Your Child’s Early Development is a Journey

These developmental milestones show what most (75%) of children can do by each age.

2 months

• Watches as you move
• Smiles when you talk to them
• Reacts to loud sounds
• Holds head up when on tummy

6 months

• Knows familiar people
• Takes turns making sounds with you
• Reaches to grab a toy they want
• Rolls from tummy to back

12 months

• Plays games with you
• Calls a parent “mama” or “dada”
• Looks for things they see you hide, like a toy under a blanket
• Pulls up to stand

18 months

• Points to show you something interesting
• Copies you doing chores
• Tries to use a spoon
• Walks without holding onto anyone or anything
• Tries to say three words or more besides “mama” or “dada”

2 years

• Tries to use switches, knobs or buttons on a toy
• Notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone is crying
• Says at least two words together like “more milk”

3 years

• Talks well enough for others to understand, most of the time
• Draws a circle when you show them how
• Puts on some clothes by themself
• Notices other children and joins them to play

4 years

• Answers simple questions like ‘what is a coat for?’
• Names a few colours
• Holds a crayon or pencil between fingers and thumb (not a fist)
• Likes to be a “helper”
• Pretends to be something else during play (teacher, superhero)

Developmental milestone content provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program (www.cdc.gov/ActEarly; accessed July 2024).

Maternal, Child and Family Health recommend regular health checks for your child to monitor their growth and development.

Learn the Signs. Act Early.

Learn the signs of your child’s development and act early if you ever have a concern.

‘Learn the Signs. Act Early.’ milestone check lists can be found in your child’s Blue Book.

More information, photos and videos about milestones can be found at: https://cdc.gov/Milestonescdc.gov/Milestones

You know your child best

If you are concerned about the way your child plays, learns, speaks, acts or moves, don’t wait, act early.

It can make a difference!

For more information visit

Maternal and Child Health (MACH)

You can book a child health appointment with Maternal Child and Family Health

• online via MyDHR
• by calling Central Health Intake on 02 5124 9977

To speak to our MACH nurses and midwives for parenting advice, call the Early Parenting Support Line on 02 5124 1775.