to you), babbles and coos, holds head steady without support, holds and shakes toys, reaches for and brings objects to mouth. The CDC notes: talk to your doctor if by 4 months your baby doesn't watch things move, doesn't smile at people, doesn't hold their head steady, or doesn't coo or make sounds.

6 Months

By 6 months: Recognises familiar faces, sits with support, passes things from one hand to the other, rolls over in both directions, responds to sounds by making sounds. Raise a concern if by 6 months your baby doesn't try to reach for objects, doesn't laugh or make squealing sounds, or shows no affection for familiar caregivers.

9 Months

By 9 months (CDC): Makes a lot of different sounds like 'mamamama' and 'babababa', looks where you point, passes objects back and forth, sits without support, pulls to stand. Discuss with your doctor if by 9 months your baby doesn't babble, doesn't respond to own name, or doesn't bear weight on legs with support.

12 Months

By 12 months: Waves 'bye-bye', calls a parent 'mama' or 'dada' with meaning, pulls up to stand, takes a few steps without holding on, points to things. These are exciting months — enjoy them! Raise concerns if by 12 months your baby doesn't say single words, doesn't point to things, or can't stand when supported.

Remember: Range is Normal

Milestone ages are ranges, not deadlines. A baby born prematurely should be assessed using their adjusted (corrected) age, not their chronological age, for the first 2 years — the AAP recommends all preterm milestone comparisons use corrected age. The key is trajectory — is your baby making progress over time? If you're unsure, your paediatrician is always the right person to ask.