Baby Development Month on Month: A Milestone Guide

Your baby is a unique little person. They will grow and develop in his or her own way and at their own pace. Below is a timeline of physical milestones you can use as a guide for what you may expect to see in your little one from month-to-month.

Just remember, there’s a wide range of what’s considered ‘normal’ baby development, so if you’re concerned about your baby’s progress, have a chat with your doctor or maternal health nurse.

One month

• Able to grasp a finger
• Can turn head to the side when lying on tummy
• Arms and legs kick and wave but with little control

Two  months

• Can hold head up for short periods when on tummy
• May turn head to follow movement of objects
• Holds head stead when upright

Three months

• Can raise up head and chest when on tummy
• Sits with support on your lap
• Arm and leg movements are smoother and more deliberate

Four months

• Supports self on forearms or outstretched arms during tummy time
• Holds head steady when supported to sit
• Rolls from side to side when on tummy

Five months

• Bears some weight on legs
• Sits supported for long periods
• Can bring feet to mouth and enjoys playing with hands and feet
• May roll in one direction

Six months

• Rolls in both directions
• Sits well in a chair
• Preparing to crawl getting onto hands and knees

Seven months

• Sits without support
• Makes lunge-like attempts at crawling
• Attempts to pick objects up

Eight months

• Crawing better
• May stand whilst holding on
• May pick objects up and pass them from hand to hand

Nine months

• Begins to move while standing (cruise)
• May try to use thumb and fore finger to pick up objects (pincer grasp)
• Bangs, throws and drops objects

Ten months

• Crawls and cruises well
• Pulls self to standing
• Well developed pincer grasp
• Waves goodbye

Eleven months

• May be able to stand alone for brief moments
• Can put objects into containers
• Can bend down while standing

Twelve months

• May begin to take first steps unaided
• Can indicate with gestures what they want