baby milestones month by month — what to expect from birth to 5
priya is a child development researcher and mum of three who has reviewed developmental guidelines from Raising Children Network and the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne.
every child develops at their own pace — there's a wide range of "normal." these milestones describe what most children can do by a certain age, based on Australian guidelines from the Raising Children Network and the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne.
use this guide as a general reference, not a checklist. if you're ever concerned about your child's development, talk to your GP or child health nurse — early support makes a big difference.
development at a glance
| age | key milestones | next check |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | lifts head briefly during tummy time; moves arms and legs in jerky movements | 6-week health check |
| 2 months | holds head up more steadily during tummy time; pushes up slightly when on tummy | 2-month immunisations and |
| 3 months | holds head steady when supported upright; pushes up on forearms during tummy time | 4-month immunisations and |
| 4 months | holds head steady without support; pushes down on legs when feet are on a hard surface | 6-month immunisations and |
| 6 months | rolls in both directions (front to back and back to front); begins to sit without support | 6-month immunisations and |
| 9 months | sits well without support; pulls to stand holding furniture | 12-month immunisations and |
| 12 months | pulls up to stand and cruises along furniture; may stand alone or take a few steps | 12-month immunisations (including |
| 18 months | walks independently; may climb stairs with help | 18-month immunisations (including |
| 2 years | runs and climbs well; kicks a ball | 2-year developmental check |
| 3 years | climbs well and runs easily; pedals a tricycle | 3.5-year health check |
| 4 years | hops on one foot and catches a bounced ball most of the time; pours, cuts with supervision, and mashes own food | 4-year-old health check |
| 5 years | hops, skips, and balances on one foot for 10+ seconds; uses a fork and spoon well and may use a butter knife | school entry health |
choose an age
at 1 month, most babies are adjusting to life outside the womb. they spend a lot of time sleeping and feeding, and are starting to become more aware of the world around them.
by 2 months, most babies are starting to smile socially and show more interest in the world. they are gaining head control and beginning to coo.
at 3 months, most babies have much better head control, are smiling regularly, and starting to discover their hands. social interaction becomes more rewarding for both parent and baby.
by 4 months, most babies are becoming more social and expressive. they laugh, reach for toys, and are working toward rolling. this is often when sleep patterns start to become more regular.
at 6 months, most babies can sit with support, are rolling both ways, and are ready to start solid foods. they are becoming much more social and interactive.
at 9 months, most babies are crawling or finding their own way to get around. they understand more words than they can say and may show stranger anxiety — a normal sign of healthy attachment.
at 12 months, most babies are pulling to stand, cruising along furniture, and some may be taking their first steps. they understand far more language than they can use and are developing a real personality.
by 18 months, most toddlers are walking confidently and their language is starting to explode. they are fiercely independent but still need plenty of reassurance and connection.
at 2 years, most toddlers are running, climbing, and speaking in short sentences. they are developing a sense of self and testing boundaries — the classic 'terrible twos' are a sign of healthy development.
at 3 years, most children are becoming more independent and social. they can carry on a conversation, play imaginatively, and are learning to take turns — though sharing is still a work in progress.
at 4 years, most children are becoming confident communicators and creative thinkers. they enjoy group play, can follow multi-step instructions, and are getting ready for preschool or kindergarten.
at 5 years, most children are ready for school. they can follow complex instructions, tell detailed stories, and have a strong sense of right and wrong. they are more independent but still need plenty of support and encouragement.
when to see your GP
most children reach milestones within a wide age range, and being a little "late" in one area is usually nothing to worry about. however, speak to your GP or child health nurse if:
- •your child is consistently behind in multiple areas of development
- •your child has lost skills they previously had (this is called regression)
- •you have a gut feeling that something isn't right — parent instinct matters
- •your child's preschool or childcare educator has raised concerns
early intervention: in Australia, early childhood intervention services are available through the NDIS and state-funded programs. the earlier concerns are identified, the more effective support tends to be.
related guides
this guide is for general developmental information only and is not medical advice. milestones are based on guidelines from the Raising Children Network, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, and PEDS. every child develops differently — if you have any concerns about your child's development, please see your GP or child health nurse. mini mode is not affiliated with any government department or health service.