Baby milestones
Every baby develops at their own pace. These are things most babies do by each age. For a baby born early, use the corrected age.
2 months
- Calms when spoken to or picked up
- Looks at your face
- Smiles when you talk or smile
- Holds head up briefly when on the tummy
4 months
- Smiles on their own to get your attention
- Turns head towards your voice
- Holds head steady without support when held
- Brings hands to mouth
6 months
- Knows familiar people
- Laughs
- Rolls from tummy to back
- Leans on hands to support themself when sitting
9 months
- Shows several facial expressions
- Looks when you call their name
- Sits without support
- Moves things from one hand to the other
12 months
- Plays games like peek-a-boo
- Waves bye-bye
- Pulls up to stand
- Walks holding on to furniture
18 months
- Points to show you something interesting
- Tries to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”
- Walks without holding on
- Tries to use a spoon
2 years
- Notices when others are hurt or upset
- Says at least two words together, like “more milk”
- Points to things in a book when you ask
- Kicks a ball
Talk to a doctor if
- Your baby loses a skill they used to have, at any age
- Your baby does not respond to loud sounds or does not look at faces
- Your baby feels very floppy or very stiff
- One side of the body is used much more than the other
- You are worried about how your baby is developing: trust your instinct
Sources: CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early., WHO Motor Development Study. Your Child Health Development Record (CHDR) also has a development section to fill in at clinic visits.
General information written for parents in Sri Lanka by Dr. Beneeta Hettiarachchi. It does not replace an examination of your child.
Have a question about your baby?
Emergency? Do not wait for a reply. Call 1990 (Suwa Seriya ambulance) or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU). When to seek help