How babies develop

Here is our general guide to the ages at which you can expect your baby to reach certain milestones – like when they will start making eye contact with you, when they can sit and stand on their own and when they might say their first words!

But all babies develop at different rates, so don’t worry if your baby hasn’t done so.

Roll your mouse over the baby images for the guide to that age group. And see our links page for more on child development.

0-3 months

0-3 months

Babies will respond to sudden and loud noises, they use crying and cooing to communicate and will start noticing their own hands.

3-6 months

3-6 months

Babies start responding to sounds and will make 'ooh' and 'aah' noises, remember certain sounds and objects, and play with their hands and fingers.

6-9 months

6-9 months

Babies start understanding their first words, and will imitate sounds and gestures. This is an ideal age to start signing – your baby will sign back when ready.

9-12 months

9-12 months

Babies develop their sitting, standing and walking skills and will point, wave and pick up objects. They will use simple hands shapes and signs and might say simple words like ‘mumma’ and ‘dadda’.

12-18 months

12-18 months

Co-ordination and motor skills are now developing and they can say a couple of words – signing is great here for helping toddlers with two-word sentences. Use signs while playing.

18-24 months

18-24 months

The average toddler now knows 30-50 words and can make two-word sentences. They understand much more than they can speak – and sign language can really help them express themselves.

There will come a time when your growing baby finds it much easier and more convenient to learn a new word rather than a new sign.

But signs can still help your children with further language development, expressing themselves and developing self confidence. A great way to use signs is when reading stories or singing songs – they really bring them to life! Read more about the benefits of signing and how to get started on our free storytelling website www.signedstories.com.

Many nurseries are teaching and using baby sign to help develop children’s language and also as a common language where more than one spoken language is used!

Spread of baby sign