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Your Baby’s First-Year Milestones: What’s Typical, What’s Not, and When to Seek Advice

Research-supported, mum-of-three observations — not medical advice.


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Welcome to the first year — the era of “Should they be doing this yet?” and “Why are all the babies in my Instagram feed apparently crawling at 3 months? ”Spoiler: they’re not. And even if they were, your baby doesn’t need to keep up with anyone except themselves.


This guide unpacks the first year of developmental milestones with honesty, clarity, and zero competitive energy.


First Things First: Milestones Are Ranges, Not Deadlines


Babies don’t read the charts. They develop in their own time depending on:

  • Genetics

  • Temperament

  • Feeding

  • Sleep

  • Opportunities for practice

  • Illness

  • Pure personality


A “typical” milestone covers a big window of normal.

If your baby is happy, feeding, growing and interacting, you’re already winning.


0–3 MONTHS: THE AWKWARD TURTLE STAGE


Head Control

Shaky but improving. Expect wobbles — your baby’s head is basically a bowling ball at this point.


Eye Contact

Short moments of connection. They recognise you by your voice first, not your smoky-eye skills.


Tummy Time

A few minutes here and there. Crying during tummy time is common — they’re working hard.


Smiles

Social smiles often appear around 6–8 weeks. Before that, smiles during sleep are… gas. Sorry.


3–6 MONTHS: THE “OH, YOU’RE A PERSON!” ERA


Rolling

Some babies do it at 3 months. Others wait until 6 months. Both are normal.


Hand-to-Mouth Coordination

Everything goes into the mouth now — hands, toys, your hair.


Laughing & Babbling

Gorgeous, loud and occasionally startling.


Grabbing Toys

Coordination improves dramatically — toy gyms become the centre of their universe.


6–9 MONTHS: THE BUSY PHASE


Sitting

Usually steady by 6–8 months. Wobbling is part of the process.


Crawling… or Not

Here’s the truth:

  • Some crawl

  • Some bum-shuffle

  • Some roll everywhere

  • Some skip crawling entirely and walk

All versions are normal.


Object Transfer

Passing toys between hands = big development leap.


Stranger Awareness

Your once-sociable baby may suddenly cling like a barnacle. This is a sign of healthy emotional development.


9–12 MONTHS: BIG MOVES, BIG PERSONALITY


Pulling Up to Stand

Usually somewhere between 8–10 months.


Cruising

Holding onto furniture and moving sideways like a tiny party guest.


First Steps

Typical window is 10–18 months. Yes — 18 months is still normal.


Pincer Grip

Picking up tiny crumbs with thumb and forefinger. Cue constant floor hoovering.


First Words

Usually simple sounds: “mama”, “dada”, “ba-ba”, “uh-oh”.

Remember: understanding comes before speaking.


Cognitive & Emotional Milestones (Often Overlooked)


Cause & Effect

Dropping things on purpose (sorry) because they love watching you pick them up.


Object Permanence

When they realise you still exist even when you leave the room — often the reason for separation anxiety.


Memory Development

They start anticipating routines and familiar patterns.


When Should You Seek Advice? (NHS Guidance)


Always speak to your health visitor or GP if you notice:

  • Baby isn’t smiling by 8 weeks

  • No eye contact by 3 months

  • Very stiff or very floppy limbs

  • Not rolling by 8–9 months

  • Not sitting by 9 months

  • No babbling by 8–9 months

  • No attempt to move (crawl/shuffle/roll) by 12 months

  • No weight gain or feeding issues

  • You have a persistent gut feeling something’s not right


Your instinct matters. Professionals would always rather check early.


Local Support (Farnborough & Surrounding Areas)


Health Visiting Teams

Hampshire & Surrey teams carry out routine checks at 6–8 weeks, 3–4 months, 9–12 months and beyond. They are your first port of call for any milestone worries.


Family & Children’s Centres

Located in:

  • Farnborough

  • Fleet

  • Aldershot

  • Guildford

  • Woking Offer:

  • Baby development groups

  • Play & learn sessions

  • Speech & language advice

  • Specialist support referrals


Physiotherapy & OT Services

Available through Frimley Health & Royal Surrey for babies who need extra support.


Community Groups

Baby sensory, rhythm time, music groups, and play cafés across Hampshire & Surrey all support development through play.


In Short


Your baby isn’t on anyone else’s timeline. Growth in the first year is a blend of biology, personality and opportunity — not competition. Watch, enjoy, support, and ask for help when something feels off.


You’re doing beautifully. Your baby is too.


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