What to expect at 0 – 12 months
From the moment they are born, babies are taking in the world around them.
Their brains are like sponges, always learning new things.
But what can you expect with your baby’s skill development?
Explore our helpful guides:
Talking and Listening
Babies talk in so many ways.
They all develop at their own rate.
Your baby may be faster or slower at talking and listening than others.
Here’s a guide for what you can expect.
By 6 months, babies can usually:
- Smile at familiar faces.
- Babble.
- Make eye contact.
By 12 months, babies can usually:
- Respond to their name.
- Make and copy sounds.
- Say words like “Dada” and “Muma”.
For more on what to expect or to find talking ideas, visit the Let’s Talk website.
If you have any concerns about your baby, talk to your local child health nurse or family doctor.
Movement
Babies love to move and wiggle about.
They all develop at their own rate.
Your baby may be faster or slower at rolling, sitting or crawling than others.
Here’s a guide for what you can expect.
By 6 months, babies can usually:
- Play with their feet and toes.
- Roll from their back to stomach.
- Reach for and hold objects using one hand.
- Turn their head to the sound of voices.
By 12 months, babies can usually:
- Pull themselves up to stand, holding onto furniture.
- Sit without support.
- Crawl.
- Point at and poke objects with their thumb or finger.
If you have any concerns about your baby, talk to your local child health nurse or family doctor.
Social
Babies interact with you in so many ways.
They all develop at their own rate.
Your baby may be faster or slower than others at exploring the world around them.
Here’s a guide for what you can expect.
By 6 months, babies can usually:
- Smile and laugh.
- Make eye contact.
- Respond to their own name.
By 12 months, babies can usually:
- Recognise familiar people and stretch out their arms to be picked up.
- Show anxiety or be unsure around strangers.
- Notice other babies or young child.
If you have any concerns about your baby, talk to your local child health nurse or family doctor.
Emotions
Babies can experience some big emotions.
They all develop at their own rate.
Your baby may be faster or slower at expressing and dealing with emotions than others.
Here’s a guide for what you can expect.
By 6 months, babies can usually:
- Cry when hungry or uncomfortable but usually stop when held.
- Show signs of bonding to familiar people.
- Show excitement as parents prepare to feed them.
By 12 months, babies can usually:
- Be happy to see faces they know.
- Want to be near a parent or carer.
- Actively explore their surroundings.
If you have any concerns about your baby, talk to your local child health nurse or family doctor.
Thinking and Learning
Babies are always learning.
They all develop at their own rate.
Your child may be faster or slower at learning new things than others.
Here’s a guide for what you can expect.
By 6 months, babies can usually:
- Look towards the direction of sounds.
- Repeat actions – but often they don’t realise they are the cause of those actions.
- Become bored if left alone for long periods of time.
By 12 months, babies can usually:
- Enjoy toys, making noise with objects and scrunching paper.
- Explore objects by looking at them and putting them in their mouth.
- Understand some words and requests.
If you have any concerns about your baby, talk to your local child health nurse or family doctor.