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Explore all 18 chapters, with ideas to try and sources to read. You can open any topic without adding your baby’s details.

Birth to week 2

The first days with your newborn

In the first days, most of your time may go into feeding, settling and recovering from birth. Your baby sleeps in short stretches and uses crying to ask for care. They can already notice close faces and familiar voices. A small early weight loss is common, and health professionals will check that weight begins to rise again.

Try this together

Hold your baby close enough to see your face. Speak softly, then pause to see how they respond. If they look away or fuss, give them a break.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionYour newborn sees best at close range and may turn towards a familiar voice.

Your newborn can see you up close

What may be changing

Being held, hearing familiar voices and receiving a response help your newborn feel safe and begin to learn.

A newborn may respond to sound or a close face with a small movement, a change in expression or stillness.

What to notice

Notice which voices, faces or everyday sounds bring a small change in gaze, movement or stillness.

Try this

Hold your baby close enough to see your face. Speak softly, then pause to see how they respond. If they look away or fuss, give them a break.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. Responsive interaction and everyday talking can begin from birth.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. From birth to 3 months, babies begin recognising important voices and may react, calm, smile or change feeding in response to sound. These are broad observations, not a one-response home test.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range

  3. In the early weeks, babies can notice light, shapes, faces and movement, while distance vision remains blurry and the clearest focus is roughly 20 to 30 centimetres away. Visual focus develops gradually over the first months.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

    • American Academy of PediatricsNewborns section under ‘Infant Vision Development: What Can Babies See?’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • NHS‘Eyes in newborns’ · checked 2026-09-05

  4. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  5. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Crying & regulationCrying is one way your newborn tells you they need care, even when the reason is not clear.

Crying asks for care

What may be happening

Hunger, tiredness, a wet nappy, wind, temperature, closeness and overstimulation can all lead to crying. Sometimes the cause remains unclear.

What to notice

Start with immediate needs such as feeding, warmth, a clean nappy and closeness. Notice whether the cry sounds different from usual or comes with poor feeding or signs of illness.

How to help

Try a feed, a clean nappy or a cuddle. If nothing seems to help, ask someone you trust to take a turn while you rest.

If crying worries you

Get medical advice if your baby’s cry is unusual, they cannot be consoled or they seem unwell. In the UK, call 999 for breathing difficulty or unresponsiveness; use local emergency services elsewhere.

When you need a break

If you feel overwhelmed, put your baby safely in their cot, take a brief break and return. Ask someone you trust for help if you can. Never shake a baby.

Sources

  1. Crying communicates a need for care, although its cause is not always identifiable. Responsive caregiving means noticing and responding appropriately to signals.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. Unusual or inconsolable crying and signs of illness warrant medical advice. In the UK, breathing difficulty or unresponsiveness requires an emergency call to 999.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSCrying and illness · checked 2026-09-05

  3. An overwhelmed caregiver can place their baby safely in a cot, take a brief break and return. A baby must never be shaken.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSGetting help with a crying baby; Never shake your baby · checked 2026-09-05
Read the crying and regulation guide
SleepNewborns sleep in short stretches throughout the day and night.

Sleep comes in short stretches

What is typical

Newborns do not follow a set schedule. Feeding and sleep can change from one day to the next.

Look at the full day

Look at sleep across the full day and night, including short dozes during or after feeds.

What may help

Keep night feeds and changes quiet and dim. By day, open the curtains and use your usual voices.

Safer sleep

UK NHS advice: place your baby on their back in a clear cot with a firm, flat mattress. Share a room for at least the first 6 months. Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or chair.

Sources

  1. Newborn sleep is distributed across day and night and varies substantially.

    high editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHSNewborn and 3-to-6-month sections · checked 2026-09-05

  2. From birth, contrasting ordinary daytime light, activity and noise with a quieter, dimmer night can provide consistent day-night cues.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How can I get my baby used to night and day?’ · checked 2026-09-05

  3. NHS safer-sleep advice includes back sleeping on a firm, flat mattress in a clear cot, room sharing for at least six months, and never sleeping with a baby on a sofa or chair.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSHow to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome; co-sleeping precautions · checked 2026-09-05

  4. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05
Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingNewborn feeds are often frequent and uneven. Follow your baby's cues rather than waiting for a set time.

Feed when your baby shows they are hungry

What feeding may look like

For breastfeeding, NHS guidance gives 8 to 12 feeds or more in 24 hours as a rough guide during the first weeks, not a quota. Bottle-fed babies also tend to feed little and often. Paced feeding lets them pause and stop. Follow any individual clinical feeding plan you have been given.

Look for these cues

Watch for rooting, hand-to-mouth movement, pauses and turning away rather than waiting for the clock.

What you can do

Bring your baby close at early hunger cues and let pauses or fullness end the feed. Follow any individual feeding plan you have been given.

Individual feeding advice

Follow any feeding plan from your care team. Ask about vitamin supplements and, if your baby was born early, when to introduce solid foods.

Sources

  1. In the first weeks, feeding is typically frequent and cue-led. NHS describes 8 to 12 or more breastfeeds per 24 hours as a rough breastfeeding guide. Bottle-fed babies also feed little and often and should control pauses and fullness.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should I feed my baby?’ and ‘Building up your milk supply’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • NHS‘Responsive feeding’, ‘Signs of hunger’ and ‘Paced feeding’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. NHS guidance advises individual help with starting solids after premature birth. Some babies need vitamin supplements; requirements depend on feeding, age and local guidance.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSWhen to start introducing solid foods; Vitamins for babies · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthA small early weight loss is common. Most babies are back to their birthweight by 3 weeks.

Weight is checked in the first weeks

How growth is assessed

A small weight loss is common after birth. NICE says it usually stops after 3 or 4 days, and most babies return to their birthweight by 3 weeks.

What to look at

Tell your midwife or health visitor about poor feeding, fewer wet nappies or anything else that worries you.

When to ask

Ask for feeding help if your baby's weight has not started to recover as expected.

Ask about early weight loss

Ask your care team for assessment and feeding support if early weight loss is more than 10% or birthweight has not returned by 3 weeks. Ask sooner if feeding or your baby’s health worries you.

Sources

  1. Some weight loss is common in the first days, usually stops after 3 to 4 days, and most infants regain birthweight by 3 weeks.

    high editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

  2. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05

  3. NICE recommends assessment and feeding support for early weight loss over 10%, and consideration of further assessment or referral if birthweight has not returned by three weeks.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Weeks 3–4

Days and nights are still mixed up

At three or four weeks, your baby still sleeps and feeds around the clock. They see most clearly when your face is close and may briefly follow light or movement. Crying can be stronger at some times of day than others. Daylight and ordinary household sounds during the day can gently help your baby begin to tell day from night.

Try this together

Open curtains and use ordinary voices by day. During night feeds and changes, keep light and conversation lower and follow your baby’s cues.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionHold your face close during feeds and cuddles. This is the distance your baby can see most clearly.

Your baby sees best up close

What may be changing

Your baby can notice faces, shapes and movement, but distant detail is blurry. Bring your face close, about 20 to 30 cm away, during a feed or cuddle. Familiar voices may also catch their attention.

What to notice

Notice whether your baby studies a face or broad shape briefly before their gaze drifts away.

Try this

During a calm, awake moment, bring your face close as you would during a feed. Talk softly and pause when your baby looks away.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. In the early weeks, babies can notice light, shapes, faces and movement, while distance vision remains blurry and the clearest focus is roughly 20 to 30 centimetres away. Visual focus develops gradually over the first months.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

    • American Academy of PediatricsNewborns section under ‘Infant Vision Development: What Can Babies See?’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • NHS‘Eyes in newborns’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. From birth to 3 months, babies begin recognising important voices and may react, calm, smile or change feeding in response to sound. These are broad observations, not a one-response home test.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range

  3. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  4. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Crying & regulationYour baby may cry more at certain times of day, and that timing can change.

Crying can vary through the day

What may be happening

Crying can reflect hunger, tiredness, discomfort, temperature, closeness or too much stimulation. Patterns often become clearer only over time.

What to notice

You may notice more crying in the evening or after a busy spell. Try checking hunger, the nappy and whether your baby needs a cuddle or a quieter room.

How to help

Work through one likely need at a time. Ask someone else to take over briefly if tiredness is making it hard to stay calm.

If crying worries you

Get medical advice if your baby’s cry is unusual, they cannot be consoled or they seem unwell. In the UK, call 999 for breathing difficulty or unresponsiveness; use local emergency services elsewhere.

When you need a break

If you feel overwhelmed, put your baby safely in their cot, take a brief break and return. Ask someone you trust for help if you can. Never shake a baby.

Sources

  1. Crying communicates a need for care, although its cause is not always identifiable. Responsive caregiving means noticing and responding appropriately to signals.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. Unusual or inconsolable crying and signs of illness warrant medical advice. In the UK, breathing difficulty or unresponsiveness requires an emergency call to 999.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSCrying and illness · checked 2026-09-05

  3. An overwhelmed caregiver can place their baby safely in a cot, take a brief break and return. A baby must never be shaken.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSGetting help with a crying baby; Never shake your baby · checked 2026-09-05
Read the crying and regulation guide
SleepAt this age, sleep is spread across the day and night in short stretches.

Sleep still happens around the clock

What is typical

At three or four weeks, sleep still comes in short stretches at any time of day or night. Feeding and settling needs can change from one day to the next.

Look at the full day

Notice when your baby tends to sleep and wake. There is no need to keep a log unless it helps you or your care team has asked for one.

What may help

Open curtains and use normal voices by day. Keep lights and conversation lower during night feeds and changes.

Safer sleep

UK NHS advice: place your baby on their back in a clear cot with a firm, flat mattress. Share a room for at least the first 6 months. Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or chair.

Sources

  1. Newborn sleep is distributed across day and night and varies substantially.

    high editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHSNewborn and 3-to-6-month sections · checked 2026-09-05

  2. From birth, contrasting ordinary daytime light, activity and noise with a quieter, dimmer night can provide consistent day-night cues.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How can I get my baby used to night and day?’ · checked 2026-09-05

  3. NHS safer-sleep advice includes back sleeping on a firm, flat mattress in a clear cot, room sharing for at least six months, and never sleeping with a baby on a sofa or chair.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSHow to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome; co-sleeping precautions · checked 2026-09-05

  4. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05
Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingYour baby may want several feeds close together, then leave a longer gap.

Feeds may bunch together

What feeding may look like

Cluster feeding is common in the first 3 to 4 months, but it does not follow a reliable week-by-week calendar. With bottles, following pauses and fullness cues is especially important.

Look for these cues

Notice whether feeds bunch together at a particular time and how your baby signals a pause or finish.

What you can do

Prepare water, food and a comfortable place for yourself before a likely cluster, and hand over another household task where possible.

Individual feeding advice

Follow any feeding plan from your care team. Ask about vitamin supplements and, if your baby was born early, when to introduce solid foods.

Sources

  1. Temporary periods of more frequent feeding commonly occur during the first 3 to 4 months, but not on fixed numbered weeks.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHSOpening guidance · checked 2026-09-05

  2. NHS guidance advises individual help with starting solids after premature birth. Some babies need vitamin supplements; requirements depend on feeding, age and local guidance.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSWhen to start introducing solid foods; Vitamins for babies · checked 2026-09-05

  3. In the first weeks, feeding is typically frequent and cue-led. NHS describes 8 to 12 or more breastfeeds per 24 hours as a rough breastfeeding guide. Bottle-fed babies also feed little and often and should control pauses and fullness.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should I feed my baby?’ and ‘Building up your milk supply’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • NHS‘Responsive feeding’, ‘Signs of hunger’ and ‘Paced feeding’ · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthOne weight cannot show how your baby is growing. Health professionals compare several measurements.

Look at growth over time

How growth is assessed

Each measurement adds another point to your baby's growth chart. Small movements around a centile line can happen.

What to look at

Mention any changes in feeding or health when the measurements are reviewed.

When to ask

Ask your health visitor to explain how the early measurements fit together.

Ask about early weight loss

Ask your care team for assessment and feeding support if early weight loss is more than 10% or birthweight has not returned by 3 weeks. Ask sooner if feeding or your baby’s health worries you.

Sources

  1. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. NICE recommends assessment and feeding support for early weight loss over 10%, and consideration of further assessment or referral if birthweight has not returned by three weeks.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Weeks 5–6

Crying may be louder around six weeks

Many babies cry more around this age, although the timing and amount vary. Your face is still easiest to see up close, and your voice may help your baby settle. Feeds can come close together and sleep is still scattered through the day and night. Keep play brief and pause when your baby looks away or becomes restless.

Try this together

Choose a calm, awake moment and bring your face close, about 20 to 30 cm away. Speak softly and pause when your baby looks away.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionAt around six weeks, your baby still sees most clearly at about the distance between your faces during a feed.

Your face is clearest up close

What may be changing

Your baby’s vision is still developing, with faces easier to see close up than across the room. A familiar voice may catch their attention or help them settle.

What to notice

Choose a calm, awake moment for face-to-face play. Looking away, yawning or fussing can mean your baby is ready for a break.

Try this

Choose a calm, awake moment and bring your face close, about 20 to 30 cm away. Speak softly and pause when your baby looks away.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. In the early weeks, babies can notice light, shapes, faces and movement, while distance vision remains blurry and the clearest focus is roughly 20 to 30 centimetres away. Visual focus develops gradually over the first months.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

    • American Academy of PediatricsNewborns section under ‘Infant Vision Development: What Can Babies See?’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • NHS‘Eyes in newborns’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. From birth to 3 months, babies begin recognising important voices and may react, calm, smile or change feeding in response to sound. These are broad observations, not a one-response home test.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range

  3. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  4. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Crying & regulationMany babies cry more in the early weeks and then gradually cry less from around 3 months.

Crying often increases in the early weeks

What may be happening

These weeks can involve a lot of crying, even when you are doing your best to help. Many babies cry more early on and gradually less from around 3 months. Research finds a broad early high period around 4 to 8 weeks, but it cannot predict your baby’s hardest days.

What to notice

Think about when the crying starts and what happened just before it. A feed, cuddle or quieter room may help, though the reason is not always clear.

How to help

Try one change at a time. If someone can help, ask them to hold your baby or take over another task so you can rest.

If crying worries you

Get medical advice if your baby’s cry is unusual, they cannot be consoled or they seem unwell. In the UK, call 999 for breathing difficulty or unresponsiveness; use local emergency services elsewhere.

When you need a break

If you feel overwhelmed, put your baby safely in their cot, take a brief break and return. Ask someone you trust for help if you can. Never shake a baby.

Sources

  1. NHS guidance says crying tends to rise from around 2 weeks and reduce around 3 months. A 2022 meta-analysis places the broad early high point around 4 to 8 weeks, with substantial individual and population variation.

    moderate editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHSOpening guidance, before ‘How to calm a crying baby’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • Peer-reviewed research teamAbstract. Results and Discussion of the double-exponential and change-point models · checked 2026-08-28

  2. Crying communicates a need for care, although its cause is not always identifiable. Responsive caregiving means noticing and responding appropriately to signals.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  3. Unusual or inconsolable crying and signs of illness warrant medical advice. In the UK, breathing difficulty or unresponsiveness requires an emergency call to 999.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSCrying and illness · checked 2026-09-05

  4. An overwhelmed caregiver can place their baby safely in a cot, take a brief break and return. A baby must never be shaken.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSGetting help with a crying baby; Never shake your baby · checked 2026-09-05
Read the crying and regulation guide
SleepYour baby may sleep in many short bursts or a mixture of short and longer stretches.

Sleep adds up over 24 hours

What is typical

Newborn sleep varies widely. The NHS describes some babies sleeping around 8 hours in a day and others around 18. This describes variation, rather than a target to aim for. If sleep or feeding worries you, ask your health visitor or doctor.

Look at the full day

Count sleep across the full day and notice how feeding, waking and alert periods fit around it.

What may help

If keeping track helps you, include short naps as well as night sleep. You can also simply notice when your baby seems tired and ready to settle.

Safer sleep

UK NHS advice: place your baby on their back in a clear cot with a firm, flat mattress. Share a room for at least the first 6 months. Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or chair.

Sources

  1. NHS guidance describes newborn sleep as highly variable, sometimes totaling roughly 8 to 18 hours across 24 hours in short or long bursts.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHS‘How much do babies sleep?, Newborns’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. From birth, contrasting ordinary daytime light, activity and noise with a quieter, dimmer night can provide consistent day-night cues.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How can I get my baby used to night and day?’ · checked 2026-09-05

  3. NHS safer-sleep advice includes back sleeping on a firm, flat mattress in a clear cot, room sharing for at least six months, and never sleeping with a baby on a sofa or chair.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSHow to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome; co-sleeping precautions · checked 2026-09-05

  4. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05
Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingCluster feeding is common. Your baby may feed repeatedly for part of the day or night.

Several feeds may come close together

What feeding may look like

Several feeds close together are common in the first few months. It can feel as though you have only just finished one feed when the next begins. If you bottle-feed, allow breaks and stop when your baby shows they are full.

Look for these cues

Notice whether feeds cluster at a particular time and how your baby signals pauses or fullness.

What you can do

Arrange water, food and practical help for the adult who is feeding before a likely cluster begins.

Individual feeding advice

Follow any feeding plan from your care team. Ask about vitamin supplements and, if your baby was born early, when to introduce solid foods.

Sources

  1. Temporary periods of more frequent feeding commonly occur during the first 3 to 4 months, but not on fixed numbered weeks.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHSOpening guidance · checked 2026-09-05

  2. In the first weeks, feeding is typically frequent and cue-led. NHS describes 8 to 12 or more breastfeeds per 24 hours as a rough breastfeeding guide. Bottle-fed babies also feed little and often and should control pauses and fullness.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should I feed my baby?’ and ‘Building up your milk supply’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • NHS‘Responsive feeding’, ‘Signs of hunger’ and ‘Paced feeding’ · checked 2026-09-05

  3. NHS guidance advises individual help with starting solids after premature birth. Some babies need vitamin supplements; requirements depend on feeding, age and local guidance.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSWhen to start introducing solid foods; Vitamins for babies · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthA series of measurements tells you more than a single point on the growth chart.

Several weights show the direction of growth

How growth is assessed

A health professional will compare your baby's latest measurement with earlier ones and consider feeding and health too.

What to look at

Look at the direction across several measurements and mention any feeding or health concern.

When to ask

Ask your health visitor to talk you through the growth chart if anything is unclear.

Sources

  1. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05

Weeks 7–9

Smiles may answer your voice

By 2 months, most babies smile when you talk or smile to them. During a quiet, awake moment, give your baby time to watch your face and respond. Your voice or a cuddle may help them settle too. These responses will not happen every time. Looking away, yawning or fussing can mean they need a break.

Try this together

Smile or speak once, then wait. A look, movement, sound or quiet pause can all be your baby’s response back to you.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionBy 2 months, most babies smile when you talk or smile to them.

Your baby may smile back

What may be changing

By 2 months, most babies smile in response to someone talking or smiling to them. You may first notice it during a quiet moment together. They will not respond every time, especially when tired or hungry.

What to notice

Notice whether a smile follows your face or voice and what your baby does when they have had enough interaction.

Try this

Smile or speak once, then wait. Let a look, movement, sound or pause be the response.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. By 2 months, most children are expected to smile when talked to or smiled at.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  2. From birth to 3 months, babies begin recognising important voices and may react, calm, smile or change feeding in response to sound. These are broad observations, not a one-response home test.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range

  3. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  4. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Crying & regulationBy 2 months, most babies calm when spoken to or picked up, although it will not work every time.

Your voice and touch may help

What may be happening

By 2 months, most babies calm when spoken to or picked up. Sometimes your baby will need feeding, changing or more time before they settle.

What to notice

Look for a softer body, quieter voice or steadier breathing after you speak or lift your baby.

How to help

Start with your voice, then bring your baby close. Pause before adding more movement or sound.

If crying worries you

Get medical advice if your baby’s cry is unusual, they cannot be consoled or they seem unwell. In the UK, call 999 for breathing difficulty or unresponsiveness; use local emergency services elsewhere.

When you need a break

If you feel overwhelmed, put your baby safely in their cot, take a brief break and return. Ask someone you trust for help if you can. Never shake a baby.

Sources

  1. By 2 months, most babies are expected to calm when spoken to or picked up.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  2. Unusual or inconsolable crying and signs of illness warrant medical advice. In the UK, breathing difficulty or unresponsiveness requires an emergency call to 999.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSCrying and illness · checked 2026-09-05

  3. An overwhelmed caregiver can place their baby safely in a cot, take a brief break and return. A baby must never be shaken.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSGetting help with a crying baby; Never shake your baby · checked 2026-09-05
Read the crying and regulation guide
SleepSleep still comes in several stretches across 24 hours, with frequent waking.

Sleep is still spread through the day

What is typical

Newborn sleep still varies widely and remains spread across the day and night. Feeding, alertness and general health help show whether your baby is doing well.

Look at the full day

Notice the total pattern across naps, feeds and night waking rather than focusing on the longest stretch.

What may help

Use repeatable settling cues without expecting the same timing or result every day.

Safer sleep

UK NHS advice: place your baby on their back in a clear cot with a firm, flat mattress. Share a room for at least the first 6 months. Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or chair.

Sources

  1. NHS guidance describes newborn sleep as highly variable, sometimes totaling roughly 8 to 18 hours across 24 hours in short or long bursts.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHS‘How much do babies sleep?, Newborns’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. From birth, contrasting ordinary daytime light, activity and noise with a quieter, dimmer night can provide consistent day-night cues.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How can I get my baby used to night and day?’ · checked 2026-09-05

  3. NHS safer-sleep advice includes back sleeping on a firm, flat mattress in a clear cot, room sharing for at least six months, and never sleeping with a baby on a sofa or chair.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSHow to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome; co-sleeping precautions · checked 2026-09-05

  4. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05
Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingSome feeds may come close together while others are separated by a longer gap.

Feeding patterns can change from day to day

What feeding may look like

Periods of closely spaced feeding remain common in the first months. They do not identify a fixed growth-spurt week.

Look for these cues

Watch whether closely spaced feeds are followed by longer pauses and whether your baby remains alert and well.

What you can do

Make frequent feeds easier on the adult who is feeding by arranging drinks, food, a charger and practical help nearby.

Individual feeding advice

Follow any feeding plan from your care team. Ask about vitamin supplements and, if your baby was born early, when to introduce solid foods.

Sources

  1. Temporary periods of more frequent feeding commonly occur during the first 3 to 4 months, but not on fixed numbered weeks.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHSOpening guidance · checked 2026-09-05

  2. NHS guidance advises individual help with starting solids after premature birth. Some babies need vitamin supplements; requirements depend on feeding, age and local guidance.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSWhen to start introducing solid foods; Vitamins for babies · checked 2026-09-05

  3. In the first weeks, feeding is typically frequent and cue-led. NHS describes 8 to 12 or more breastfeeds per 24 hours as a rough breastfeeding guide. Bottle-fed babies also feed little and often and should control pauses and fullness.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should I feed my baby?’ and ‘Building up your milk supply’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • NHS‘Responsive feeding’, ‘Signs of hunger’ and ‘Paced feeding’ · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthHealth professionals use several measurements, along with feeding and health, to understand growth.

Growth is clearer across several measurements

How growth is assessed

A health professional will use several measurements, along with feeding and health, to understand how your baby is growing.

What to look at

Mention a change in feeding, wet nappies or general wellbeing.

When to ask

Bring your child’s health record to reviews and ask what the measurements show. In the UK, this is often called the red book.

Sources

  1. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05

Weeks 10–12

More time awake to look and listen

By ten to twelve weeks, your baby may stay awake for longer and follow a face or slowly moving object more steadily. Milk is still their only food and sleep remains spread across the full day. During play, pause after you speak or move something so your baby has time to look, move or make a sound in reply.

Try this together

Move one object slowly across a short distance, then pause. Give your baby time to look, move or make a sound before changing direction.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionYour baby may follow a face or slowly moving object more smoothly than before.

Looking and tracking may become steadier

What may be changing

By around 3 months, babies can focus on close faces and follow a slowly moving object with their eyes. If your baby does not seem to do this or you are worried about their vision, ask your health visitor or doctor.

What to notice

Notice whether your baby follows a slowly moving face or object and where their attention naturally stops.

Try this

Move one object slowly across a short distance, then pause before changing direction or offering something else.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. In the early weeks, babies can notice light, shapes, faces and movement, while distance vision remains blurry and the clearest focus is roughly 20 to 30 centimetres away. Visual focus develops gradually over the first months.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

    • American Academy of PediatricsNewborns section under ‘Infant Vision Development: What Can Babies See?’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • NHS‘Eyes in newborns’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. By around 3 months, babies can focus on faces and close objects and follow a moving object with their eyes, while visual coordination continues to develop.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  3. From birth to 3 months, babies begin recognising important voices and may react, calm, smile or change feeding in response to sound. These are broad observations, not a one-response home test.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range

  4. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  5. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Crying & regulationYou may start to recognise when a cuddle, quiet voice or change of scene helps your baby settle.

It may be easier to see what helps

What may be happening

A cry can still have several possible causes, but changes in gaze, movement and voice may make the response to comfort easier to read.

What to notice

Look for small changes in breathing, movement, gaze or voice when you pick your baby up, speak or reduce stimulation.

How to help

Try speaking softly or holding your baby close. Give them a little time to respond before trying something else.

If crying worries you

Get medical advice if your baby’s cry is unusual, they cannot be consoled or they seem unwell. In the UK, call 999 for breathing difficulty or unresponsiveness; use local emergency services elsewhere.

When you need a break

If you feel overwhelmed, put your baby safely in their cot, take a brief break and return. Ask someone you trust for help if you can. Never shake a baby.

Sources

  1. Crying communicates a need for care, although its cause is not always identifiable. Responsive caregiving means noticing and responding appropriately to signals.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. Unusual or inconsolable crying and signs of illness warrant medical advice. In the UK, breathing difficulty or unresponsiveness requires an emergency call to 999.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSCrying and illness · checked 2026-09-05

  3. An overwhelmed caregiver can place their baby safely in a cot, take a brief break and return. A baby must never be shaken.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSGetting help with a crying baby; Never shake your baby · checked 2026-09-05
Read the crying and regulation guide
SleepYour baby's total sleep includes every nap and night-time stretch across 24 hours.

Sleep still comes in several stretches

What is typical

Sleep remains highly variable near three months. A longer stretch may appear without becoming the new pattern.

Look at the full day

Notice sleep across 24 hours and how alert, comfortable and well your baby seems between sleeps.

What may help

Keep familiar bedtime cues while allowing the timing and result to change from one day to the next.

Safer sleep

UK NHS advice: place your baby on their back in a clear cot with a firm, flat mattress. Share a room for at least the first 6 months. Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or chair.

Sources

  1. NHS guidance describes newborn sleep as highly variable, sometimes totaling roughly 8 to 18 hours across 24 hours in short or long bursts.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHS‘How much do babies sleep?, Newborns’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. From birth, contrasting ordinary daytime light, activity and noise with a quieter, dimmer night can provide consistent day-night cues.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How can I get my baby used to night and day?’ · checked 2026-09-05

  3. NHS safer-sleep advice includes back sleeping on a firm, flat mattress in a clear cot, room sharing for at least six months, and never sleeping with a baby on a sofa or chair.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSHow to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome; co-sleeping precautions · checked 2026-09-05

  4. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05
Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingBreast milk or first infant formula provides nutrition at this age. Ask your care team about any vitamin supplements your baby needs.

Milk feeds are still the main food

What feeding may look like

Breast milk or first infant formula is your baby’s food at this age. Some babies also need vitamin supplements. More waking, chewing hands or watching meals does not show readiness for solid food.

Look for these cues

Keep watching for hunger and fullness during milk feeds. Around 6 months, readiness for food involves steady sitting and head control, bringing food to the mouth and swallowing together.

What you can do

Continue milk feeds, following your baby’s cues and any individual feeding plan. Introduce solids around 6 months when all three readiness signs appear together.

Individual feeding advice

Follow any feeding plan from your care team. Ask about vitamin supplements and, if your baby was born early, when to introduce solid foods.

Sources

  1. Breast milk or first infant formula provides nutrition until around 6 months, with vitamin supplements where recommended. Extra waking or hand-chewing alone does not establish readiness for solids.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range

    • NHS‘Feeding your baby: 0 to 6 months’ and ‘From around 6 months’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • NHS‘When to start’ and ‘Signs your baby is ready’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • NHSWhen to start introducing solid foods; Vitamins for babies · checked 2026-09-05

  2. NHS guidance advises individual help with starting solids after premature birth. Some babies need vitamin supplements; requirements depend on feeding, age and local guidance.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSWhen to start introducing solid foods; Vitamins for babies · checked 2026-09-05

  3. In the first weeks, feeding is typically frequent and cue-led. NHS describes 8 to 12 or more breastfeeds per 24 hours as a rough breastfeeding guide. Bottle-fed babies also feed little and often and should control pauses and fullness.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should I feed my baby?’ and ‘Building up your milk supply’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • NHS‘Responsive feeding’, ‘Signs of hunger’ and ‘Paced feeding’ · checked 2026-09-05

  4. From around 6 months, readiness for complementary foods is indicated by three signs appearing together: steady sitting and head control, hand-eye-mouth coordination and swallowing food.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range

    • NHS‘When to start’ and ‘Signs your baby is ready’ · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthEach new measurement adds to the growth curve and is considered alongside feeding and health.

The growth curve builds over time

How growth is assessed

One measurement cannot show a growth trend. It needs to be compared with previous measurements.

What to look at

Tell your health visitor if a change in the chart appears alongside illness, feeding difficulties or fewer wet nappies.

When to ask

Ask what the sequence of measurements shows and whether any follow-up is needed.

Sources

  1. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05

Weeks 13–17

Head control is getting steadier

By 4 months, most babies hold their head steady without head support while you hold them. Hands, faces and sounds may keep their attention for longer. Some babies start sleeping for longer stretches, while others wake often. Milk feeds continue, and short spells of supervised floor play give your baby space to move and look around.

Try this together

Offer supervised floor time in short spells. Change position or pause when your baby looks away, fusses or shows they have had enough.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionBy 4 months, most babies hold their head steady without head support while you hold them.

Head control is getting steadier

What may be changing

By 4 months, most babies can keep their head steady without head support while you hold them. Support your baby as needed while they develop this control. They may also look towards sounds and make more sounds of their own.

What to notice

Notice when your baby can hold their head more steadily and when tiredness or position makes control less reliable.

Try this

Offer supervised floor time in short spells and change position when your baby shows they have had enough.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. By 4 months, most children are expected to hold their head steady without support when held.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  2. Across 4 to 6 months, babies may increasingly follow sounds with their eyes, notice tone changes and make a wider variety of sounds.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  3. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  4. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Crying & regulationWhen your baby fusses, they may be hungry, tired, uncomfortable or ready for a quieter space.

Hunger, tiredness and stimulation can overlap

What may be happening

Hunger, tiredness, discomfort and stimulation can overlap. A response that worked yesterday may not work today.

What to notice

Notice whether a busy setting, tiredness or a difficult position comes before fussing.

How to help

Lower the level of sound or movement and give your baby time to settle before trying another change.

Sources

  1. Crying communicates a need for care, although its cause is not always identifiable. Responsive caregiving means noticing and responding appropriately to signals.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Read the crying and regulation guide
SleepSome babies sleep for longer stretches at this age. Many still wake often.

Some stretches of sleep may lengthen

What is typical

Some babies begin sleeping for longer stretches between 3 and 6 months, while others still wake often. Keep responding to feeding and comfort needs. A longer stretch one night may not happen again the next night.

Look at the full day

Count naps and night sleep together, and notice whether a longer stretch changes how your baby feeds or seems during the day.

What may help

Keep bedtime cues simple enough to repeat when the day has not followed the expected plan.

Safer sleep

UK NHS advice: place your baby on their back in a clear cot with a firm, flat mattress. Share a room for at least the first 6 months. Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or chair.

Sources

  1. Newborn sleep is distributed across day and night and varies substantially.

    high editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHSNewborn and 3-to-6-month sections · checked 2026-09-05

  2. WHO public-health guidance recommends 12 to 16 hours of sleep across 24 hours, including naps, for infants aged 4 to 11 months.

    contextual editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  3. From birth, contrasting ordinary daytime light, activity and noise with a quieter, dimmer night can provide consistent day-night cues.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How can I get my baby used to night and day?’ · checked 2026-09-05

  4. NHS safer-sleep advice includes back sleeping on a firm, flat mattress in a clear cot, room sharing for at least six months, and never sleeping with a baby on a sofa or chair.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSHow to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome; co-sleeping precautions · checked 2026-09-05

  5. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05
Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingBreast milk or first infant formula continues to provide the nutrition your baby needs.

Milk remains the only food

What feeding may look like

Milk remains the main source of nutrition. Common behaviours such as extra waking or chewing hands can appear before food readiness.

Look for these cues

Notice milk cues and remember that more waking, fist-chewing or interest in food can appear before coordinated readiness.

What you can do

Follow milk cues and look for all three readiness signs together when the six-month period approaches.

Individual feeding advice

Follow any feeding plan from your care team. Ask about vitamin supplements and, if your baby was born early, when to introduce solid foods.

Sources

  1. Breast milk or first infant formula provides nutrition until around 6 months, with vitamin supplements where recommended. Extra waking or hand-chewing alone does not establish readiness for solids.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range

    • NHS‘Feeding your baby: 0 to 6 months’ and ‘From around 6 months’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • NHS‘When to start’ and ‘Signs your baby is ready’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • NHSWhen to start introducing solid foods; Vitamins for babies · checked 2026-09-05

  2. NHS guidance advises individual help with starting solids after premature birth. Some babies need vitamin supplements; requirements depend on feeding, age and local guidance.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSWhen to start introducing solid foods; Vitamins for babies · checked 2026-09-05

  3. In the first weeks, feeding is typically frequent and cue-led. NHS describes 8 to 12 or more breastfeeds per 24 hours as a rough breastfeeding guide. Bottle-fed babies also feed little and often and should control pauses and fullness.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should I feed my baby?’ and ‘Building up your milk supply’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • NHS‘Responsive feeding’, ‘Signs of hunger’ and ‘Paced feeding’ · checked 2026-09-05

  4. From around 6 months, readiness for complementary foods is indicated by three signs appearing together: steady sitting and head control, hand-eye-mouth coordination and swallowing food.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range

    • NHS‘When to start’ and ‘Signs your baby is ready’ · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthA health professional will look at how your baby's measurements change across several visits.

Check the curve, not one weight

How growth is assessed

A health professional looks at the latest measurement alongside earlier ones, feeding and health. Ask them to explain any movement on the chart that worries you.

What to look at

Mention changes in feeding, health or activity when your baby's measurements are reviewed.

When to ask

Ask how the latest measurement compares with the earlier ones in your baby's record.

Sources

  1. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05

Weeks 18–25

Reaching, turning and rolling

By 6 months, most babies roll from tummy to back and reach for a toy they want. You may hear more sounds during play too. Give your baby supervised floor space, with a safe toy within easy reach. Milk feeds continue; solid food begins around 6 months when steady sitting and head control, bringing food to the mouth and swallowing appear together.

Try this together

Give your baby supervised floor space with an interesting object just within comfortable reach. Let their own movement decide what happens next.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionBy 6 months, most babies roll from tummy to back.

Rolling changes what your baby can reach

What may be changing

By 6 months, most babies roll from tummy to back. Supervised play on the floor gives your baby space to move and reach. Stay close and keep the area clear, as a first roll can come as a surprise.

What to notice

Notice which direction rolling is easier, what your baby reaches for and how position changes the attempt.

Try this

Give your baby supervised floor space with an interesting object just within a comfortable reach.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. By 6 months, most children are expected to roll from tummy to back.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  2. Across 4 to 6 months, babies may increasingly follow sounds with their eyes, notice tone changes and make a wider variety of sounds.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  3. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  4. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  5. By 6 months, most children are expected to know familiar people, take turns making sounds and reach for a wanted toy.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

Crying & regulationA familiar voice, cuddle or quieter space may help when your baby becomes overwhelmed.

Familiar comfort still helps

What may be happening

Many babies can calm in response to a familiar voice or being held by this age, although tiredness, hunger and discomfort can still make settling harder.

What to notice

Look for the first small sign of settling before changing your response.

How to help

Speak, move close and pause long enough to see whether your baby’s body or voice changes.

Sources

  1. By 2 months, most babies are expected to calm when spoken to or picked up.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

SleepFrom 4 to 11 months, WHO recommends 12 to 16 hours of sleep across 24 hours, including naps.

Count naps and night sleep together

What is typical

The recommendation covers all sleep across the day and night. The number and length of naps and night-time wakes can still vary greatly.

Look at the full day

If you are wondering how much sleep your baby gets, include naps as well as night-time sleep. Notice how they seem when awake too.

What may help

Use a familiar wind-down without treating any single night as a new permanent pattern.

Safer sleep

UK NHS advice: place your baby on their back in a clear cot with a firm, flat mattress. Share a room for at least the first 6 months. Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or chair.

Sources

  1. WHO public-health guidance recommends 12 to 16 hours of sleep across 24 hours, including naps, for infants aged 4 to 11 months.

    contextual editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. From birth, contrasting ordinary daytime light, activity and noise with a quieter, dimmer night can provide consistent day-night cues.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How can I get my baby used to night and day?’ · checked 2026-09-05

  3. NHS safer-sleep advice includes back sleeping on a firm, flat mattress in a clear cot, room sharing for at least six months, and never sleeping with a baby on a sofa or chair.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSHow to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome; co-sleeping precautions · checked 2026-09-05

  4. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05
Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingWait for the three signs of readiness before introducing solid food at around 6 months.

Milk remains the main food

What feeding may look like

As six months approaches, readiness for food is shown by coordinated skills rather than extra waking or interest alone.

Look for these cues

Look for all three readiness signs together as the six-month period approaches.

What you can do

Keep offering milk feeds. At around 6 months, look for steady sitting and head control, bringing food to the mouth and swallowing, all together.

Individual feeding advice

Follow any feeding plan from your care team. Ask about vitamin supplements and, if your baby was born early, when to introduce solid foods.

Sources

  1. Breast milk or first infant formula provides nutrition until around 6 months, with vitamin supplements where recommended. Extra waking or hand-chewing alone does not establish readiness for solids.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range

    • NHS‘Feeding your baby: 0 to 6 months’ and ‘From around 6 months’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • NHS‘When to start’ and ‘Signs your baby is ready’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • NHSWhen to start introducing solid foods; Vitamins for babies · checked 2026-09-05

  2. NHS guidance advises individual help with starting solids after premature birth. Some babies need vitamin supplements; requirements depend on feeding, age and local guidance.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSWhen to start introducing solid foods; Vitamins for babies · checked 2026-09-05

  3. In the first weeks, feeding is typically frequent and cue-led. NHS describes 8 to 12 or more breastfeeds per 24 hours as a rough breastfeeding guide. Bottle-fed babies also feed little and often and should control pauses and fullness.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should I feed my baby?’ and ‘Building up your milk supply’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • NHS‘Responsive feeding’, ‘Signs of hunger’ and ‘Paced feeding’ · checked 2026-09-05

  4. From around 6 months, readiness for complementary foods is indicated by three signs appearing together: steady sitting and head control, hand-eye-mouth coordination and swallowing food.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range

    • NHS‘When to start’ and ‘Signs your baby is ready’ · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthGrowth becomes clearer when measurements are compared over time.

Compare several points on the chart

How growth is assessed

Growth charts show change over time. Feeding, health and earlier measurements help explain the direction.

What to look at

Mention any change in feeding, wet nappies or general wellbeing.

When to ask

At routine reviews, ask how weight and length are progressing together.

Sources

  1. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05

Weeks 26–30

Sitting practice and first tastes

At around 6 months, your baby may sit with support, reach for toys and take turns making sounds. Solid food can begin when they can sit steadily with good head control, bring food to their mouth and swallow it. Start with small tastes and textures while continuing their usual milk feeds.

Try this together

Sit together on the floor with a toy within easy reach. Stay close and support your baby as needed while they practise balancing.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionBabies learn to sit at different ages. Wobbling and leaning on their hands are common while they practise.

Sitting takes practice

What may be changing

Babies learn to sit at different ages. Wobbling, leaning on their hands and sitting alone for a few seconds are all common while they practise.

Around 6 months, babies may take turns making sounds and reach for things they can see while playing with familiar people.

What to notice

Offer floor play when your baby is awake and comfortable. If they turn away, slump or become frustrated, give them a break before trying again.

Try this

Sit together on the floor with a toy within easy reach. Stay close and support your baby as needed while they practise balancing.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. In the WHO sample, the 1st-to-99th percentile window for sitting without support was 3.8 to 9.2 months.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  2. By 6 months, most children are expected to know familiar people, take turns making sounds and reach for a wanted toy.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  3. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  4. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Crying & regulationSome babies become more watchful around unfamiliar people or protest when a caregiver moves away.

Your baby may react when you leave

What may be happening

Some babies begin watching unfamiliar people more closely or protesting when you leave. Others show little reaction yet. These responses are included in the nine-month checklist, so this chapter is a chance to notice them as they develop.

What to notice

Notice how your baby responds to an unfamiliar person, a short departure and your return.

How to help

Use a brief goodbye and a warm return. Peek-a-boo can make the same pattern playful.

Sources

  1. By 9 months, most babies are expected to react when a caregiver leaves and may be wary or clingy around strangers.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

SleepWHO recommends 12 to 16 hours of sleep in 24 hours for babies aged 4 to 11 months, including naps.

Naps count towards daily sleep

What is typical

WHO recommends 12 to 16 hours of sleep across 24 hours for babies aged 4 to 11 months. Naps count towards that total, and waking at night is still common.

Look at the full day

Notice when your baby seems ready for sleep, and include naps when thinking about their daily total. Ask for advice if sleep or daytime alertness worries you.

What may help

Try a short, familiar routine when your baby is ready for sleep. You may still need to respond to feeds and waking through the night.

Safer sleep

UK NHS advice: place your baby on their back in a clear cot with a firm, flat mattress. Share a room for at least the first 6 months. Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or chair.

Sources

  1. WHO public-health guidance recommends 12 to 16 hours of sleep across 24 hours, including naps, for infants aged 4 to 11 months.

    contextual editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. From birth, contrasting ordinary daytime light, activity and noise with a quieter, dimmer night can provide consistent day-night cues.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How can I get my baby used to night and day?’ · checked 2026-09-05

  3. NHS safer-sleep advice includes back sleeping on a firm, flat mattress in a clear cot, room sharing for at least six months, and never sleeping with a baby on a sofa or chair.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSHow to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome; co-sleeping precautions · checked 2026-09-05

  4. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05

  5. Between 6 and 12 months, night feeding needs and waking continue to vary. Hunger and teething can disrupt sleep.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHSBaby sleep at 6 to 12 months; Dealing with baby sleep pattern changes · checked 2026-09-05
Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingAt around 6 months, look for steady sitting and head control, bringing food to the mouth and swallowing, all together.

Look for all three readiness signs

What feeding may look like

Around six months, three coordinated signs show readiness for food. Early amounts are small and milk still supplies most energy and nutrients.

Look for these cues

Look for steady sitting and head control, coordinated reaching to the mouth and swallowing rather than pushing food out.

What you can do

Begin with a small amount when your baby is alert and not too hungry. Let them touch, taste or stop.

If your baby was born early

Ask your health visitor or doctor when to introduce solid foods. This timeline does not adjust feeding advice automatically using corrected age.

Eating safely

Stay with your child while they eat, seat them safely upright and prepare food in a shape and texture they can manage. The feeding guide links to choking and food-preparation advice.

Sources

  1. From around 6 months, readiness for complementary foods is indicated by three signs appearing together: steady sitting and head control, hand-eye-mouth coordination and swallowing food.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range

    • NHS‘When to start’ and ‘Signs your baby is ready’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. Complementary feeding begins with small amounts, gradually varied tastes and textures, and responses to hunger and fullness without force.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How to start’ and ‘Texture progression’ · checked 2026-09-05
    • World Health Organization‘Complementary feeding’ · checked 2026-09-05

  3. When eating, babies need safe upright seating, adult supervision and food prepared to reduce choking risk.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSSafety and hygiene; Equipment checklist · checked 2026-09-05

  4. NHS guidance advises individual help with starting solids after premature birth. Some babies need vitamin supplements; requirements depend on feeding, age and local guidance.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSWhen to start introducing solid foods; Vitamins for babies · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthCompare measurements over time instead of expecting a growth spurt in a particular week.

Growth does not follow a weekly spurt calendar

How growth is assessed

Growth is assessed by comparing measurements taken at different times. It does not follow a reliable calendar of weekly spurts.

What to look at

Consider the time between measurements as well as feeding, health and activity.

When to ask

Ask a health professional what the measurements show instead of trying to identify a particular spurt week.

Sources

  1. WHO length-velocity standards compare measurements across intervals of 2 to 6 months. These standards do not give a calendar of weekly growth spurts.

    high editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

  2. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05

Weeks 31–35

More movement at meals and on the floor

Your baby may sit for longer, reach farther and make a wider range of sounds. At meals, they can practise soft lumps, finger foods and drinking from an open cup with help. Milk feeds continue as meals become more regular. Give them time to explore, and stay beside them while they eat or practise sitting.

Try this together

Use a brief, familiar goodbye and return warmly. Peek-a-boo can make leaving and returning feel playful without testing your baby.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionYour baby may sit for longer or reach for a toy without immediately losing balance.

Sitting may become more stable

What may be changing

Learning to sit takes time. Your baby may balance for longer, then wobble when reaching for a toy. Sitting without support appears across a broad range of ages in WHO research; the CDC includes it in the nine-month checklist.

What to notice

Notice how long your baby can balance, where they place their hands and how they recover from a wobble.

Try this

Sit together on the floor with a toy within easy reach. Stay close and support your baby as needed while they practise balancing.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. In the WHO sample, the 1st-to-99th percentile window for sitting without support was 3.8 to 9.2 months.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  2. By 6 months, most children are expected to know familiar people, take turns making sounds and reach for a wanted toy.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  3. By 9 months, most children are expected to sit without support and look when their name is called.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  4. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  5. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Crying & regulationYour baby may watch closely, fuss or cry when you leave, especially when tired or unsure.

Leaving the room may bring a reaction

What may be happening

A baby may react to an unfamiliar person or a caregiver leaving by pausing, watching or reaching to stay close.

What to notice

Notice which people, places or departures bring a change and how quickly connection helps.

How to help

Use a brief, familiar goodbye and return warmly. Peek-a-boo can make leaving and returning playful.

Sources

  1. By 9 months, most babies are expected to react when a caregiver leaves and may be wary or clingy around strangers.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

SleepHunger, teething or illness can disturb sleep. Night feeding needs still vary between babies.

Nights can still vary

What is typical

Night feeding needs vary in the second half of the first year. Hunger, teething and illness can disturb sleep. If nights have become difficult, you can ask for support without needing to identify a particular phase.

Look at the full day

If nights change, consider hunger, teething or illness. Tell your care team what you have noticed if you need advice.

What may help

Keep night care quiet and familiar. If you are unsure whether your baby still needs night feeds, discuss feeding and growth with your care team.

Safer sleep

UK NHS advice: place your baby on their back in a clear cot with a firm, flat mattress. Share a room for at least the first 6 months. Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or chair.

Sources

  1. Between 6 and 12 months, night feeding needs and waking continue to vary. Hunger and teething can disrupt sleep.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHSBaby sleep at 6 to 12 months; Dealing with baby sleep pattern changes · checked 2026-09-05

  2. From birth, contrasting ordinary daytime light, activity and noise with a quieter, dimmer night can provide consistent day-night cues.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How can I get my baby used to night and day?’ · checked 2026-09-05

  3. NHS safer-sleep advice includes back sleeping on a firm, flat mattress in a clear cot, room sharing for at least six months, and never sleeping with a baby on a sofa or chair.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSHow to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome; co-sleeping precautions · checked 2026-09-05

  4. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05
Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingNHS guidance suggests gradually moving towards three meals between 7 and 9 months, alongside milk feeds.

Meals become more regular

What feeding may look like

From about 7 months, babies gradually move towards three meals while usual milk feeds continue. Offer thicker, lumpier textures as your baby learns to manage them.

Look for these cues

Notice how your baby handles mashed, lumpy and soft finger foods and which pace supports comfortable swallowing.

What you can do

Offer foods with textures your baby can manage at a meal you share. Keep offering variety as you gradually build towards three meals alongside milk.

Eating safely

Stay with your child while they eat, seat them safely upright and prepare food in a shape and texture they can manage. The feeding guide links to choking and food-preparation advice.

Sources

  1. From about 7 months, babies gradually move toward three meals while continuing usual milk feeds and increasingly varied textures.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHS‘Feeding your baby: from 7 to 9 months’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. When eating, babies need safe upright seating, adult supervision and food prepared to reduce choking risk.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSSafety and hygiene; Equipment checklist · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthThe spacing and direction of measurements matter more than changes from one week to the next.

Growth is measured over weeks and months

How growth is assessed

Babies do not grow by the same amount every week. Measurements taken over a longer period show the direction more clearly.

What to look at

Check how far apart the measurements were and mention changes in feeding, health or activity.

When to ask

Take the recorded measurements to a health visitor or GP if you have a concern.

Sources

  1. WHO length-velocity standards compare measurements across intervals of 2 to 6 months. These standards do not give a calendar of weekly growth spurts.

    high editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

  2. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05

Weeks 36–40

Your baby may respond to their name

By 9 months, most babies sit without support and look when their name is called. You may also see your baby search for a dropped object or enjoy peek-a-boo. They may react when you leave or someone unfamiliar approaches. Share any concerns with your health visitor or doctor; everyday play is enough without repeatedly asking your baby to show a skill.

Try this together

Say your baby’s name once from nearby, then pause. Notice what has caught their attention instead of repeating their name to test them.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionBy 9 months, most babies sit without support and look when their name is called.

Sitting, listening and searching

What may be changing

By 9 months, most babies sit without support and look when their name is called. They may also search for a dropped toy or laugh during peek-a-boo. Different skills develop alongside one another, and your baby may enjoy some games more than others.

What to notice

Try a name game or peek-a-boo when your baby is alert. A glance, turn or brief search is enough. Stop when they lose interest.

Try this

Say your baby's name once from nearby, then pause. Notice what has caught their attention instead of repeating their name to test them.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. By 9 months, most children are expected to sit without support and look when their name is called.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  2. By 9 months, most children are expected to look for an object dropped out of sight and smile or laugh during peek-a-boo. Across 7 to 12 months many also orient toward sounds and communicate with gestures.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  3. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  4. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Crying & regulationYour baby may cry, become still or reach for you when you leave or an unfamiliar person approaches.

Separation may bring a stronger reaction

What may be happening

By 9 months, most babies react when a familiar adult leaves and may be wary of strangers. Your baby might cry, reach for you or watch closely. A familiar goodbye and time together when you return can help.

What to notice

Notice whether a familiar warning, goodbye or return helps when you leave the room.

How to help

Say goodbye clearly, return warmly and use games such as peek-a-boo to practise disappearance and return.

Sources

  1. By 9 months, most babies are expected to react when a caregiver leaves and may be wary or clingy around strangers.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

SleepNaps, night waking and settling can vary. Hunger, teething and illness may affect sleep.

Sleep can change again

What is typical

Night feeds and waking still vary at nine months. Hunger, teething and illness can affect sleep. Keep responding to what your baby needs, and ask for help if nights are becoming hard to manage.

Look at the full day

If your baby wakes more often, check for hunger or discomfort. Ask for advice if they seem unwell or sleep is worrying you.

What may help

Respond to the immediate need and keep the rest of the night routine recognisable.

Safer sleep

UK NHS advice: place your baby on their back in a clear cot with a firm, flat mattress. Share a room for at least the first 6 months. Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or chair.

Sources

  1. Between 6 and 12 months, night feeding needs and waking continue to vary. Hunger and teething can disrupt sleep.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHSBaby sleep at 6 to 12 months; Dealing with baby sleep pattern changes · checked 2026-09-05

  2. From birth, contrasting ordinary daytime light, activity and noise with a quieter, dimmer night can provide consistent day-night cues.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How can I get my baby used to night and day?’ · checked 2026-09-05

  3. NHS safer-sleep advice includes back sleeping on a firm, flat mattress in a clear cot, room sharing for at least six months, and never sleeping with a baby on a sofa or chair.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSHow to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome; co-sleeping precautions · checked 2026-09-05

  4. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05
Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingNHS guidance suggests gradually moving towards three meals between 7 and 9 months, alongside milk feeds and more textures.

Three meals may be taking shape

What feeding may look like

From about 7 months, babies gradually move towards three meals while milk feeds continue. Texture can progress as each baby manages it.

Look for these cues

Notice how your baby manages a wider range of mashed, lumpy and soft finger foods.

What you can do

Share one meal and let your baby practise picking up a safely prepared piece of food.

Eating safely

Stay with your child while they eat, seat them safely upright and prepare food in a shape and texture they can manage. The feeding guide links to choking and food-preparation advice.

Sources

  1. From about 7 months, babies gradually move toward three meals while continuing usual milk feeds and increasingly varied textures.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHS‘Feeding your baby: from 7 to 9 months’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. When eating, babies need safe upright seating, adult supervision and food prepared to reduce choking risk.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSSafety and hygiene; Equipment checklist · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthGrowth charts show the direction of change across several measurements, not a timetable of weekly spurts.

Growth is followed over time

How growth is assessed

At around 9 months, several measurements show more than one weight or a supposed weekly growth spurt.

What to look at

Consider recent feeding, illness and activity when the measurements are reviewed.

When to ask

Ask for a review if the direction of growth worries you.

Sources

  1. WHO length-velocity standards compare measurements across intervals of 2 to 6 months. These standards do not give a calendar of weekly growth spurts.

    high editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

  2. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05

Weeks 41–45

Babies find different ways to move

Your baby may crawl, shuffle, roll or use another way to reach what interests them. Some babies move straight on to pulling up without spending long on hands and knees. Gestures and searching games continue to develop alongside movement. Familiar goodbyes and warm returns can help when separation feels difficult.

Try this together

Create a clear floor route to a familiar object and let your baby choose how to cross it. Rolling or shuffling counts too.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionSome babies crawl on hands and knees; others scoot or roll. Ask for advice if your baby’s movement concerns you.

There is more than one way to get around

What may be changing

Babies find different ways to move towards a toy. Some crawl on hands and knees; others scoot or roll. In the WHO study, some children never showed hands-and-knees crawling. If you are concerned about how your baby moves, ask your health visitor or doctor.

What to notice

Notice how your baby reaches a wanted object and whether they crawl, shuffle, roll or combine several movements.

Try this

Create a clear floor route to a familiar object and let your baby choose how to cross it.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. In the WHO sample, the 1st-to-99th percentile window for hands-and-knees crawling was 5.2 to 13.5 months.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  2. By 9 months, most children are expected to look for an object dropped out of sight and smile or laugh during peek-a-boo. Across 7 to 12 months many also orient toward sounds and communicate with gestures.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  3. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  4. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Crying & regulationYour baby may protest when you leave and settle when you return. Keep departures brief and predictable.

Goodbyes may be difficult

What may be happening

As your baby moves farther, they may still react strongly when you leave. They can be eager to explore and still need reassurance.

What to notice

Notice whether a warning, familiar goodbye or visible return changes how your baby responds when you leave.

How to help

Use the same brief goodbye and return warmly. Avoid disappearing without a cue when you can.

Sources

  1. By 9 months, most babies are expected to react when a caregiver leaves and may be wary or clingy around strangers.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

SleepTeething, illness or hunger can affect sleep. If you are struggling with nights, ask for support.

Nights may be unsettled for a while

What is typical

Between 6 and 12 months, some babies need fewer night feeds. Hunger, teething and illness can still change a night.

Look at the full day

If waking changes, check for hunger, discomfort or illness. You can ask for help if you are unsure what your baby needs.

What may help

Keep the response quiet and familiar at night, then return to the usual daytime rhythm in the morning.

Safer sleep

UK NHS advice: place your baby on their back in a clear cot with a firm, flat mattress. Share a room for at least the first 6 months. Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or chair.

Sources

  1. Between 6 and 12 months, night feeding needs and waking continue to vary. Hunger and teething can disrupt sleep.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHSBaby sleep at 6 to 12 months; Dealing with baby sleep pattern changes · checked 2026-09-05

  2. From birth, contrasting ordinary daytime light, activity and noise with a quieter, dimmer night can provide consistent day-night cues.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How can I get my baby used to night and day?’ · checked 2026-09-05

  3. NHS safer-sleep advice includes back sleeping on a firm, flat mattress in a clear cot, room sharing for at least six months, and never sleeping with a baby on a sofa or chair.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSHow to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome; co-sleeping precautions · checked 2026-09-05

  4. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05
Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingOffer a wider range of soft textures and finger foods while continuing milk feeds.

Meals include more tastes and textures

What feeding may look like

NHS guidance for 10 to 12 months suggests three meals alongside milk feeds. Offer soft lumps, finger foods and different tastes as your baby learns to manage them.

Look for these cues

Notice which soft textures and finger foods your baby can manage, and continue their usual milk feeds.

What you can do

Offer a soft finger food that is easy to grasp and stay close while your baby explores it.

Eating safely

Stay with your child while they eat, seat them safely upright and prepare food in a shape and texture they can manage. The feeding guide links to choking and food-preparation advice.

Sources

  1. From about 10 months, NHS guidance describes three meals alongside usual milk feeds and a wider range of tastes, textures and finger foods.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHS‘Feeding your baby: from 10 to 12 months’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. When eating, babies need safe upright seating, adult supervision and food prepared to reduce choking risk.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSSafety and hygiene; Equipment checklist · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthWeight gain is generally fastest in the first 6 months and then slows gradually.

Weight gain is usually slower now

How growth is assessed

Weight gain usually slows after the first 6 months as activity and eating change.

What to look at

Compare measurements from scheduled reviews and mention any change in food or milk intake.

When to ask

Ask a health visitor or GP if the overall direction worries you.

Sources

  1. Weight gain is generally fastest in the first 6 months and gradually slows as the child becomes a more active toddler.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHS‘Your baby's weight gain’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05

Weeks 46–48

Gestures become easier to recognise

Your baby may wave, point or connect a familiar word with a person or object. At meals, they can try a wider range of tastes and textures while milk feeds continue. Nights may still vary. Name something your baby is interested in, pause and see whether they answer with a look, gesture or sound.

Try this together

Name the object your baby is looking at, then pause. A look, gesture or sound can keep the exchange going.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionYour baby may wave, point or look towards a familiar person or object when you name it.

Gestures and familiar words connect

What may be changing

Your baby may look at a familiar object when you name it, wave goodbye or lift their arms to be picked up. Notice what they are trying to tell you and answer with a few words or a gesture.

What to notice

Notice which words, gestures or sounds make your baby turn, look or begin a familiar action.

Try this

Name the object your baby is looking at, then pause so a look, gesture or sound can continue the exchange.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. In the WHO sample, the 1st-to-99th percentile window for hands-and-knees crawling was 5.2 to 13.5 months.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  2. Across 7 months to 1 year, communication may include turning toward sounds, listening, gestures, imitation and links between common words and familiar objects.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  3. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  4. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Crying & regulationA short goodbye followed by a familiar return helps your baby learn that you come back.

Your return helps with separation

What may be happening

Familiar departures and returns help your baby learn what separation feels like. Some responses are quiet and others are immediate.

What to notice

Watch how your baby responds before, during and after a short separation. The return is part of the learning.

How to help

Keep goodbyes brief and recognisable, and give your baby time to reconnect when you return.

Sources

  1. By 9 months, most babies are expected to react when a caregiver leaves and may be wary or clingy around strangers.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

SleepTeething, illness, hunger or different naps can all affect sleep.

Look for ordinary reasons behind a changed night

What is typical

Sleep can still be uneven near the first birthday. Check for hunger, teething discomfort or illness, and keep settling familiar. If you need help, talk to a health visitor or doctor.

Look at the full day

Think about whether hunger, teething or illness could be making settling harder. If you are worried, discuss the change with your care team.

What may help

Use familiar settling cues without assuming that one difficult week defines the months ahead.

Safer sleep

UK NHS advice: place your baby on their back in a clear cot with a firm, flat mattress. Share a room for at least the first 6 months. Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or chair.

Sources

  1. Between 6 and 12 months, night feeding needs and waking continue to vary. Hunger and teething can disrupt sleep.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHSBaby sleep at 6 to 12 months; Dealing with baby sleep pattern changes · checked 2026-09-05

  2. From birth, contrasting ordinary daytime light, activity and noise with a quieter, dimmer night can provide consistent day-night cues.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How can I get my baby used to night and day?’ · checked 2026-09-05

  3. NHS safer-sleep advice includes back sleeping on a firm, flat mattress in a clear cot, room sharing for at least six months, and never sleeping with a baby on a sofa or chair.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSHow to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome; co-sleeping precautions · checked 2026-09-05

  4. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05
Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingMeals can include more tastes, soft textures and finger foods alongside usual milk feeds.

Family foods offer more variety

What feeding may look like

Continue offering three meals with varied tastes, soft textures and finger foods. Follow the guidance for the type of milk your baby has.

Look for these cues

Notice growing confidence with finger foods, cups and a wider range of textures.

What you can do

Let your baby take part in a family meal with safely prepared pieces they can pick up themselves.

Eating safely

Stay with your child while they eat, seat them safely upright and prepare food in a shape and texture they can manage. The feeding guide links to choking and food-preparation advice.

Sources

  1. From about 10 months, NHS guidance describes three meals alongside usual milk feeds and a wider range of tastes, textures and finger foods.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHS‘Feeding your baby: from 10 to 12 months’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. When eating, babies need safe upright seating, adult supervision and food prepared to reduce choking risk.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSSafety and hygiene; Equipment checklist · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthGrowth often slows after early infancy, so compare measurements taken over a longer period.

Follow the direction of the growth curve

How growth is assessed

Growth is usually slower than it was in early infancy, so measurements need to be compared over time.

What to look at

Consider feeding, health and increasing activity alongside the measurements.

When to ask

Keep the growth record available at reviews so the latest measurement can be compared with earlier ones.

Sources

  1. Weight gain is generally fastest in the first 6 months and gradually slows as the child becomes a more active toddler.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHS‘Your baby's weight gain’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05

Weeks 49–52

Around the first birthday

By 12 months, most babies pull up to stand and move while holding furniture. Walking independently is a separate skill, and many babies are still practising. You may also notice waves and responses to familiar words. After the birthday, meals can become more like yours. Keep offering safe places to move, and share any concerns with your health visitor or doctor.

Try this together

Offer sturdy, stable furniture for your baby to hold while you stay close. Let them pull up, move along it or sit down when they want to.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionBy 12 months, most babies pull up to stand and move while holding furniture.

Pulling up and moving along furniture

What may be changing

By 12 months, most babies pull up to stand and move along furniture while holding on. Independent walking comes at different ages. Your baby may also respond to familiar words or use gestures to ask for something.

What to notice

Let your baby choose what to reach for or move towards. If they sit down, turn away or ask to be held, follow their lead.

Try this

Offer sturdy, stable furniture for your baby to hold while you stay close. Let them pull up, move along it or sit down when they want to.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. By 12 months, most children are expected to pull to stand and walk holding furniture.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  2. Across 7 months to 1 year, communication may include turning toward sounds, listening, gestures, imitation and links between common words and familiar objects.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  3. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  4. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Crying & regulationEven an adventurous baby may become upset when you leave and need reassurance when you return.

Your baby may still need help with goodbyes

What may be happening

Even a baby who loves exploring may become upset when you leave. A brief goodbye helps them know what is happening. When you return, allow time for a cuddle or a few quiet moments together.

What to notice

Notice how mobility, unfamiliar settings and brief departures affect your baby near the first birthday.

How to help

Say goodbye before leaving and make time for a cuddle or some play when you return.

Sources

  1. By 9 months, most babies are expected to react when a caregiver leaves and may be wary or clingy around strangers.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

SleepFrom 1 to 2 years, WHO recommends 11 to 14 hours of sleep across 24 hours, including naps.

Sleep at one still includes naps

What is typical

Around the first birthday, sleep still includes naps and varies between children. The daily total is more useful than a single night.

Look at the full day

Look at naps and nights together as the first-birthday routine changes.

What may help

Try a short wind-down, such as washing, a book and a cuddle. Aim for regular sleep and wake times as your child moves into the second year.

Safer sleep

UK NHS advice: place your baby on their back in a clear cot with a firm, flat mattress. Share a room for at least the first 6 months. Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or chair.

Sources

  1. WHO public-health guidance recommends 11 to 14 hours across 24 hours, including naps, with regular sleep and wake times for ages 1 to 2 years.

    contextual editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. From birth, contrasting ordinary daytime light, activity and noise with a quieter, dimmer night can provide consistent day-night cues.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How can I get my baby used to night and day?’ · checked 2026-09-05

  3. NHS safer-sleep advice includes back sleeping on a firm, flat mattress in a clear cot, room sharing for at least six months, and never sleeping with a baby on a sofa or chair.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSHow to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome; co-sleeping precautions · checked 2026-09-05

  4. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05
Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingFrom 12 months, NHS guidance suggests three meals and up to two healthy snacks each day.

Meals begin to look more like family meals

What feeding may look like

After 12 months, three family-style meals and up to two snacks can provide the main structure while hunger and fullness still guide each meal.

Look for these cues

Notice how family meals, milk feeds and snacks begin to fit together around the birthday.

What you can do

Adapt an unsalted family food into a soft, safely sized portion and eat it together.

Eating safely

Stay with your child while they eat, seat them safely upright and prepare food in a shape and texture they can manage. The feeding guide links to choking and food-preparation advice.

Sources

  1. From 12 months, family-style meals become the main structure, commonly three meals and up to two snacks, while responsive feeding remains appropriate.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. When eating, babies need safe upright seating, adult supervision and food prepared to reduce choking risk.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSSafety and hygiene; Equipment checklist · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthWeight gain usually slows after the first 6 months and is assessed across several measurements.

Growth is slower than in early infancy

How growth is assessed

By the first birthday, growth is usually slower than it was in the first 6 months. Illness and feeding changes can affect measurements for a while.

What to look at

Look across the first year's measurements and mention any change in feeding, health or growth.

When to ask

Take the first-year record to reviews and ask how the measurements fit together.

Sources

  1. Weight gain is generally fastest in the first 6 months and gradually slows as the child becomes a more active toddler.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHS‘Your baby's weight gain’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05

Months 13–14

Meals, play and movement after one

After the first birthday, your toddler may cruise along furniture or try a few steps alone. The CDC includes a few independent steps at 15 months. Gestures and familiar words help your toddler ask for things, and they may come back to you often while exploring. Share suitable family foods and keep time for rest in the day.

Try this together

Serve a small portion of an unsalted family food and eat together. Let your toddler ask for more or show when they are finished.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionYour toddler may cruise, take an early step, point or copy something you do.

Movement and gestures work together

What may be changing

Your toddler may be cruising along furniture or trying steps on their own. The CDC includes a few independent steps in its 15-month checklist. Meanwhile, gestures and familiar words help your toddler show you what they want.

What to notice

Watch how your toddler moves between support and open space, and how they point, look or make a sound to show you what has caught their attention.

Try this

Make a short, clear route between two steady supports. Stay close and let your toddler decide whether to cruise, crawl or step.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. By 15 months, most children are expected to take a few steps on their own.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  2. Across 7 months to 1 year, communication may include turning toward sounds, listening, gestures, imitation and links between common words and familiar objects.

    high editorial confidence · Skill developing across an age range · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  3. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  4. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Crying & regulationYour toddler may move away to investigate and return moments later for reassurance.

Exploring still includes coming back

What may be happening

Growing independence does not remove the need for reassurance. A toddler may explore a safe space, glance back and return before setting off again.

What to notice

Your toddler may look back, come for a cuddle and then carry on playing. Stay where they can find you and respond when they seek your attention.

How to help

Stay visibly available while your toddler explores and respond warmly when they look back or return.

Sources

  1. By 18 months, most children are expected to move away from a caregiver while checking that the caregiver remains close.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

SleepWHO recommends 11 to 14 hours of sleep in 24 hours at ages 1 to 2, including naps.

Naps remain part of daily sleep

What is typical

For children aged 1 to 2 years, WHO recommends 11 to 14 hours across 24 hours, including naps. Individual patterns still vary.

Look at the full day

If you keep track of sleep, include naps and nights. Notice daytime tiredness too, and ask for support if sleep concerns you.

What may help

Keep bedtime and waking times regular, with a familiar wind-down such as a wash, a book and a cuddle. Ask for support if sleep is hard to manage.

Sources

  1. WHO public-health guidance recommends 11 to 14 hours across 24 hours, including naps, with regular sleep and wake times for ages 1 to 2 years.

    contextual editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05
FeedingShare suitable family foods in small portions. NHS guidance suggests three meals and up to two healthy snacks from 12 months.

Food follows the family routine

What feeding may look like

After the first birthday, three family-style meals and up to two snacks can provide the daily structure. Hunger and fullness still guide how much is eaten.

Look for these cues

Notice hunger and fullness across meals and snacks. Appetite can move from one meal to the next.

What you can do

Serve a small portion of an unsalted family food and eat together. Let your toddler ask for more or stop.

Eating safely

Stay with your child while they eat, seat them safely upright and prepare food in a shape and texture they can manage. The feeding guide links to choking and food-preparation advice.

Sources

  1. From 12 months, family-style meals become the main structure, commonly three meals and up to two snacks, while responsive feeding remains appropriate.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. When eating, babies need safe upright seating, adult supervision and food prepared to reduce choking risk.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSSafety and hygiene; Equipment checklist · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthGrowth is slower than in early infancy and is checked across several measurements.

Growth usually slows after one

How growth is assessed

Growth is usually slower after the first birthday. Movement, feeding and health can all affect the measurements.

What to look at

Look at the direction across scheduled measurements rather than one result.

When to ask

Take the growth record to reviews and ask how the recent measurements compare with earlier ones.

Sources

  1. Weight gain is generally fastest in the first 6 months and gradually slows as the child becomes a more active toddler.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHS‘Your baby's weight gain’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05

Months 15–17

First steps and familiar words

By 15 months, most children take a few steps on their own. If your toddler is not doing this yet, speak with your health visitor or doctor. They can help you understand what support may be useful. Your toddler may also point to ask for something, copy familiar actions and keep checking that you are nearby as they explore.

Try this together

Offer safe floor space and stable furniture. Let your toddler practise in their own way without repeatedly placing them on their feet.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionBy 15 months, most children take a few steps on their own.

A few steps by 15 months

What may be changing

By 15 months, most children take a few steps on their own. If your toddler has not started, ask your health visitor or doctor about it now. Everyday play can also involve pointing, copying you or bringing you something interesting.

What to notice

Notice when your toddler chooses to let go, what surface feels manageable and whether carrying an object changes their balance.

Try this

Offer safe floor space and stable furniture. Let your toddler practise without repeatedly placing them on their feet.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. By 15 months, most children are expected to take a few steps on their own.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  2. By 18 months, most children are expected to point to show something interesting, look at book pages, copy simple actions and follow a one-step direction without a gesture. Language across 1 to 2 years also grows through stories, pictures and simple directions.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  3. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  4. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Crying & regulationYour toddler may venture farther, then look back or return to make sure you are close.

Confidence grows with you nearby

What may be happening

Toddlers often move between exploring and coming back for reassurance. Some stay closer to an adult than others.

What to notice

Watch for a glance, return or raised arms when a new place or person feels uncertain.

How to help

Name where you are going, stay available and make reunions calm and predictable.

Sources

  1. By 18 months, most children are expected to move away from a caregiver while checking that the caregiver remains close.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

SleepNaps contribute to the recommended 11 to 14 hours of sleep across each day and night.

Daytime sleep still matters

What is typical

The 11-to-14-hour WHO range includes naps. Bedtime, waking and nap length can shift without changing together.

Look at the full day

Keep an eye on daytime tiredness as well as naps and nights. If a change in sleep is hard to manage, ask your health visitor or doctor for support.

What may help

Keep bedtime and waking times regular, with a familiar wind-down such as a wash, a book and a cuddle. Ask for support if sleep is hard to manage.

Sources

  1. WHO public-health guidance recommends 11 to 14 hours across 24 hours, including naps, with regular sleep and wake times for ages 1 to 2 years.

    contextual editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05
FeedingOffer regular meals and snacks, giving your toddler time to eat and stop when they have had enough.

Regular meals and snacks shape the day

What feeding may look like

Family meals are now central, but appetite can vary sharply between meals. Responsive feeding leaves room to taste, refuse and try again later.

Look for these cues

Watch which textures your toddler manages comfortably and when tiredness or distraction shortens a meal.

What you can do

Offer one familiar food beside something less familiar and let your toddler decide what to taste.

Eating safely

Stay with your child while they eat, seat them safely upright and prepare food in a shape and texture they can manage. The feeding guide links to choking and food-preparation advice.

Sources

  1. From 12 months, family-style meals become the main structure, commonly three meals and up to two snacks, while responsive feeding remains appropriate.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. When eating, babies need safe upright seating, adult supervision and food prepared to reduce choking risk.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSSafety and hygiene; Equipment checklist · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthToddlers usually gain weight more slowly than they did as young babies.

Weight gain is usually slower now

How growth is assessed

Toddlers usually gain weight more slowly as they become more active.

What to look at

Compare measurements from scheduled reviews and mention changes in movement or appetite.

When to ask

Share any concern about feeding, health or growth with the professional who can see the full record.

Sources

  1. Weight gain is generally fastest in the first 6 months and gradually slows as the child becomes a more active toddler.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHS‘Your baby's weight gain’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05

Months 18–20

More confident movement, with you nearby

By 18 months, most children walk independently, point to share an interest and follow a simple request without a gesture. They may explore farther and look back to check you are nearby. Frustration can be more frequent too. Help your toddler calm before explaining, and ask your health visitor or doctor about any missing skills or other concerns.

Try this together

Make a short everyday route safe for practice and stay nearby. Let your toddler choose when to move between steady supports.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionChildren begin walking at different ages. By 18 months, most can walk without holding on.

Walking is common by 18 months

What may be changing

By 18 months, most children walk without holding on. They also point to show something interesting and follow a simple request without a gesture. If your toddler is not doing these things yet, speak with your health visitor or doctor about support.

What to notice

Follow what catches your toddler's attention. Point, name it and wait. If they move on, let the exchange end there.

Try this

Make short everyday routes safe for practice and let your toddler choose when to cross between steady supports.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. By 18 months, most children are expected to walk without holding on. The WHO observed window for walking alone extended to 17.6 months at the 99th percentile.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  2. By 18 months, most children are expected to point to show something interesting, look at book pages, copy simple actions and follow a one-step direction without a gesture. Language across 1 to 2 years also grows through stories, pictures and simple directions.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  3. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  4. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Crying & regulationYour toddler may move farther away, then look back or return to make sure you are there.

Exploring often includes checking back

What may be happening

Your toddler may explore eagerly and then come back for reassurance. Frustration can also become more frequent around 18 months, especially when they cannot explain what they want. Stay nearby and help them calm before offering an explanation.

What to notice

Notice which frustration, separation or unfamiliar situation comes before your toddler seeks help.

How to help

Stay close and name the feeling in a few words. Once your toddler is calmer, explain what needs to happen next.

Sources

  1. By 18 months, most children are expected to move away from a caregiver while checking that the caregiver remains close.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  2. Around 18 months, frustration and tantrums may become more visible. Toddlers still need caregiver help to regulate, relate and then reason.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHS‘The terrible twos’ and ‘Regulate, relate and reason’ · checked 2026-09-05
SleepInclude naps in the recommended 11 to 14 hours of sleep across 24 hours. Keep sleep and wake times regular.

Naps and nights both count

What is typical

At 18 months, naps still belong in the daily sleep total. Night sleep and nap length can change separately.

Look at the full day

Notice whether your toddler seems rested during the day. If naps or nights are difficult, ask for help with a routine that suits them.

What may help

Keep bedtime and waking times regular, with a familiar wind-down such as a wash, a book and a cuddle. Ask for support if sleep is hard to manage.

Sources

  1. WHO public-health guidance recommends 11 to 14 hours across 24 hours, including naps, with regular sleep and wake times for ages 1 to 2 years.

    contextual editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05
FeedingKeep offering meals and snacks even when your toddler eats different amounts each time. Ask for advice if eating worries you.

Appetite can vary from meal to meal

What feeding may look like

Family meals now provide the main structure. Three meals and up to two snacks can sit alongside responsive attention to hunger and fullness.

Look for these cues

Notice appetite across several meals and how independence affects sitting, tasting and stopping.

What you can do

Offer a small family portion, eat together and allow your toddler to leave food.

Eating safely

Stay with your child while they eat, seat them safely upright and prepare food in a shape and texture they can manage. The feeding guide links to choking and food-preparation advice.

Sources

  1. From 12 months, family-style meals become the main structure, commonly three meals and up to two snacks, while responsive feeding remains appropriate.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. When eating, babies need safe upright seating, adult supervision and food prepared to reduce choking risk.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSSafety and hygiene; Equipment checklist · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthYour child’s measurements, feeding and health help a professional understand their growth. Ask whenever something worries you.

Growth is checked over time

How growth is assessed

Growth is usually slower than in early infancy. A health professional compares measurements with earlier ones and considers feeding and health. You do not need to wait for another measurement before asking about a concern.

What to look at

Mention appetite, health and activity when the measurements are reviewed.

When to ask

Ask the health professional to explain the growth curve before drawing conclusions from one result.

Sources

  1. Weight gain is generally fastest in the first 6 months and gradually slows as the child becomes a more active toddler.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHS‘Your baby's weight gain’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05

Months 21–23

Big feelings and growing independence

Your toddler may use words, gestures and pretend play to show what they want. By 2 years, most children put at least two words together. Strong feelings can still be hard to explain, so stay nearby and help them calm before giving a longer explanation. Books, shared meals and everyday conversations offer chances to spend time together.

Try this together

Use a few words to name the feeling and stay nearby. Wait until your toddler is calmer before explaining the limit.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionNear age 2, many toddlers begin using short combinations such as ‘more milk’ or ‘mummy go’.

Two words may start to join together

What may be changing

By 2 years, most children put at least two words together, such as “more milk”. As that birthday approaches, listen for words and gestures your toddler uses together. Books, everyday chat and simple pretend games give you plenty to talk about.

What to notice

Listen for words beginning to work together, and notice the gestures or expressions that complete the meaning.

Try this

Follow your toddler’s interest in a book or object. Add one or two words without asking them to repeat you.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. By 2 years, most children are expected to say at least two words together.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  2. By 2 years, most children are expected to use more gestures, notice when others are upset, solve simple problems and combine at least two words. The wider 1-to-2-year window includes stories, pictures and simple directions.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  3. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  4. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Crying & regulationYour toddler may know what they want before they have the words or patience to explain it.

Frustration can become louder

What may be happening

A toddler can know what they want and still struggle to explain it or accept a limit. When they are upset, stay nearby and use a few words to name the feeling. Save longer explanations for when they are calmer.

What to notice

Notice what happened before frustration rose, which limit or difficulty was involved and what helps your toddler begin to settle.

How to help

Use a few words to name the feeling, stay nearby and explain the limit after calm has returned.

Sources

  1. Around 18 months, frustration and tantrums may become more visible. Toddlers still need caregiver help to regulate, relate and then reason.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHS‘The terrible twos’ and ‘Regulate, relate and reason’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. By 2 years, most children are expected to notice when others are hurt or upset and look at a caregiver's face to gauge a new situation.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

SleepLook at daytime mood and total sleep when deciding whether a nap or bedtime needs to change.

Naps and bedtime may shift

What is typical

The recommended daily sleep range includes naps. A changing nap can alter bedtime or morning waking for a while.

Look at the full day

Notice how naps, bedtime and morning waking fit together as the daily pattern changes.

What may help

Keep bedtime and waking times regular. A quiet book or cuddle can be a familiar part of settling; ask for help if the routine has become difficult.

Sources

  1. WHO public-health guidance recommends 11 to 14 hours across 24 hours, including naps, with regular sleep and wake times for ages 1 to 2 years.

    contextual editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05
FeedingAppetite can vary between meals. Eating together gives your toddler a chance to watch, try foods and join in.

Look at appetite across several days

What feeding may look like

Three meals and up to two snacks can organise the day. Eating together also gives your toddler repeated chances to watch, handle food and participate.

Look for these cues

Appetite can vary between meals. Keep offering food regularly, and ask for advice if eating or growth is worrying you.

What you can do

Include your toddler at the table, offer a manageable portion and allow food to be left.

Eating safely

Stay with your child while they eat, seat them safely upright and prepare food in a shape and texture they can manage. The feeding guide links to choking and food-preparation advice.

Sources

  1. From 12 months, family-style meals become the main structure, commonly three meals and up to two snacks, while responsive feeding remains appropriate.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. When eating, babies need safe upright seating, adult supervision and food prepared to reduce choking risk.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSSafety and hygiene; Equipment checklist · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthAsk a health professional to look at your toddler's growth curve rather than comparing one result with another child.

Compare measurements, not children

How growth is assessed

A health professional will compare several measurements and consider feeding, health and activity too.

What to look at

Mention changes in appetite, health or activity when the growth record is reviewed.

When to ask

Ask what the measurements show together instead of comparing your toddler with another child.

Sources

  1. Weight gain is generally fastest in the first 6 months and gradually slows as the child becomes a more active toddler.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHS‘Your baby's weight gain’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05

Month 24

More words and pretend play at two

By 2 years, most children put at least two words together. They also use more gestures, notice when someone is upset and look at your face in unfamiliar situations. Play might involve taking a lid off a container or putting toy food on a plate. If a skill is missing or you have concerns, speak with your health visitor or doctor.

Try this together

Follow your toddler’s interest and add one or two words to what they point at or say. They do not need to repeat you.

Open or share this chapter
Development & perceptionBy 2 years, most children put at least two words together.

Putting two words together

What may be changing

By 2 years, most children combine at least two words, such as “more milk”. They may also put toy food on a plate or use both hands to open a container. Follow what interests your toddler and add a few words to the play.

What to notice

Join the play your toddler has already chosen. Add a word or simple idea, then wait to see whether they copy it, answer or carry on in their own way.

Try this

Follow your toddler's interest. Add one or two words to what they point at or say, without asking them to repeat you.

When to ask for support

If a skill is missing at its stated age, your child loses a skill, or you are worried, speak with a health professional. You do not need to wait for the next chapter.

Sources

  1. By 2 years, most children are expected to say at least two words together.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  2. By 2 years, most children are expected to use more gestures, notice when others are upset, solve simple problems and combine at least two words. The wider 1-to-2-year window includes stories, pictures and simple directions.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

  3. Responsive interaction, supervised floor play and age-appropriate games offer opportunities to learn. Suggested activities do not test or guarantee a developmental outcome.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  4. A missing milestone at the stated age, loss of a skill or another developmental concern is a reason to seek professional advice without waiting. CDC checklists are not diagnostic tests.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

Crying & regulationMany two-year-olds notice when someone is upset and check an adult's face when they are unsure.

Your toddler may look to you in a new situation

What may be happening

By 2 years, most children notice when someone is hurt or upset and look at your face to help them judge a new situation. A response may be a brief glance or a pause. You can help by explaining what is happening in a few words.

What to notice

Notice when your toddler looks to your face for information, pauses at another person’s distress or changes expression in a new situation.

How to help

Put simple words to what you both notice. For example, say, ‘They are sad. Shall we check they are okay?’

Sources

  1. By 2 years, most children are expected to notice when others are hurt or upset and look at a caregiver's face to gauge a new situation.

    high editorial confidence · Milestone by the stated age · corrected age may apply

    For babies born before 37 completed weeks, corrected age may help with this developmental note. This timeline shows correction until the second birthday; your care team may use it for longer.

SleepWHO recommends 11 to 14 hours of sleep in 24 hours at this age, including any naps.

Include naps in the daily total

What is typical

WHO recommends 11 to 14 hours of sleep across 24 hours at ages 1 to 2 years, including naps. Keep sleep and wake times regular, and ask for advice if sleep or daytime tiredness concerns you.

Look at the full day

Notice how a nap affects bedtime, morning waking and daytime mood at two years.

What may help

Keep bedtime and waking times regular, with a familiar wind-down such as a wash, a book and a cuddle. Ask for support if sleep is hard to manage.

Sources

  1. WHO public-health guidance recommends 11 to 14 hours across 24 hours, including naps, with regular sleep and wake times for ages 1 to 2 years.

    contextual editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. Simple, familiar bedtime routines can help with settling. Caregivers can seek practical support when nights are disrupted.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSEstablishing a baby bedtime routine; Coping with disturbed nights · checked 2026-09-05
FeedingShare family foods in small, safely prepared portions. Let your toddler ask for more or show they have finished.

Serve the same food as the family

What feeding may look like

At two years, family meals provide the main structure while hunger and fullness continue to guide each serving.

Look for these cues

Notice hunger, fullness and participation across several meals. A small appetite at one meal does not describe the whole week.

What you can do

Offer a small portion of family food, sit together and let your toddler decide whether to eat more or stop.

Eating safely

Stay with your child while they eat, seat them safely upright and prepare food in a shape and texture they can manage. The feeding guide links to choking and food-preparation advice.

Sources

  1. From 12 months, family-style meals become the main structure, commonly three meals and up to two snacks, while responsive feeding remains appropriate.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

  2. When eating, babies need safe upright seating, adult supervision and food prepared to reduce choking risk.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHSSafety and hygiene; Equipment checklist · checked 2026-09-05
Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthAt two, several measurements still tell you more than one result or a comparison with another child.

Follow your child's growth curve

How growth is assessed

At two, the latest height and weight are compared with earlier measurements. Feeding, health and activity help explain any change.

What to look at

Mention changes in appetite, health or activity at the two-year review.

When to ask

Ask what the full record shows instead of comparing one measurement with another child.

Sources

  1. Weight gain is generally fastest in the first 6 months and gradually slows as the child becomes a more active toddler.

    contextual editorial confidence · General pattern across babies

    • NHS‘Your baby's weight gain’ · checked 2026-09-05

  2. Growth is interpreted as a trajectory on centile charts. One measurement or a small centile movement does not define the pattern.

    high editorial confidence · Everyday advice or recommendation

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-09-05