Understanding Your Baby’s Development

Becoming a parent means stepping into a world of wonder, questions, and a whole load of new milestones. One of the most common worries for new parents is: ‘Is my baby developing as they should be?’ and the responsibility of supporting your baby’s development can feel overwhelming most of the time! Understanding the basics of what’s going on will empower you to help your baby with their development, so that you can feel more confident in your parenting.

Your baby’s development happens in many beautiful and interconnected ways. We will explore the three main areas here: physical, social, and mental development, and how you can support each one in simple, everyday ways.

Physical Development

Physical development follows a natural pattern - from head to toe, and from the centre of the body outwards. That’s why babies often gain control of their head and arms before they can confidently wriggle their toes or kick with purpose. They also learn to stabilise their torso before mastering the fine movements of their hands and feet.

Because babies sleep on their backs for safety, they don’t get much opportunity to strengthen their neck and shoulders unless we give them extra chances during the day. That’s where tummy time becomes essential.

Tummy time helps build the muscles needed for milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling and eventually walking. By around 3 months, many babies begin to push up on their arms and lift their chest while on their tummy. By 6 months, they can usually hold their head up well and start reaching for toys placed in front of them.

If your baby doesn’t enjoy tummy time straight away, don’t worry. Start with short sessions when they are alert and happy, even for just a minute or two. Gradually increase the time as they get more comfortable.

To make tummy time more enjoyable:

• Get down on the floor with them and talk or sing softly
  
• Use brightly coloured toys to capture their attention
  
• Gently encourage them to look up by holding a toy or your face at eye level
  

Every little bit helps. And remember, even a short tummy session is a step in the right direction.

See our free guide: Tummy Time – Why It Matters and How to Get Started

Social Development

Your baby is learning how to connect with the world from day one — and you are their favourite teacher.

Talking to your baby is one of the most powerful things you can do for their development. Even before they can understand the words, they are absorbing the sound of your voice, your facial expressions, and the back-and-forth rhythm of conversation.

Laugh with them when they laugh. Mirror their sounds. Talk them through what you are doing. These simple interactions lay the groundwork for emotional and social development.

Babies also respond best to gentle, predictable environments. Sudden noises or abrupt changes, such as being placed into a bath or exposed to bright lights, can feel overwhelming. If possible, give them a moment’s warning - talk softly as you change their nappy, transition them from one room to another, or prepare them for a feed.

And just like adults, babies can sense stress. If your home environment is calm and nurturing, they are more likely to feel safe and secure, and more confident to explore the world around them.

See our blog on reading to your baby for more tips on building connection through stories.

Mental Development

It’s incredible to realise that 90% of your child’s brain development happens by the age of 5. That is why the early months and years are so powerful, and why playful and loving interactions make such a significant difference.

Mental development isn’t about flashy toys or high-tech gadgets. It’s about creating meaningful moments of engagement.

In the newborn stage, your baby learns through everyday interactions - looking around the room while being held, listening to your voice and watching your face. This is plenty of stimulation to begin with.

As they grow, you can introduce simple games like:

• Peekaboo
  
• Hand and foot play
  
• Cause-and-effect toys (pressing a button to make a sound, shaking a rattle, etc.)

A consistent daily rhythm also helps with mental development. Predictable routines help your baby start to make sense of the world and build memory and attention. These routines don’t have to be rigid; think of them instead as gentle anchors in your day.

Explore our app for week-by-week suggestions and age-appropriate play ideas to support your baby’s development.

Milestones and Patience

It’s easy to compare your baby with others, especially if friends’ babies seem to be reaching milestones sooner. But every baby has their own pace.

Try not to worry if your baby isn’t doing exactly what someone else’s baby is doing. Focus on creating opportunities for learning and play, revisit games your baby already enjoys, and celebrate their individual progress. Building a library of activities to dip in and out of is more important than racing toward the next goal.

Your baby will get there…in their own time.

Safety First

When choosing toys or games:

• Make sure toys are age-appropriate
  
• Avoid toys with small detachable parts, sharp edges or long strings
  
• Check toys regularly to ensure they remain safe and intact
  

Even with the simplest toy or activity, remember - you are your baby’s favourite plaything. They are most interested in your face, your voice, your hands and your attention. You don’t need to be perfect or do things a certain way. Your love, patience and presence are the most powerful tools of all.

You are doing an amazing job, and your baby will be developing perfectly under your care.