08

Early milestones: what a child does, and when

Every child moves at their own pace. A few simple markers help you see where you are.

Around two months, a baby calms when spoken to or picked up, looks at faces, smiles back, makes sounds other than crying, and holds their head up during tummy time.

Around six months, they know familiar faces, laugh, take turns making sounds with you, bring objects to their mouth to explore them, roll from tummy to back, and sit leaning on their hands.

Around one year, they wave goodbye, call a parent mama or dada, understand the word no and pause, look for an object hidden under a blanket, pull up to stand, walk holding on to furniture, and pick up small pieces between thumb and finger.

Around two years, they point to things in a book when asked, say at least two words together, notice when someone is hurt or sad, run, kick a ball and eat with a spoon.

These markers are not an exam, and one child may reach a milestone later than another with nothing being wrong. Raise them at every check-up. And always tell a health professional what worries you, above all if your child loses a skill they already had.