This page provides you with a guide only as to what developmental milestones typically are achieved at this age and stage. If you have any concerns about your child see you child and family health nurse or doctor. 

Social and Emotional Development 

• baby will vocalise joy and displeasure

• baby occupies themselves for up to 10 minutes at a time (eg: plan with their hands)
• baby begins to show anxiety when a stranger approaches
• baby reacts differently to friendly and angry voices
• baby recognises familiar faces by reaching, smiling or vocalising
• baby copies movements and facial expressions
• baby holds arms out to be picked up
• baby likes to play with others, especially parents
• baby likes to look at themselves in the mirror

Language and Communication Development

• baby begins to babble
• baby will start to copy sounds
• baby will recognsie their own name
• baby uses voice to gain attention
• baby responds to show an understanding of some words (eg: mum, dad, ta, bye)
• baby begins to say consonant sounds (eg: m, b)

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem solving) 

• baby uses hands and mouth to explore objects
• baby picks up objects within reach
• baby makes attempts to get things out of reach
• baby looks for a dropped toy

Movement and Physical Development

• baby will roll over from front to back and back to front
• baby will begin to sit without support
• baby supports weight on legs and might bounce
• baby once on all fours will rock back and fourth
• baby will grasps toys with whole hand and transfer from one hand to another
• baby will bring things to their mouth

Self care

• baby will recognise breast/bottle by opening mouth or reaching
• baby will pull breast/bottle towards mouth or pushes it away
• baby is able to mouth and gum baby biscuits

Areas that may warrant further investigation

• baby doesn't try to get things that are within their reach
• baby doesn't bring things to their mouth
• baby doesn't smile, laugh or show joy to caregivers
• baby doesn't coo or make vowel sounds (eg: ah, eh, oh)
• baby doesn't roll over
• baby doesn't push down with legs when feet are placed on hard surface
• baby seems stiff, with tight muscles
• baby seems very floppy, like a rag doll