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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. If they become still or look away, give them a break.

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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. If they become still or look away, give them a break.

Sources

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

    high confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

  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 confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages

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 one calm response at a time. If you feel overwhelmed, place your baby safely in their cot, step away briefly, settle yourself and return. 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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

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 care quiet and dim while allowing ordinary light and household sound during the day.

Sources

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

    high confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHSNewborn and 3-to-6-month sections · checked 2026-08-28
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.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

    • NHS‘How often should I feed my baby?’ and ‘Building up your milk supply’ · checked 2026-08-31
    • NHS‘Responsive feeding’, ‘Signs of hunger’ and ‘Paced feeding’ · checked 2026-08-31
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.

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 confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

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.

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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

In the early weeks, babies notice light, broad shapes, faces and movement. Fine detail is clearest at roughly 20 to 30 centimetres.

Your baby may recognise a familiar voice even though they cannot yet see far across the room.

What to notice

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

Try this

Bring your face to about a forearm’s length during a calm moment. Move slowly and let your baby end the exchange.

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 confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

    • American Academy of PediatricsNewborns section under ‘Infant Vision Development: What Can Babies See?’ · checked 2026-08-29
    • NHS‘Eyes in newborns’ · checked 2026-08-29

  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 confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages

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

Notice when crying tends to gather, what happened beforehand and whether feeding, closeness, movement or a quieter room changes it.

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.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

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 sleep gathers across the day and whether ordinary daytime activity contrasts with quieter night care.

What may help

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

Sources

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

    high confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHSNewborn and 3-to-6-month sections · checked 2026-08-28

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

    high confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

    • NHS‘How can I get my baby used to night and day?’ · checked 2026-08-28
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.

Sources

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

    contextual confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHSOpening guidance · checked 2026-08-29
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.

Sources

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

    high confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-08-29

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, alert moment and bring your face about a forearm’s length away. Speak softly and move slowly. If your baby looks away, pause and try again later.

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

At six weeks, close faces and broad shapes remain easier to see than distant detail. Focus and coordination are still developing.

A familiar voice can hold attention even when the visual world remains soft.

What to notice

Choose a calm, awake moment for face-to-face play. If your baby looks away, fusses or becomes still, pause and try again later.

Try this

Choose a calm, alert moment and bring your face about a forearm's length away. Speak softly and move slowly. If your baby looks away, pause and try again later.

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 confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

    • American Academy of PediatricsNewborns section under ‘Infant Vision Development: What Can Babies See?’ · checked 2026-08-29
    • NHS‘Eyes in newborns’ · checked 2026-08-29

  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 confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages

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

NHS guidance describes a rise from around 2 weeks and a gradual reduction around 3 months. A 2022 meta-analysis places the broad early high point around 4 to 8 weeks. Neither is a forecast for an individual baby. Seek help whenever crying feels unusual or you are worried.

Six weeks falls inside the broad early high period described by pooled crying research. One statistical model suggested a high point around 4 weeks. Another found a high level continuing to about 8 weeks before dropping. NHS guidance uses the wider shape: crying tends to rise from around 2 weeks and gradually reduce around 3 months.

What to notice

Notice when crying gathers, what happened before it and whether feeding, closeness, movement or a quieter setting changes the intensity.

How to help

Try one calm change, then wait. If you become overwhelmed, place your baby safely in their cot and take a short pause before returning.

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 confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHSOpening guidance, before ‘How to calm a crying baby’ · checked 2026-08-28
    • 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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

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

NHS guidance describes a very wide newborn range, sometimes roughly 8 to 18 hours across 24 hours. Your baby’s wellbeing and feeding matter more than comparison with another household.

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 tracking helps, notice the whole 24 hours rather than treating the longest night stretch as the result.

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 confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS‘How much do babies sleep?, Newborns’ · checked 2026-08-29
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

Cluster feeding is common in the first few months. If you bottle-feed, pause during feeds and stop when your baby shows that they are full.

Feeding guidance uses cues and gradual change rather than a perfect timetable. At this age, hunger, pauses, turning away and fullness help shape the exchange. Close feeds or a small appetite on one occasion do not describe the whole day.

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.

Sources

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

    contextual confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHSOpening guidance · checked 2026-08-29
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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-08-29

Weeks 7–9

Smiles may answer your voice

During calm, awake periods, your baby may watch your face for longer and smile when you smile or talk. Your voice or touch may also help them settle. These responses can be brief and will not happen every time. If your baby looks away, becomes still or fusses, pause and give them time to rest.

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.

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Development & perceptionBy around 2 months, many babies smile when someone talks or smiles to them.

Your baby may smile back

What may be changing

By around 2 months, a smile may begin to answer a familiar face or voice. Hearing and communication are already developing through repeated exchanges.

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.

Sources

  1. By 2 months, at least 75% of children smile when talked to or smiled at.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

  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 confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages

Crying & regulationBy around 2 months, many babies settle when they are spoken to or picked up.

Your voice and touch may help

What may be happening

By around 2 months, many babies begin to calm when spoken to or picked up. The response may be brief and will not happen every time.

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.

Sources

  1. By 2 months, at least 75% of babies calm when spoken to or picked up.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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.

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 confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS‘How much do babies sleep?, Newborns’ · checked 2026-08-29
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.

Sources

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

    contextual confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHSOpening guidance · checked 2026-08-29
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 lasting change in feeding, wet nappies or general wellbeing.

When to ask

Take the red book to reviews and ask what the measurements show 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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-08-29

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.

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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, close focus and slow visual tracking may be steadier. Familiar voices and everyday sounds continue to shape communication.

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.

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 confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

    • American Academy of PediatricsNewborns section under ‘Infant Vision Development: What Can Babies See?’ · checked 2026-08-29
    • NHS‘Eyes in newborns’ · checked 2026-08-29

  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 confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

  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 confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages

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

Use a steady voice and familiar hold, then pause. A partial settle still tells you something about what helps.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

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.

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 confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS‘How much do babies sleep?, Newborns’ · checked 2026-08-29
Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingBreast milk or first infant formula provides your baby's nutrition at this age.

Milk is still all your baby needs

What feeding may look like

Milk remains the main food. More waking, fist-chewing or interest in meals does not show that a baby is ready for solids.

Look for these cues

Use hunger and fullness cues to guide milk feeds. Extra waking or fist-chewing does not establish readiness for food.

What you can do

Continue cue-led milk feeds and wait for coordinated sitting, hand-eye-mouth movement and swallowing before starting food.

Sources

  1. Breast milk or first infant formula provides the main nutrition until around 6 months. Extra waking or hand-chewing alone does not establish readiness for solids.

    high confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages

    • NHS‘Feeding your baby: 0 to 6 months’ and ‘From around 6 months’ · checked 2026-08-31
    • NHS‘When to start’ and ‘Signs your baby is ready’ · checked 2026-08-31
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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-08-29

Weeks 13–17

Head control is getting steadier

Your baby may hold their head more steadily while being carried or during floor play. Hands, faces, sounds and changing light can keep their attention for longer. Some babies begin to sleep for longer stretches, while others continue to wake often. Milk remains their only food, even if they have started watching other people eat.

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.

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Development & perceptionBy around 4 months, many babies hold their head more steadily when supported upright.

Head control may feel steadier

What may be changing

Strength and control build through many small everyday movements. You can mention any changes or concerns at your baby's next review.

Your baby may look towards a sound and answer your voice with a movement or sound 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.

Sources

  1. By 4 months, at least 75% of children hold their head steady without support when held.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

  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 confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

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

Sleep develops unevenly. The evidence does not support a universal regression week, so this timeline shows a broad season of change instead.

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.

Sources

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

    high confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHSNewborn and 3-to-6-month sections · checked 2026-08-28

  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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

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.

Sources

  1. Breast milk or first infant formula provides the main nutrition until around 6 months. Extra waking or hand-chewing alone does not establish readiness for solids.

    high confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages

    • NHS‘Feeding your baby: 0 to 6 months’ and ‘From around 6 months’ · checked 2026-08-31
    • NHS‘When to start’ and ‘Signs your baby is ready’ · checked 2026-08-31
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

Growth is assessed from a series of measurements. A small movement on the chart does not explain itself.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-08-29

Weeks 18–25

Reaching, turning and rolling

Your baby may now reach across their body, turn on the floor or roll from tummy to back. Sounds, looks and hand movements may come together more often during play. Give them safe floor space and time to try again without positioning them into a skill. Milk remains the main food until the signs of readiness for solids appear together at around 6 months.

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.

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Development & perceptionBy around 6 months, many babies can roll from their tummy onto their back.

Rolling changes what your baby can reach

What may be changing

Once rolling begins, a familiar floor suddenly holds many new routes. Keep the surface clear and stay close.

Your baby may turn towards your voice, reach for what they see and answer with a sound of their own.

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.

Sources

  1. By 6 months, at least 75% of children roll from tummy to back.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

  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 confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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, at least 75% of babies calm when spoken to or picked up.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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

Notice how naps, night sleep and feeds fit together across the day as sleep begins to reorganise.

What may help

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

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

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 milk feeds responsive and wait until steady sitting, reaching food to the mouth and swallowing appear together.

Sources

  1. Breast milk or first infant formula provides the main nutrition until around 6 months. Extra waking or hand-chewing alone does not establish readiness for solids.

    high confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages

    • NHS‘Feeding your baby: 0 to 6 months’ and ‘From around 6 months’ · checked 2026-08-31
    • NHS‘When to start’ and ‘Signs your baby is ready’ · checked 2026-08-31
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 lasting 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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

    • NHS‘How often should my baby be weighed?’, ‘Understanding your baby's weight chart’ and ‘What centile lines mean’ · checked 2026-08-29

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 space to lean and reach. Keep your hands nearby without holding your baby in one fixed posture.

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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 space to lean and reach. Let your hands be nearby rather than placing your baby in one fixed posture.

Sources

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

    high confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

  2. By 6 months, at least 75% of children know familiar people, take turns making sounds and reach for a wanted toy.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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 reacting more strongly to unfamiliar people or a caregiver leaving. They may pause and watch closely instead of crying.

Hunger, tiredness and discomfort can make an unfamiliar person or brief departure harder to manage. Check those immediate needs before assuming the response has one cause.

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, at least 75% of babies may be wary or clingy around strangers and react when a caregiver leaves.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

SleepAt around 6 months, daily sleep includes naps and usually totals 12 to 16 hours.

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

Look at naps, night sleep and waking together, especially when feeding or new experiences change the day.

What may help

Keep bedtime cues familiar without expecting a particular number of wakes.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingStart solids when steady sitting, hand-to-mouth coordination and swallowing appear together, usually at around 6 months.

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.

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 confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages

    • NHS‘When to start’ and ‘Signs your baby is ready’ · checked 2026-08-31

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

    high confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

    • NHS‘How to start’ and ‘Texture progression’ · checked 2026-08-31
    • World Health Organization‘Complementary feeding’ · checked 2026-08-31
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. Growth velocity is assessed across measurement intervals. Reputable standards do not predict universal growth-spurt weeks.

    high confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

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. Sleep may change as movement, feeding and awareness develop. Give them regular chances to practise without expecting every meal or play session to go smoothly.

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.

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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

Sitting without support develops across a wide WHO window. At this age, reaching and sound play may develop alongside balance.

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 room to lean and reach. Stay close without holding your baby in one fixed posture.

Sources

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

    high confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

  2. By 6 months, at least 75% of children know familiar people, take turns making sounds and reach for a wanted toy.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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, at least 75% of babies may be wary or clingy around strangers and react when a caregiver leaves.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

SleepWaking may increase or decrease as naps, feeding and activity change.

New skills can coincide with changed sleep

What is typical

Some babies need fewer night feeds while hunger and teething can still change nights. There is no fixed regression timetable.

Look at the full day

Notice whether a changed night follows hunger, teething, illness or a different daytime pattern.

What may help

Keep night responses familiar and avoid naming a regression week from one run of difficult sleep.

Sources

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

    contextual confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS6-to-12-month section · checked 2026-08-28
Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingBetween 7 and 9 months, many babies move towards three meals while continuing their usual 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

Choose one shared meal to practise new textures, then add more as appetite and family rhythm allow.

Sources

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

    contextual confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS‘Feeding your baby: from 7 to 9 months’ · checked 2026-08-31
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. Growth velocity is assessed across measurement intervals. Reputable standards do not predict universal growth-spurt weeks.

    high confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

Weeks 36–40

Your baby may respond to their name

At around 9 months, your baby may turn when you call their name, look for a dropped object or enjoy games such as peek-a-boo. They may also react when you leave or when someone unfamiliar comes close. These responses often appear at different times, so notice what your baby does without repeatedly testing them.

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.

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Development & perceptionYour baby may turn towards their name, search for something that falls or copy a simple sound.

Your baby may turn, search and copy sounds

What may be changing

Milestones in different domains arrive together only loosely. Movement, listening and communication each have their own rhythm.

Your baby may look for a dropped object, anticipate your return in peek-a-boo or turn towards a sound.

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.

Sources

  1. By 9 months, at least 75% of children sit without support and look when their name is called.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

  2. By 9 months, at least 75% of children 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 confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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 around 9 months, many babies react when a caregiver leaves or become wary around unfamiliar people. Responses differ in intensity.

A tired, hungry or unwell baby may react more strongly to separation. Check whether your baby is tired, hungry or unwell before assuming that separation is the only cause.

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, at least 75% of babies may be wary or clingy around strangers and react when a caregiver leaves.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

SleepNaps, night waking and settling may shift as your baby's days become busier.

Sleep can change again

What is typical

Night feeds and waking still vary at nine months. Hunger, teething and illness can all change sleep without creating a universal regression week.

Look at the full day

Notice whether waking changes alongside teething, hunger, illness or a more active day.

What may help

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

Sources

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

    contextual confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS6-to-12-month section · checked 2026-08-28
Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingMany babies are moving towards breakfast, lunch and tea alongside their usual milk feeds.

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.

Sources

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

    contextual confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS‘Feeding your baby: from 7 to 9 months’ · checked 2026-08-31
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. Growth velocity is assessed across measurement intervals. Reputable standards do not predict universal growth-spurt weeks.

    high confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

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.

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Development & perceptionCrawling is common, but shuffling, rolling and moving straight to pulling up can also be part of typical development.

There is more than one way to get around

What may be changing

The WHO window is broad. Some babies shuffle, roll, commando crawl or move on to pulling up without a long hands-and-knees stage.

Searching for a dropped toy and waiting for you to reappear in peek-a-boo show that your baby is beginning to expect what comes next.

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.

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 confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

  2. By 9 months, at least 75% of children 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 confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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, at least 75% of babies may be wary or clingy around strangers and react when a caregiver leaves.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

SleepTeething, illness, hunger, naps and new activity can all affect sleep for a while.

Busy days can change nights

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

Notice whether waking follows hunger, discomfort, illness or a busy day before treating it as a new schedule.

What may help

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

Sources

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

    contextual confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS6-to-12-month section · checked 2026-08-28
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

At this age, meals can include three daily opportunities to try soft lumps, finger foods and a wider range of tastes alongside milk.

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.

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 confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS‘Feeding your baby: from 10 to 12 months’ · checked 2026-08-31
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 confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS‘Your baby's weight gain’ · checked 2026-08-29

Weeks 46–48

Gestures become easier to recognise

Your baby may point, wave or connect a familiar word with a person, object or routine. They may be moving farther across the room and eating a wider range of family foods. Sleep can change because of teething, illness, hunger or different naps. There is no single week when every baby has a sleep regression.

Try this together

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

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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

Some babies crawl on hands and knees, while others shuffle, roll or move on to pulling up. All can be typical ways to get around.

Your baby may now answer a familiar word or gesture by looking towards the person, object or routine it refers to.

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.

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 confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

  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 confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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, at least 75% of babies may be wary or clingy around strangers and react when a caregiver leaves.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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

Look for ordinary reasons behind a changed night

What is typical

Sleep may remain uneven near the first birthday. A difficult run can have several ordinary causes and does not identify a universal regression.

Look at the full day

Look for practical causes of a changed night, including teething, illness, hunger or a different daytime pattern.

What may help

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

Sources

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

    contextual confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS6-to-12-month section · checked 2026-08-28
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.

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 confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS‘Feeding your baby: from 10 to 12 months’ · checked 2026-08-31
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 confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS‘Your baby's weight gain’ · checked 2026-08-29

Weeks 49–52

Around the first birthday

Around their first birthday, your baby may pull to stand, move along furniture, wave or respond to a few familiar words. Others will reach these skills later or move in a different way. Meals are becoming more like family meals, although milk still matters. Keep offering safe opportunities to move and communicate without repeatedly asking your baby to perform.

Try this together

Offer sturdy places to hold while you stay close. Let standing, cruising or sitting back down all be worthwhile experiments.

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Development & perceptionBy 12 months, many babies pull to stand and move while holding furniture.

Pulling up and cruising may appear

What may be changing

Babies do not reach every movement skill by their first birthday. Pulling up, cruising and walking can appear before or after it.

Near the first birthday, a word or gesture may prompt your baby to look, point, move closer or make a sound in reply.

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 places to hold while you stay close. Celebrate the experiment, whether it is standing, cruising or sitting back down.

Sources

  1. By 12 months, at least 75% of children pull to stand and walk holding furniture.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

  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 confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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

A baby who is eager to explore may still become upset when you leave. Coming back for comfort is normal.

Mobility, tiredness and unfamiliar settings can change how strongly your baby reacts when you leave. The same baby may respond differently from one day to the next.

What to notice

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

How to help

Keep departures predictable and make time for a calm reconnection when you return.

Sources

  1. By 9 months, at least 75% of babies may be wary or clingy around strangers and react when a caregiver leaves.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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

Use a short sequence such as washing, a book and a cuddle, and adjust the time when the day requires it.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

Read the baby sleep guide
FeedingAfter 12 months, most children have three meals and may also need two healthy snacks.

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.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

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 lasting 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 confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS‘Your baby's weight gain’ · checked 2026-08-29

Months 13–14

Meals, play and movement after one

At thirteen or fourteen months, your toddler may cruise along furniture, try a few independent steps or keep moving in another way. Gestures and imitation often do much of the communicating. They can explore eagerly and still come back to you often. Most days now include three meals, snacks, milk and a daytime nap.

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.

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

Movement and gestures work together

What may be changing

Some toddlers begin taking independent steps before 15 months, while others keep cruising or use another way to move. Gestures, imitation and familiar-word links continue to support communication.

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.

Sources

  1. By 15 months, at least 75% of children take a few steps on their own.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

  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 confidence · Broad range — commonly seen across a span of ages · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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

Notice the distance that feels comfortable today and what helps your toddler resume play after checking back.

How to help

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

Sources

  1. By 18 months, at least 75% of children move away from a caregiver while checking that the caregiver remains close.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

SleepChildren aged 1 to 2 years need 11 to 14 hours of sleep across 24 hours, 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

Count naps and night sleep together, and notice how your toddler seems during the day rather than judging one night in isolation.

What may help

Keep a small set of bedtime cues, such as washing, a book and a cuddle, while allowing the exact time to move when the day changes.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

FeedingOffer three meals and, if needed, two healthy snacks alongside suitable milk drinks.

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.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

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 confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS‘Your baby's weight gain’ · checked 2026-08-29

Months 15–17

A few first steps may appear

Some toddlers take their first independent steps around this age, while others continue to cruise or move in a different way. They may copy familiar actions, point to ask for something and understand more words than they can say. As they explore farther, they will often check that you are still nearby.

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.

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Development & perceptionYour toddler may take a few steps alone, cruise along furniture or use another way to get around.

First steps may appear

What may be changing

Some children reach this skill earlier and some later. The age guide helps you know what to discuss with a health professional.

Your toddler may point something out, bring you an object, copy an action or follow a simple instruction.

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.

Sources

  1. By 15 months, at least 75% of children take a few steps on their own.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

  2. By 18 months, at least 75% of children 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 confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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, at least 75% of children move away from a caregiver while checking that the caregiver remains close.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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

Look at the full day when naps or bedtime shift. Daytime mood and ease of settling can help you decide whether the timing needs to change.

What may help

Repeat the same short wind-down in the same order, even when the clock time needs to change.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

FeedingMost toddlers now eat three meals and may need two healthy snacks.

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.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

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 lasting 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 confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS‘Your baby's weight gain’ · checked 2026-08-29

Months 18–20

More confident movement, with you nearby

By around 18 months, many toddlers walk independently, point to share something interesting and follow a simple instruction. They may travel farther from you and then return or look back for reassurance. Strong feelings are common, especially when they are tired, hungry or unable to explain what they want.

Try this together

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

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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

Children begin walking at different ages. WHO research found a broad range, and the CDC reports that most children walk without holding on by 18 months.

At around 18 months, a toddler may point to show you something, copy a household action or follow a simple request.

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.

Sources

  1. By 18 months, at least 75% of children walk without holding on. The WHO observed window for walking alone extended to 17.6 months at the 99th percentile.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

  2. By 18 months, at least 75% of children 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 confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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

Many toddlers explore boldly and still return for reassurance. Others prefer to stay close for longer.

Strong feelings can become louder when independence outruns language or patience. Hunger, tiredness and a difficult transition can add to the frustration.

What to notice

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

How to help

Stay close, name the feeling briefly and wait for calm before adding an explanation.

Sources

  1. By 18 months, at least 75% of children move away from a caregiver while checking that the caregiver remains close.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

SleepMost toddlers still have a daytime nap, which counts towards their 11 to 14 hours of daily sleep.

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

As your toddler becomes more active, notice how the timing of their nap affects bedtime and morning waking.

What may help

Keep the wind-down short and familiar while allowing the timing to respond to the day.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

FeedingKeep offering regular meals and snacks even when your toddler eats very different amounts each time.

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.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

Read the responsive feeding guide
GrowthA health professional will compare several measurements before deciding whether growth has changed.

One measurement cannot show a change in growth

How growth is assessed

At 18 months, growth is slower than it was in early infancy. Several measurements are needed to show whether it has changed.

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 confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS‘Your baby's weight gain’ · checked 2026-08-29

Months 21–23

Big feelings and growing independence

Your toddler may use more words, gestures and pretend play to show what they want. They still cannot always explain a strong feeling, so frustration and tantrums may become louder. When they are upset, help them calm before giving a long explanation. Meals, naps and growth continue to change gradually rather than on a developmental timetable.

Try this together

Use a few words to name the feeling and stay nearby. Wait until your toddler is calmer before explaining the limit.

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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

Words grow from shared attention, gestures, sounds and many repeated conversations.

By two, many toddlers combine gestures and words, act out simple ideas in play and notice how other people react.

The CDC checklist for age 2 includes putting at least two words together. Phrases such as ‘more milk’ or ‘mummy go’ let a toddler express a simple idea.

Most children can do this by age 2, but a new phrase may appear before or after the birthday itself.

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.

Sources

  1. By 2 years, at least 75% of children say at least two words together.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

  2. By 2 years, at least 75% of children 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 confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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

NHS guidance frames this as normal development rather than deliberate bad behaviour. When your toddler is upset, help them calm down before offering a longer explanation.

NHS guidance places louder frustration and tantrums within normal toddler development. A child can want to act independently while still needing a caregiver's help to settle and make sense of the feeling.

The aim is to help your toddler calm down, not to win an argument while they are overwhelmed.

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 confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS‘The terrible twos’ and ‘Regulate, relate and reason’ · checked 2026-08-29

  2. By 2 years, at least 75% of children notice when others are hurt or upset and look at a caregiver's face to gauge a new situation.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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 the wind-down familiar and quiet. Adjust the timing gradually when the existing pattern no longer works.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

FeedingToddlers often eat a lot at one meal and very little at the next. Regular choices matter more than one plate.

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

Look at appetite across several days rather than asking one meal to prove that eating is going well.

What you can do

Include your toddler at the table, offer a manageable portion and allow food to be left.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

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 confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS‘Your baby's weight gain’ · checked 2026-08-29

Month 24

More words and pretend play at two

By age 2, many toddlers join two words, use pretend play and solve simple problems such as opening a lid or finding a hidden toy. They may notice when someone is upset and look at your face when a situation is unfamiliar. These skills emerge at different times, and development continues well beyond the second birthday.

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 age 2, many toddlers use short combinations such as ‘more juice’ or ‘daddy go’.

Two-word phrases may emerge

What may be changing

Words grow from shared attention, gestures, sounds and many repeated conversations. Give your toddler time to answer in words, gesture or action.

At two, words and gestures often appear together in pretend games, simple requests and reactions to other people.

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.

Sources

  1. By 2 years, at least 75% of children say at least two words together.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

  2. By 2 years, at least 75% of children 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 confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

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

These responses may be as small as a pause, glance or change of expression. They do not tell you what kind of personality your child has.

A two-year-old may look to your face when a situation is unfamiliar. Tiredness, hunger and uncertainty can all change the response.

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, at least 75% of children notice when others are hurt or upset and look at a caregiver's face to gauge a new situation.

    high confidence · Checkpoint — used by health guidance at a particular age · corrected age may apply

    For a child born before 37 completed weeks, this developmental claim may use corrected age until the second birthday. Actual age remains the timeline anchor.

SleepMost two-year-olds still nap as part of the recommended 11 to 14 hours of daily sleep.

Daily sleep still includes a nap

What is typical

At two years, daytime naps still contribute to the recommended 11 to 14 hours of sleep across 24 hours.

Look at the full day

Notice how a nap affects bedtime, morning waking and daytime mood at two years.

What may help

Use a familiar wind-down such as washing, a book and a cuddle, then keep the final steps quiet.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

FeedingOffer three meals and healthy snacks, with portions suited to a toddler.

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.

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 confidence · Everyday guidance — responsive care rather than a milestone

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 confidence · Population pattern — a general trend, not an individual forecast

    • NHS‘Your baby's weight gain’ · checked 2026-08-29