Watching your baby grow is one of life’s greatest joys. Every smile, roll, crawl and first step feels like a huge achievement. It’s also completely natural to compare your baby’s progress with other children or to wonder whether they are developing as expected.
The truth is that every child develops at their own pace. Some babies roll early but walk later, while others skip crawling altogether and go straight to walking. There is a wide range of what is considered typical development.
Understanding the expected developmental milestones can help you celebrate your baby’s achievements while recognising when extra support may be beneficial.
What are developmental milestones?
Developmental milestones are skills that most children achieve within a certain age range. They include:
As a paediatric physiotherapist, I mainly assess your child’s movement, posture, balance, coordination and strength. These movement milestones help us understand how your baby’s muscles, joints and nervous system are developing.
Remember that milestones are guides rather than strict deadlines. Reaching a skill a few weeks or even a couple of months earlier or later than another child is often perfectly normal.
Developmental milestones from birth to 2 years
Birth to 1 month
During the first few weeks your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb.
You may notice your baby:
This is also an excellent time to begin supervised tummy time for short periods throughout the day.
Around 3 months
By three months babies become much stronger.
Many babies can:
Head control is an important foundation for later milestones such as sitting and crawling.
Around 5 to 6 months
Your baby becomes much more active and curious about the world.
Typical skills include:
Many parents become concerned if their baby has not rolled over by six months. Some babies simply prefer sitting or standing and achieve rolling later. What matters most is the overall pattern of movement and development rather than one isolated milestone.
Around 9 months
This is often an exciting stage as babies become mobile.
Many babies will:
It’s important to remember that babies move in different ways. Crawling is common, but some babies bottom shuffle or commando crawl before walking.
Around 12 months
First birthdays often bring first steps.
Many children can:
Not every child walks by their first birthday. Many perfectly healthy children do not walk independently until 15 to 18 months.
Around 15 to 18 months
Confidence continues to grow.
Many toddlers can:
Walking becomes steadier as balance improves and arms gradually lower to the sides.
Around 2 years
By two years old many children are active explorers.
Most children can:
At this age children are developing not only movement skills but also confidence, independence and problem-solving abilities.
When should I be concerned?
Every child develops differently, but there are times when an assessment is recommended.
Consider speaking to your GP, Health Visitor or a paediatric physiotherapist if your baby:
One milestone alone is rarely a cause for alarm. We always look at the whole child, including their strength, balance, muscle tone, coordination and overall development.
What if my baby skips crawling?
This is one of the most common questions parents ask.
Some babies never crawl in the traditional hands-and-knees position. Instead they may:
Many of these children develop perfectly normally.
However, crawling helps develop shoulder strength, trunk stability, coordination and bilateral movement. If your child skips crawling completely, it can sometimes be helpful to have their movement assessed, particularly if there are other developmental concerns.
How can I support my baby’s development?
You don’t need expensive equipment or structured classes.
The best opportunities for development happen during everyday play.
Try to:
Children learn best through play, exploration and repetition.
How can a paediatric physiotherapist help?
A paediatric physiotherapist can assess your child’s movement in detail and determine whether their development is progressing as expected.
During an assessment we look at:
If needed, we provide an individualised treatment programme designed around your child’s needs and your family’s daily routine.
Early intervention can often help children build confidence, improve movement and prevent small difficulties from becoming bigger challenges later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for babies to develop at different speeds?
Yes. Every child develops at their own pace. Some reach milestones earlier and others later while remaining within the normal range.
My baby hates tummy time. What should I do?
Start with very short periods several times a day. You can also try tummy time on your chest, across your lap or while using a rolled towel under the chest to make it more comfortable.
Should I worry if my baby isn’t walking at 12 months?
Not necessarily. Many healthy children begin walking between 12 and 18 months. If your child is approaching 18 months and still isn’t walking independently, an assessment is recommended.
Does my baby have to crawl?
No. Some babies use alternative ways to move. However, if your baby is not attempting any form of movement around the floor or has other developmental concerns, it is worth seeking professional advice.
Supporting your child’s journey
Watching your child grow is exciting, and it’s natural to wonder whether they are developing as expected.
Remember that milestones are guides, not deadlines. Every child has their own unique journey.
If you ever have concerns about your child’s movement, posture, balance or physical development, seeking advice early can provide reassurance and, where needed, timely support.
At Florikids Physiotherapy, we provide specialist paediatric physiotherapy assessments for babies and children from birth to 16 years across Northampton, Milton Keynes, Towcester, Daventry, Rugby and the surrounding areas.
If you’re unsure whether your child’s development is on track, we’d be happy to help.
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