Source: bing.comAs a new parent, it can be overwhelming to keep track of your baby’s development milestones. From rolling over to crawling, to walking and talking, there are so many things to look forward to as your baby grows. In Australia, there are certain milestones that your baby should reach within a certain timeframe. In this article, we will discuss some of the most important baby development milestones Australia parents need to know.
Table of Contents
0-3 Months
During the first three months of your baby’s life, they will be developing rapidly. Some of the milestones to look out for include:
- Lifting their head briefly when on their stomach
- Reacting to loud noises or sudden movements
- Sucking and swallowing when feeding
- Smiling in response to your voice or touch
- Gaining weight at a steady rate
4-6 Months
Between 4 and 6 months, your baby will start to become more active and curious about their surroundings. Some of the milestones to look out for during this time include:
- Sitting up with support
- Rolling over from stomach to back and back to stomach
- Reaching for and grasping objects
- Babbling and making more sounds
- Showing interest in solid foods
7-9 Months
At 7 to 9 months, your baby will become even more mobile and vocal. Some of the milestones to look out for during this period include:
- Crawling on hands and knees
- Pulling themselves up to stand
- Using a pincer grasp to pick up objects
- Saying “mama” and “dada”
- Playing peek-a-boo
10-12 Months
From 10 to 12 months, your baby will be approaching their first birthday and becoming more independent. Some of the milestones to look out for during this time include:
- Walking with support, such as a walker or furniture
- Drinking from a sippy cup
- Saying a few words besides “mama” and “dada”
- Pointing to objects when named
- Playing simple games like pat-a-cake
12-18 Months
Between 12 and 18 months, your baby will be becoming a toddler and exploring the world more actively. Some of the milestones to look out for during this period include:
- Walking independently
- Using a spoon or fork to feed themselves
- Saying several words and pointing to objects when named
- Playing with toys in imaginative ways
- Showing a preference for certain activities or toys
18-24 Months
From 18 to 24 months, your toddler will be learning more about the world around them and developing new skills. Some of the milestones to look out for during this time include:
- Running and jumping with confidence
- Using simple phrases and sentences
- Playing with other children and sharing toys
- Showing a preference for certain foods and rejecting others
- Following simple instructions, such as “pick up your toys”
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my baby doesn’t meet these milestones?
Every baby develops at their own pace. If your baby doesn’t meet a certain milestone within the timeframe listed above, don’t worry. Talk to your pediatrician or healthcare provider if you have concerns about your baby’s development.
Is it normal for babies to skip certain milestones?
Yes, it’s possible for babies to skip certain milestones and still develop normally. For example, some babies skip crawling altogether and go straight to walking. However, if you have concerns about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician or healthcare provider.
What can I do to help my baby reach these milestones?
There are many things you can do to support your baby’s development, such as providing plenty of tummy time, interacting with your baby through talking and play, and offering a variety of toys and activities to encourage exploration and learning.
What if my baby reaches a milestone earlier than expected?
Congratulations! Every baby develops at their own pace, so if your baby reaches a milestone earlier than expected, it’s nothing to worry about. Keep encouraging your baby’s development through play and exploration.
What if my baby reaches a milestone later than expected?
If your baby reaches a milestone later than expected, don’t worry. Every baby develops at their own pace, and there may be a variety of reasons why some milestones are reached later than others. Talk to your pediatrician or healthcare provider if you have concerns about your baby’s development.
In conclusion, watching your baby grow and develop can be an exciting and rewarding experience. By keeping track of these important milestones, you can help ensure that your baby is on track for healthy development. Remember to talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your baby’s development, and keep encouraging your baby’s growth and exploration through play and interaction.