The short answer: In their first year, babies should be lifting their head during tummy time by around 3 months, sitting independently by 8 to 9 months, and crawling or moving around in some way by 10 to 12 months. Every baby develops at their own pace, but if you notice significant delays or something that just feels off, it's worth getting a professional opinion sooner rather than later.
Your baby's first year is something else, isn't it? Those early newborn cuddles, the first real smile, the moment they roll over for the first time and look at you like they can't quite believe what just happened. Every week brings something new.
But alongside all that wonder, it's completely normal to wonder: Is my baby developing the way they should? Why isn't she sitting yet? Should he be crawling by now?
This guide will walk you through the key developmental milestones in your baby's first year — what to look for at each stage, what's within the normal range, and when it might be worth getting a little extra support.
As a paediatric physiotherapist, I've worked with hundreds of babies and families, and the one thing I always say is this: no two babies follow the exact same path, and that's perfectly okay.
Why Do Developmental Milestones Matter?
Milestones are guideposts, not strict deadlines. They help parents and professionals see how a baby's motor, communication, and social skills are coming along over time.
When a baby consistently misses several milestones, or seems to be progressing very slowly in one area, it can be a sign that some early support would help. And the earlier we pick that up, the better — because young brains are incredibly responsive to the right kind of input.
Most of the time, the support looks like simple, playful activities at home. Nothing scary or complicated. Just the right kind of movement and stimulation at the right time.
What Should My Baby Be Doing at 0-3 Months?
What to expect:
In the first three months, your baby's main "job" is to adjust to life outside the womb. They begin learning how to move against gravity, regulate their body, and connect with the world around them.
Typical milestones:
- Lifts head briefly during tummy time
- Moves arms and legs actively
- Tracks faces or bright objects with eyes
- Responds to voices and familiar sounds
- Smiles in response to social interaction
When to seek guidance:
- Feels unusually stiff or floppy
- Doesn't move arms or legs equally
- Rarely makes eye contact or startles to loud sounds
Tips to encourage development:
- Offer short tummy time sessions several times a day (start with a few minutes)
- Talk, sing, and make eye contact often
- Provide opportunities for free movement on a flat, safe surface
What Should My Baby Be Doing at 3-6 Months?
What to expect:
At this stage, your baby begins to control head and body movement more deliberately. They explore through touch, sight, and sound — and the world becomes endlessly fascinating.
Typical milestones:
- Lifts head and chest during tummy time
- Rolls from tummy to back
- Grasps toys and brings them to mouth
- Laughs and coos
- Reaches for familiar people
When to seek guidance:
- Cannot hold head steady by 4 months
- Doesn't reach for or grasp toys
- Appears stiff or arching frequently
Tips:
- Place toys just out of reach to encourage reaching and rolling
- Let your baby play on the floor — avoid long periods in bouncers or car seats
- Encourage interaction with mirrors and gentle music
What Should My Baby Be Doing at 6-9 Months?
What to expect:
This is the wiggle stage — your baby is on the move! They're starting to sit, pivot, roll in both directions, and get ready for crawling. Floor time becomes really important now.
Typical milestones:
- Sits with support, then independently
- Rolls both directions
- Bears weight on arms and legs
- Transfers toys between hands
- Responds to their name and simple sounds
When to seek guidance:
- Doesn't roll by 6-7 months
- Cannot sit without support by 9 months
- Shows strong preference for one side of the body
- Has difficulty holding toys
Tips:
- Encourage floor play and reaching across midline (side-to-side)
- Place interesting toys just out of reach
- Sing action songs to link movement and rhythm
What Should My Baby Be Doing at 9-12 Months?
What to expect:
This is such a fun stage. Your baby's personality is really coming through now, and they want to be into everything. Motor skills and social development start building on each other in a really exciting way.
Typical milestones:
- Crawls on hands and knees
- Pulls to stand
- Cruises along furniture
- Says "mama" or "dada" with intent
- Waves, claps, or points
- Understands simple instructions ("come here")
When to seek guidance:
- Doesn't bear weight on legs
- Cannot sit independently by 10 months
- Doesn't babble or make sounds
- Shows little interest in people or toys
Tips:
- Encourage standing at furniture with safe, soft surfaces
- Offer push toys for supported walking
- Narrate your day — label objects, name feelings, celebrate small successes
How Do I Know If Development Is Typical or Worth Checking Out?
Babies develop along a range, not a single timeline. Some walk at 10 months, others at 16 — and both can be completely normal.
That said, it's worth getting a professional opinion if your baby consistently:
- Feels unusually floppy or very stiff
- Has difficulty feeding or swallowing
- Uses one hand or one side of the body much more than the other
- Avoids tummy time or seems distressed by movement
- Isn't smiling or making eye contact by 3 months
Paediatric physiotherapists and occupational therapists are trained to assess these early signs. A lot of the time, a few targeted activities or small changes at home are all that's needed.
How Can I Support My Baby's Development at Home?
You really don't need fancy toys or specialist equipment. Your home is already full of opportunities for learning through movement and play.
Simple things that make a real difference:
- Give daily tummy time in short bursts
- Let them play barefoot — toes help with balance and sensory input
- Play peekaboo, sing nursery rhymes, blow bubbles, and explore textures
- Provide time on the floor instead of baby seats or walkers
- Follow your baby's lead — moments of connection build trust and curiosity
You are your baby's first therapist — every smile, cuddle, and playful interaction matters.
When Should I Reach Out for Help?
If something feels off, trust that feeling. You know your baby better than anyone, and your instincts as a parent are worth listening to.
Seeking early support doesn't mean something is seriously wrong. It means you're being proactive and giving your baby the best possible start — and that's always the right call.
A paediatric physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or developmental specialist can assess your baby, give you clear answers, and show you exactly what to do at home to help. Even a single session can give you so much clarity and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Concerned About Your Baby's Development?
Sometimes you just need someone to take a proper look and tell you honestly what they see. I offer developmental guidance and can connect you with the right specialists if needed. Getting clarity early always makes things easier.
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