Understanding when your baby will start crawling, walking, and talking is one of the most exciting parts of parenthood. These milestones are more than just adorable moments; they’re critical indicators of your baby’s growth and development.
At Bright Futures Health, we understand that every baby is unique. While general guidelines exist, the exact timing of each milestone can vary from child to child. This comprehensive guide will help you understand typical developmental milestones within the first 18 months of life.
We’ve referenced Ages and Stages to provide accurate, research-backed information. If you’re concerned about your child’s progress, our expert paediatricians at Bright Futures Health are here to help.
What Are Developmental Milestones?
Developmental milestones are skills or abilities most children can do by a certain age. They include physical, cognitive, social, and language skills. Understanding these milestones helps parents monitor their child’s growth and recognize when to seek expert advice.
The primary areas of development are:
- Gross motor skills: Crawling, walking, standing
- Fine motor skills: Grasping objects, transferring toys from hand to hand
- Language skills: Babbling, forming words, understanding speech
- Social and emotional skills: Smiling, responding to caregivers, showing affection
When Will My Baby Start Crawling?
What Age Do Babies Typically Start Crawling?
Most babies start crawling between 6 and 10 months. However, some babies may start earlier, while others may skip crawling altogether and go straight to pulling up and walking.
Signs Your Baby Is Ready to Crawl
Your baby might be ready to start crawling if they:
- Can support their weight on their arms when lying on their stomach.
- Show the ability to roll over both ways (front to back, back to front).
- Can sit up without assistance and maintain good head control.
- Show interest in moving towards objects they want.
Types of Crawling
Not all babies crawl the same way. Common styles include:
- Classic Crawl: Moving on hands and knees.
- Bear Crawl: Moving on hands and feet with straight legs.
- Army Crawl: Dragging the body forward while on the stomach.
- Bottom Scooting: Sliding along on their bottom using their arms for balance.
Tips to Encourage Crawling
- Give your baby plenty of tummy time to build strength.
- Place toys just out of reach to encourage movement.
- Create a safe environment for them to explore.
- Encourage them with positive reinforcement and praise.
When Will My Baby Start Walking?
What Age Do Babies Typically Start Walking?
Most babies start walking between 9 and 18 months. Some may take their first steps as early as 8 months, while others may take a little longer.
Signs Your Baby Is Ready to Walk
Your baby may be close to walking if they:
- Can pull themselves up to a standing position.
- Can cruise along furniture with support.
- Stand independently, even if just for a few seconds.
- Show interest in moving from one piece of furniture to another.
Tips to Encourage Walking
- Allow your baby plenty of floor playtime.
- Use push toys to help them practice balance.
- Encourage barefoot walking indoors to strengthen muscles and improve coordination.
- Give plenty of positive reinforcement and celebrate small achievements.
- Provide a safe environment for them to explore and move freely.
When Will My Baby Start Talking?
What Age Do Babies Typically Start Talking?
Babies often say their first words between 10 and 14 months. However, they begin developing language skills much earlier.
Stages of Language Development
- 0-3 Months: Cooing, crying, and responding to familiar voices.
- 4-6 Months: Babbling sounds like “ba-ba” and “da-da.”
- 7-12 Months: Responding to their name, using simple gestures like waving.
- 12-18 Months: Saying simple words like “mama” and “dada,” following simple instructions.
Tips to Encourage Talking
- Read to your baby regularly.
- Talk to them during daily activities (feeding, bathing, dressing).
- Use gestures and facial expressions to enhance communication.
- Respond to your baby’s attempts to communicate, even if it’s just babbling.
- Introduce new words gradually and encourage repetition.
When Should I Be Concerned About Developmental Milestones?
It’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace. However, you should consider consulting a paediatrician if your child:
- Does not roll over by 6 months.
- Is not sitting up by 9 months.
- Cannot crawl by 12 months.
- Is not walking by 18 months.
- Does not respond to their name by 12 months.
- Cannot say simple words by 18 months.
At Bright Futures Health, our experienced paediatricians can assess your child’s development and offer tailored advice to support their growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What If My Baby Doesn’t Crawl At All?
Not all babies crawl before walking. Some may go straight to standing and walking. As long as your child progresses in other areas, there’s no need to worry.
How Can I Help My Baby Talk More?
Speak to your baby often, read books together, and respond to their babbling. Repetition and encouragement are key.
What Are The Signs of Developmental Delays?
Delays can include not rolling over by 6 months, not sitting by 9 months, or not speaking single words by 18 months. If you’re concerned, contact Bright Futures Health.
When Should I Contact a Paediatrician About Developmental Concerns?
If your baby is not meeting multiple milestones within their age range, it’s best to seek advice. Our paediatricians at Bright Futures Health are here to help.
