UK NHS Developmental Milestones (Start for Life)

United Kingdom · UK National Health Service · 2023

The UK NHS milestone guide for early childhood, birth through five years.

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NHS UK · 71 milestones · sorted by entry month, earliest at bottom

NHS UK milestones (71)

Grouped by domain · by age

Cognitive (21)

Language-Communication (23)

Social-Emotional (10)

Movement-Physical (17)

Guidance from this source

Abstracted & mapped · audit view

Activities, coaching, and things to expect that this source publishes, re-authored by Learning Curve and mapped to the milestones they support. Each card shows how many milestones it maps to — a high count in amber or red flags an item that may be mapped too broadly.

Activities

(65)

Build short face-to-face moments into the day: look at your baby, talk or sing, then pause so they can look, move, smile or make a sound back.

→ 6 milestones0mo–6mo

Spend a few minutes face-to-face when your baby is calm and awake. Let them look at you, hear your voice, and respond with smiles, sounds, or small movements.

→ 6 milestones0mo–6mo

Use everyday care times, such as changing or cuddling, as little connection games with your baby: add a song, a gentle touch, or a few warm words.

→ 4 milestones0mo–6mo

Hold your baby and move gently to music. The closeness and rhythm can make this a playful bonding activity.

→ 3 milestones0mo–6mo

Give your baby safe floor time to wriggle while they are awake. This helps them practise moving their body before later rolling, crawling or shuffling.

→ 1 milestone0mo–6mo

Give your baby awake time lying on their back so they can freely kick and wriggle. Keep the space clear and stay nearby.

→ 1 milestone0mo–6mo

Use simple body games such as gently touching your baby's face or counting fingers and toes. Keep it slow and stop if they show they have had enough.

→ 3 milestones0mo–6mo

Sing short songs and action rhymes face to face, using the same favourites often so your baby can listen, watch and begin to join in with sounds or movements.

→ 4 milestones0mo–6mo

Share soft or textured baby books, letting your baby look, feel and hear you describe what the pages are like.

→ 3 milestones0mo–6mo

Share books for a few minutes each day, even before your baby can talk. Look at pictures together, name what you notice, and let your child enjoy the sound and rhythm of your voice.

→ 5 milestones0mo–2yr

Sing songs, rhymes or made-up tunes to your baby. Pause sometimes so they can look, move or make sounds back.

→ 5 milestones0mo–1yr

Talk during ordinary moments, read simple books, or name what your baby can see. The exact words matter less than giving them warm, repeated language.

→ 4 milestones0mo–1yr

Play a copying game by slowly sticking out your tongue, blinking or making a simple face, then pause to see whether your baby tries a version back.

→ 2 milestones0mo–6mo

Place safe toys near your baby and encourage them to reach, push, pull or grasp. Keep the toys close enough that they can try without getting overwhelmed.

→ 2 milestones0mo–6mo

From around 4 months, place a toy within easy reach during awake play so your baby can look, reach, and try to grasp it.

→ 2 milestones0mo–6mo

Offer simple play that lets your baby pull, push, hold, and reach for safe objects or your hands. These small movements help them practise using their arms, hands, and body.

→ 2 milestones0mo–6mo

Offer short tummy-time sessions while your baby is awake and supervised. Start chest-to-chest, then try the floor when they are ready.

→ 1 milestone0mo–6mo

Use short, frequent tummy-time sessions while your baby is awake, starting on your chest and later moving to the floor. Put interesting toys within reach and add rolled-towel support if lifting their head is hard.

→ 2 milestones0mo–6mo

Put a few safe everyday objects in a bag and let your baby pull them out one at a time while you name and talk about each item.

→ 2 milestones6mo–1yr

Sing action songs and help your child join in with the movements, such as rowing, waving, or clapping along.

→ 2 milestones6mo–1yr 6mo

Sing action rhymes together and encourage your child to copy the movements as well as the sounds.

→ 2 milestones6mo–1yr 6mo

Play peekaboo once your baby enjoys back-and-forth games. Repeat the pattern and give them time to watch, anticipate, and respond.

→ 2 milestones6mo–1yr

Play peekaboo with your baby, pausing so they can notice the turn-taking pattern and react before you continue.

→ 2 milestones6mo–1yr

Play peekaboo and simple back-and-forth action games so your baby can practise watching, waiting, and taking a turn.

→ 2 milestones6mo–1yr

Practise clapping games by taking turns with your hands and gently helping your baby clap theirs. Let them join in at their own pace.

→ 2 milestones6mo–1yr

Offer safe water play in the bath, sink, a bowl, or a paddling pool. Let your child pour, squeeze, scoop, and move water with unbreakable household items while you stay right beside them.

→ 4 milestones6mo–3yr

Share sturdy picture or touch-and-feel books, letting your baby look, pat, and feel while you talk about what is on the page.

→ 2 milestones6mo–1yr

Give your child toys or everyday objects they can pick up, carry, sort, and move around.

→ 3 milestones6mo–3yr

Make a safe space for your baby to explore when they begin trying to move around. Crawling, shuffling or another way of getting about can all be part of this stage.

→ 2 milestones7mo–1yr

When your baby is ready to move around, create a safe floor area where they can crawl, shuffle, or explore in their own way.

→ 2 milestones7mo–1yr

Spend time outdoors so your baby or toddler can move, look around, and explore new spaces safely.

→ 3 milestones7mo–2yr

Turn snack or meal prep into a safe helper game: let your child mix, scoop, or cut soft food with child-safe tools while you name the actions and describe the food.

→ 3 milestones1yr–2yr

Look at picture books together and leave time for your child to point, name, or comment on what they notice in the pictures.

→ 2 milestones1yr–2yr

Sing action songs and rhymes face to face so your child can watch your expressions, hear the rhythm, and try the movements or words with you.

→ 2 milestones1yr–1yr 6mo

Use noisy household objects such as pans, tubs, or keys as pretend instruments, and pair the play with simple sound words.

→ 2 milestones1yr–3yr

Sing action songs and play music for dancing so your child can copy movements and join in with the rhythm.

→ 3 milestones1yr–5yr

Play a getting-dressed guessing game by hiding clothes in a bag, taking turns to pull one out, and naming what it is, its colour, and where it goes on the body.

→ 2 milestones1yr–2yr

Set up simple pretend play, such as a teddy picnic, washing a doll, or pretending to nibble food like an animal, and talk through the actions as you play.

→ 3 milestones1yr–2yr

Let your toddler help with simple household jobs such as unpacking shopping, tidying toys, or sorting laundry.

→ 3 milestones1yr–3yr

When you are outside, pause to listen for everyday noises, copy the sounds together, and wait to see if your child joins in or points toward what they hear.

→ 2 milestones1yr–3yr

Make simple sock or envelope puppets and use them as characters that talk to each other and to your child.

→ 4 milestones1yr–3yr

Draw simple pictures and invite your child to add lines, dots, colours, or scribbles while you talk about what you are making.

→ 2 milestones1yr–2yr

From around 18 months, give your child crayons, felt tips, or paint and let them make marks on paper, opened envelopes, or cardboard packaging.

→ 2 milestones1yr–2yr

Set up active play at home, such as hide-and-seek, dancing to music, simple jumping games, or a safe obstacle route.

→ 3 milestones1yr 6mo–3yr

When your child can manage it, build short walks into daily life so they can practise walking with you at their pace.

→ 1 milestone1yr 6mo–2yr

Once your toddler is walking, make short everyday walks part of the day instead of always using the buggy.

→ 1 milestone1yr 6mo–2yr

Take your toddler to safe open places where they can run, climb, swing, and use their whole body.

→ 2 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr

Join your child's active play and show simple movements such as running, jumping, or hopping for them to try when ready.

→ 3 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr

Sing familiar action songs and pause so your child can choose an animal, sound, or action to add next.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

Add sound effects or music while reading a story, then let your child join in with sounds that match what is happening. Familiar books work well because your child can anticipate the next part.

→ 3 milestones2yr–5yr

Go on a listening walk and make the noises you notice together, such as vehicles, birds, rain, or animals. Afterward, talk about what you both saw and heard.

→ 3 milestones2yr–5yr

Set up pretend play with a teddy or soft toy, such as getting it dressed, brushing its hair, or having a pretend meal. Let your child choose what happens and use the toy's name as you talk through the play.

→ 4 milestones2yr–3yr

Act out small stories with soft toys, giving the characters actions and simple things to say.

→ 3 milestones2yr–3yr

From around 24 months, offer safe dressing-up props such as hats, bags, scarves, gloves, and pieces of fabric for pretend play.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

Use paper plates or opened cereal boxes to make simple masks, then let your child use them in pretend play once they are safe to handle.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

Take a ball to the park and practise simple throwing, catching, kicking, or rolling games together.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

Make a simple rolling game with empty bottles and a ball. Take turns rolling, count what falls, and talk about each go.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

From around 30 months, save boxes, cartons, tubs, and lids so your child can glue and build their own creations.

→ 1 milestone2yr 6mo–3yr

Set up pretend play such as a shop, a journey into space, or a toy going on an adventure. Take turns in roles, then give your child chances to lead the story.

→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr

Turn snack or mealtime into a counting moment by counting pieces of food together and talking about the total. As your child gets more confident, invite them to join in or work out the amount themselves.

→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr

Invite your child to help with simple food preparation such as pouring, stirring, mixing, counting on a timer, and comparing amounts. Use words like more, less, and too much while you work together.

→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr

Act out familiar stories together, using your bodies to become parts of the story such as trees, weather, animals, or characters. Leave enough space so your child can move and copy or invent actions.

→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr

Play rhythm games with pots, pans, or wooden spoons. Let your child beat patterns, copy rhythms, and notice the beats in words.

→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr

Play word-sound games by thinking of words that begin the same way or words that rhyme with things you can see. Keep it light and playful rather than testing.

→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr

Build a simple obstacle course with blankets and boxes, then take turns giving and following instructions such as crawling under or sitting inside. Let your child be the instruction-giver too.

→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr

For the grown-up

(107)

You do not need lots of toys for early play. Your face, voice, touch and closeness are powerful ways to help your baby feel secure and engaged.

→ 4 milestones0mo–6mo

Use a warm, musical voice with clear ups and downs when you talk or sing, because babies learn a lot from watching how your mouth and face move.

→ 3 milestones0mo–6mo

Hold your baby close, face them, and talk warmly so they can watch your face and respond.

→ 4 milestones0mo–6mo

When your baby cries, treat it as communication. Try to work out what they may need, then offer closeness, comfort and a calm response.

→ 2 milestones0mo–3mo

Watch your baby's state before you choose what to do next. Sleepy, settled, fussy and crying cues all call for different responses.

→ 4 milestones0mo–6mo

When your baby starts to fuss, reduce the pace or change what is happening. At night, consider whether hunger may be part of it.

→ 1 milestone0mo–3mo

Treat crying as communication, not misbehaviour. Check basics such as hunger, temperature and nappies, then stay calm while you comfort them.

→ 2 milestones0mo–3mo

Use steady soothing when your baby cries: hold them close, speak gently, stroke their back, hum, sing, rock, walk, offer sucking if appropriate, or try a warm bath.

→ 2 milestones0mo–3mo

Look for signs that your baby needs a break, such as yawning, turning away, closing their eyes, hiccupping, sneezing or bringing up milk. Slow down, stop, move somewhere quieter, or offer sleep or a feed.

→ 2 milestones0mo–6mo

Respond warmly when your baby reaches for you or wants contact. Hold them close, and use skin-to-skin when it works for you.

→ 2 milestones0mo–6mo

Share books, songs and simple talk from the start, even before your baby understands the words. Your familiar voice helps them feel secure and tuned in.

→ 4 milestones0mo–1yr

Bonding does not have to happen all at once. Keep offering small, caring moments, and let your relationship grow at its own pace.

→ 3 milestones0mo–6mo

Use quiet-alert moments for connection: feed, play, talk or simply enjoy being together.

→ 3 milestones0mo–6mo

Keep early interaction brief and responsive. A few good minutes may be enough before your baby needs a rest.

→ 3 milestones0mo–6mo

Use feeding and nappy changes as talking times: describe what you are doing with short, repeated words and let your baby watch your face.

→ 3 milestones0mo–6mo

When you are out, notice what catches your baby's attention, point it out and name it before their focus moves on.

→ 2 milestones0mo–6mo

Talk to your baby while you do everyday tasks nearby, explaining simple things as they happen so your voice becomes part of daily life.

→ 3 milestones0mo–6mo

Speak with your child in the home language or languages you normally use, so they hear rich, familiar communication from the people closest to them.

→ 3 milestones0mo–6mo

Join in with play yourself. Your attention, voice, and responses teach more than a toy used on its own.

→ 5 milestones0mo–1yr

Sing often to your baby, using a lively voice that holds their attention.

→ 3 milestones0mo–1yr

Notice and answer your baby's early sounds and expressions. A smile, sound or look can be your baby's way of starting a tiny conversation.

→ 4 milestones0mo–6mo

Treat your baby's noises, expressions and movements as communication: answer them with words, a smile or a matching action so the exchange feels like a little conversation.

→ 4 milestones0mo–6mo

Talk through everyday care such as feeding, changing, and bathing so your baby hears familiar words during routines.

→ 3 milestones0mo–1yr

Copy your baby's sounds back to them and pause for their response, as if you are having a small conversation.

→ 3 milestones0mo–1yr

Keep dummy use mainly for sleep and aim to phase it out by around 12 months, because babies need free mouth time for sounds and words.

→ 3 milestones0mo–1yr

For tummy time, build up gradually and make it easier with your chest or lap, nearby toys, your voice, or a small towel under the arms.

→ 3 milestones0mo–6mo

Use ordinary household objects for play when they are safe, clean, and too large to swallow.

→ 3 milestones0mo–3yr

Keep tummy time supervised and only do it when your baby is awake and alert.

→ 1 milestone0mo–6mo

Use baby walkers, bouncers, carriers, and seats sparingly, and keep each spell brief so your baby has plenty of free movement time.

→ 2 milestones0mo–2yr

Use feeding time for simple talk: name the food, repeat the word, and connect it to what your baby is eating.

→ 2 milestones6mo–1yr

During bath time, name body parts, toys, and water sounds, and vary your voice so your baby hears playful sound patterns.

→ 4 milestones6mo–1yr

When you are outside, talk about what your baby is looking at and repeat any sounds they try to make.

→ 3 milestones6mo–1yr

Talk with your child in the language or languages your family uses at home.

→ 1 milestone6mo–1yr

From about 6 months, point to things you both see and name them. As your baby gets older, add simple detail such as colour or type.

→ 3 milestones6mo–1yr

When looking at books with a baby, you do not need to read every word. Talk about the pictures and follow what catches their attention.

→ 3 milestones6mo–2yr

Use noisy books and toys thoughtfully to help your toddler practise listening and noticing sounds.

→ 2 milestones6mo–2yr

After you make a sound or action, pause and give your baby time to answer in their own way; continue warmly even if they do not copy yet.

→ 2 milestones6mo–1yr

Pair words with clear gestures, such as waving while greeting or saying goodbye, so your baby can connect meaning with movement.

→ 1 milestone6mo–1yr

For a child with visual impairment, include toys with varied textures they can explore safely by touch and mouth.

→ 1 milestone6mo–1yr

If your baby is not showing any way of moving around by 12 months, ask your health visitor for advice.

→ 1 milestone7mo–1yr

Use everyday routines as language practice by naming objects, actions, and choices again and again across the day.

→ 3 milestones1yr–2yr

Describe sensory details during meals, such as colour, texture, temperature, taste, and sound, using simple words your child can hear often.

→ 2 milestones1yr–2yr

Copy your child’s noises or sound attempts back to them, then wait for another turn so the exchange feels like a little conversation.

→ 2 milestones1yr–1yr 6mo

If you use screens with a child under 2, make it a shared activity where you sit together, talk, and interact rather than leaving them to watch alone.

→ 3 milestones1yr–2yr

Speak with your child in the language or languages your family uses at home; regular warm conversation matters more than choosing only one language.

→ 2 milestones1yr–2yr

If you are worried about your child’s talking or understanding, ask a health visitor, nursery key worker, or speech and language service for advice.

→ 3 milestones1yr–2yr

When a toddler says a word unclearly, answer with the word in its full form without scolding or making them feel wrong.

→ 2 milestones1yr–1yr 6mo

Use the language that feels natural in your family, including more than one language if that is how your home works.

→ 3 milestones1yr–3yr

Follow what has caught your child’s attention, then talk about it in short, warm comments. Their curiosity gives you natural chances to build conversation.

→ 3 milestones1yr–2yr

Offer simple choices, such as between two foods or objects, and give your child time to show or say what they want.

→ 2 milestones1yr–1yr 6mo

Offer simple choices, such as two foods or two objects, and name both options clearly.

→ 2 milestones1yr–2yr

Use libraries, story sessions, local activities, or early years staff when you want more ideas for language-rich play.

→ 3 milestones1yr–2yr

Use ordinary moments with your toddler to describe what they see, hear, touch, smell, or feel.

→ 3 milestones1yr–3yr

As you dress your child, keep your language simple and linked to the action, such as naming arms, legs, clothes, and what happens next.

→ 3 milestones1yr–2yr

From around 18 months, repeat useful words during routines so your child hears them several times in context.

→ 2 milestones1yr–2yr

Ask everyone who cares for your child to use broadly similar routines and rules for sleep, meals, behaviour, and screen time.

→ 2 milestones1yr–2yr

Join your toddler's pretend play when they invite you, such as accepting an imaginary drink or caring for a toy together.

→ 3 milestones1yr–3yr

Wait for signs your child is ready before teaching a new everyday skill, and pause for a few weeks if it becomes frustrating.

→ 2 milestones1yr–2yr

Expect new independence skills to come and go for a while. A child may use a spoon or potty one day and want more help another day, especially when tired.

→ 2 milestones1yr–2yr

Keep expectations realistic and allow extra time for daily tasks instead of expecting quick or perfect results.

→ 2 milestones1yr–2yr

Keep unsafe or fragile items out of reach, because young children are still learning what is safe to touch and where they can run.

→ 1 milestone1yr–2yr

Let your child see you doing everyday self-care, such as washing, brushing teeth, and using the toilet, so they have actions to copy.

→ 1 milestone1yr–2yr

Give toddlers regular chances to walk, toddle, and move freely when it is safe, including short walks during outings.

→ 1 milestone1yr 6mo–2yr

Aim for plenty of movement across the day, using short bursts of walking, running, climbing, jumping, or dancing.

→ 1 milestone1yr 6mo–2yr

After your child can walk, aim for lots of movement spread across the day rather than one long burst.

→ 2 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr

Break up long stretches in a buggy, car seat, highchair, television, or tablet time with chances to move.

→ 2 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr

Stay active with your child when you can, because seeing you enjoy movement helps them treat activity as normal and fun.

→ 3 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr

Keep instructions short and concrete, such as asking for one familiar action at a time.

→ 1 milestone1yr 6mo–2yr

Limit daily screen time for toddlers, and choose play, stories, and conversation as the main language practice.

→ 2 milestones1yr 6mo–3yr

Use clear, steady limits and briefly explain the reason, especially around danger.

→ 3 milestones1yr 6mo–2yr

Ask your toddler to find body parts such as their nose, ear, or foot, and give them time to point.

→ 1 milestone1yr 6mo–2yr

As your baby becomes a toddler, help them with big feelings by staying close, naming emotions and offering steady support.

→ 2 milestones1yr 6mo–2yr

When your toddler has a strong reaction, treat it as a sign that they need help with feelings they cannot yet explain. Stay close and guide them through it instead of expecting them to calm themselves straight away.

→ 2 milestones1yr 6mo–2yr

Before trying to teach or correct, help your child settle: use a calm voice, name the feeling, and reassure them that they are safe.

→ 2 milestones1yr 6mo–2yr

Once your child is less upset, reconnect with warmth, such as staying nearby or offering comfort. Show that you still care even when their behaviour was difficult.

→ 1 milestone1yr 6mo–2yr

Save explanations and limits for after your toddler is calm. Then you can acknowledge the feeling while making the boundary clear, such as anger being allowed but hurting others not being allowed.

→ 2 milestones1yr 6mo–2yr

Notice and praise the behaviour you want to see again with warmth, attention, and affection.

→ 2 milestones1yr 6mo–2yr

Put simple feeling words onto what your child seems to be experiencing, such as happy, sad or angry. Hearing these labels in real moments helps them learn how to talk about feelings later.

→ 1 milestone1yr 6mo–2yr

Join your child's play by noticing what they are already interested in. Talk about their actions and objects so they hear words linked to their own ideas.

→ 3 milestones2yr–3yr

Use mealtimes for choice-making and naming. Offer two foods, wait for a look, point, or word, then model the word for the food they chose.

→ 3 milestones2yr–3yr

Mix object words, action words, and describing words into everyday talk so your child hears richer sentence patterns.

→ 3 milestones2yr–3yr

Keep the conversation moving without turning every mistake into a correction. Give your child natural examples of how words fit together.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

When your child says one word, add a little more detail back to them, such as adding size, action, sound, or place.

→ 3 milestones2yr–3yr

Chat about what has already happened and what is coming next, so your child hears time order in ordinary routines.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

Share picture books by naming what you both see and talking about what the objects are used for.

→ 3 milestones2yr–3yr

Talk while you are out together, especially about whatever catches your child's attention. Add extra words to what they notice so they hear short sentences.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

Use home languages with your child. The languages your family speaks are good languages for talking, play, and daily routines.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

Use the 2 to 2-and-a-half-year review, nursery progress review, health visitor, nursery key worker, or speech and language service if you want advice about your child's talking.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

When your 2-year-old uses a short phrase, answer with a slightly longer sentence that keeps their meaning.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

Say your child's name before asking a question, then wait long enough for them to answer.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

Turn off background TV or radio when you want your child to listen and talk with you.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

Watch programmes with your child when screens are used, and talk together about what is happening.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

Use meaningful sound effects in real moments and picture play, such as a sound for a dropped object or an animal noise.

→ 1 milestone2yr–3yr

Show related items and name the group they belong to, such as several different things that are all toys.

→ 1 milestone2yr–3yr

Praise your child's ideas in play so they feel confident to keep inventing and talking.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

Follow your toddler's interests in play and describe what they are doing instead of taking over the game.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

Let your child help with simple everyday jobs and talk together about the choices, actions, and preferences involved.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

Talk with your child while doing chores together, naming actions and objects as you shop, cook, clean, or tidy.

→ 2 milestones2yr–3yr

Talk about feelings during the day and in play, using simple words for emotions as they come up.

→ 1 milestone2yr–3yr

Talk with your child during ordinary parts of the day, including what they are doing and what happened to each of you. These everyday chats help them practise longer sentences and conversation turns.

→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr

Follow what your child notices when you are out, even if they show it by looking or pointing rather than speaking. Add simple comments and questions to turn their interest into a conversation.

→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr

Ask questions that have many possible answers, such as what your child likes or what they might do tomorrow. Give them time to think and answer in their own words.

→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr

Use the language or languages your family speaks at home when chatting with your child. Rich conversation in familiar family languages supports communication development.

→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr

If you are worried about your child’s speech or language, ask your health visitor, nursery key worker, school nurse, or local speech and language therapy service for advice. Extra support can be arranged when needed.

→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr

When you want your child to notice something new, point it out clearly and pair it with a sound or short comment. This helps them shift attention and listen for details around them.

→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr

Use everyday problems as talking opportunities, such as wondering together what to do when something is missing. Encourage your child to suggest ideas before you step in.

→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr

Read familiar books more than once and pause so your child can remember, guess, or fill in what comes next. Let their interests guide which books and pages you spend time on.

→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr

What to expect

(10)

Crying that continues after basic needs are checked

0mo–4mo · ~2mo

Crying is a baby's main way to signal distress or a need, and sometimes babies remain unsettled even after obvious causes have been handled.

4 suggestion(s)

→ 2 milestones0mo–3mo

Fussing that signals a change of pace or a need

0mo–6mo · ~3mo

A fussy state often means the baby is becoming unsettled, hungry or overloaded and needs the adult to adjust what is happening.

4 suggestion(s)

→ 1 milestone0mo–3mo

Bonding feels slow or difficult

0mo–2yr · ~1mo

Bonding can be affected by pregnancy, birth, loss, mental health, stress or relationship pressures, and some parent-baby relationships need more time and support.

3 suggestion(s)

→ 3 milestones0mo–6mo

Hard days when patience runs low

0mo–2yr · ~3mo

Caring for a baby can stretch a parent's patience, especially with tiredness, but reconnecting teaches the baby that the relationship is still safe.

3 suggestion(s)

→ 4 milestones0mo–2yr

Overstimulation during play or interaction

0mo–6mo · ~2mo

Young babies can tire quickly because interaction uses a lot of energy and attention.

5 suggestion(s)

→ 3 milestones0mo–6mo

Disliking tummy time

0mo–6mo · ~2mo

Tummy time is physically demanding at first, so some babies need easier positions and short daily practice before they tolerate it.

5 suggestion(s)

→ 3 milestones0mo–6mo

Frustration when a skill is taught too early

1yr–3yr · ~2yr

Self-care skills develop unevenly, and pressure before a child is ready can turn practice into conflict.

3 suggestion(s)

→ 3 milestones1yr–2yr

Toddler running off during outings

1yr–3yr · ~2yr

Growing mobility and curiosity can make toddlers want to move quickly and explore before they can reliably manage danger or follow limits.

3 suggestion(s)

→ 1 milestone1yr 6mo–2yr

Very active toddler

1yr 6mo–4yr · ~2yr 6mo

Many toddlers have strong movement needs and limited self-control, so they need predictable routines, focused attention, and safe outlets for energy.

6 suggestion(s)

→ 4 milestones1yr 6mo–5yr

More tantrums as independence grows

1yr 6mo–3yr · ~2yr

Toddlers are becoming more independent, but their emotion control and communication skills are still developing, so strong feelings can overwhelm them.

4 suggestion(s)

→ 2 milestones1yr 6mo–2yr

What are the NHS milestones?

The UK National Health Service publishes early-childhood development guidance through its Start for Life programme. It describes what most children do at each stage from birth through five years, helping families know what to look out for and when to ask a health visitor for support.

How it is structured

Milestones are set out by age and grouped into four areas — Cognitive, Language-Communication, Movement-Physical, and Social-Emotional. The guidance is written for parents, so each item describes an everyday, observable behaviour rather than a clinical test.

How Learning Curve represents it

The source is UK Crown copyright, made available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, and is shown here with attribution. Milestones appear grouped by area and age as one independent reference on typical timing. Learning Curve synthesises this alongside other sources and does not present it as medical advice. This material was gathered from published NHS guidance and is being verified against the official pages.

Methodology & sources

NHS Start for Life — Baby to toddler development — UK NHS, 2023

Citation

UK National Health Service. Start for Life — early childhood development. Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0, 2023.

The shape of UK NHS Developmental Milestones (Start for Life)

Alternate visualizations

NHS UK milestones (71)

Cognitive (21)

Child looks at human faces when awake and settled.

Child focuses on and shows interest in a face, voice or moving object when quietly alert.

Child begins to connect repeated words with familiar foods or objects.

Child plays peekaboo and pays attention to the back-and-forth pattern.

Child explores everyday items by pulling them from a bag and looking at them.

Child looks at simple picture books and attends to pictures or textures.

Child points things out in picture books and uses words for actions or objects.

Child matches familiar words to objects and actions in daily routines.

Child plays pretend games such as a teddy bears' picnic or washing a doll.

Child imitates everyday adult actions such as washing, brushing teeth or using the toilet.

Child groups related words or objects together, such as recognising several things as toys.

Child uses pretend play with soft toys and creates simple characters or roles.

Child gives a teddy or toy a name and uses that name in play.

Child talks about what has happened earlier in the day and what will happen next.

Child makes things from cardboard boxes, cartons or similar materials in junk modelling.

Child joins in counting and may count on their own or say the total.

Child uses ideas such as more, less and too much during practical activities.

Child remembers or guesses what happens next in a picture book.

Child suggests ways to solve a simple everyday problem.

Child notices words that start with the same sound.

Child thinks of rhyming words for objects they can see.

Language-Communication (23)

Child cries to communicate that they need something.

Child watches an adult's face and responds while the adult talks.

Child makes early sounds such as noises, hums or giggles.

Child takes turns in early vocal play by making a sound and listening for a response.

Child copies simple facial movements such as sticking out their tongue or blinking.

Child listens more carefully during chatting, playing and reading.

Child copies sounds made by an adult.

Child copies gestures such as waving before they can say the words.

Child tries to say words for familiar things.

Child points to something and uses an early sound or word for it.

Child chooses between two named objects or foods.

Child joins in songs or nursery rhymes with actions.

Child understands simple instructions such as getting a coat or shutting a door.

Child points to body parts when asked.

Child puts simple sentences together.

Child uses meaningful sound words such as sound effects for events or animals.

Child talks about what they are doing and what they are playing with.

Child talks about feelings during everyday routines or play.

Child uses longer sentences to say what they want or describe what is happening.

Child has back-and-forth conversations about their day.

Child fills in parts of a familiar story and tells what happens next.

Child answers open-ended questions about preferences or plans.

Child gives simple play instructions and follows another person's instructions.

Social-Emotional (10)

Child is comforted by being held close and hearing a familiar voice.

Child smiles and babbles when ready to interact.

Child makes sounds and facial expressions to show interest in something.

Child takes turns in simple play, such as copying a splash or waiting for another turn.

Child points or turns their head toward sounds that interest them.

Child shows more frustration or tantrums as independence grows.

Child begins learning words for feelings such as happy, sad and angry.

Child takes turns in a simple game.

Child uses clothes, hats or other props for dressing-up play.

Child takes part in role-play games such as shopping or pretend journeys.

Movement-Physical (17)

Child wriggles on the floor during awake play.

Child practises pushing, pulling and grasping during play.

Child builds neck, back and shoulder strength during tummy time.

Child reaches for toys placed nearby.

Child touches shapes and textures in books.

Child claps hands independently.

Child crawls or otherwise moves around to explore.

Child shows signs of moving independently, such as crawling, bottom-shuffling or another way of getting around.

Child adds marks and colours while drawing.

Child tries to eat with a spoon, though they may still want help when tired.

Child draws or paints with crayons, felt tips or paint.

Child walks with an adult or walks independently when able.

Child rolls a ball in a simple game.

Child pours, stirs and mixes while helping prepare food.

Child acts out story movements with their body.

Child completes obstacle-course actions such as crawling under a blanket or sitting in a box.

Child drums on pots or pans with hand-eye coordination and rhythm.

Guidance from this source

Activities