Children across the world generally pass through the same sequence of development, and within similar timeframes. However, because every child is an individual, with unique experiences and temperament, the rate at which they develop will differ. A child who is developing at a healthy rate may crawl at 5 months or at 8 months. You should not panic if she has not reached her development milestones within specific a time frame. 

More importantly, watching and playing such a significant role in your child’s development can be incredibly exciting! At the same time, it can of course be equally challenging – so the more you know, the better placed you will be to understand what to expect and when, and most crucially of all, how to support your child.

Great parenting - ready made!

From birth babies are curious, learning about their world through their senses of sight, sound, touch, taste, smell. So, keeping them entertained doesn’t have to be costly! Common natural materials/objects that have stimulating textures, colours and shapes will provide hours of fascination in the form of a treasure basket. In this you can put toothbrushes, bath ducks, a soft ball, hair comb, rocks, seashells, pebbles, acorns, a pastry brush, kitchen foil, soft spoon, ladel, old pan, wooden spatula and a whisk - to name but a few!

For further information on key stages in your child's deveopment, have a look at our selection of useful links.

Finally, a great book for all parents who want easily accessible information about their rapidly developing baby and how to support them - right up  to 16 years of age! - is Carolyn Meggitt’s Child Development: An Illustrated Guide.