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Developing your baby's brain - West Sussex County Council

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Five things you can do every day to help your child's growing brain development.

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Five to Thrive - An attachment-based approach to positive parenting

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Kate Cairns Associates are expert providers of training and consultancy to organisations working with vulnerable children and young people. We work with a knowledge base that recognises attachment relationships and traumatic experiences as universal processes in human behaviour and development.

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The LEGO® 'Play Well Report' surveyed nearly 13,000 parents and children in nine countries to understand the state of play today and encourage discussion around its ongoing importance. . Alarmingly, one in five children (17%) say they are too busy for play, with four out of five (81%) wishing their parents would play with them more.The report reveals that the increased integration of digital layers doesn't come at the expense of more traditional shared play, as most children (81%) still prefer playing with their parents than alone, and three in four (72%) prefer to play with friends in the same room rather than online.Despite pressing concerns, parents are however showing signs of adopting their children's mindset with over half (59%) believing technology can bring the family closer together, and three in four (77%) believing digital play can be creative. The power of play to help children learn is indisputable for parents. Almost all (95%) believe play is essential for children's wellbeing and a vital educational tool. Four in five (82%) think that children who play more will be more successful in future studies and work.Parents also rank playful learning (76%) as the number one educational technique, over reading books (67%), classroom teaching (55%), interacting with friends (65%) and surfing the internet (22%). More importantly, four in five (83%) children agree they learn better when play is involved. Adults and children equally feel the benefits of playing together. Parents say play is good for their own well-being (91%) and happiness (72%) and that it even helps them feel more relaxed (86%) and connected to their children (64%). Almost all children surveyed say play makes them feel happy (93%) and helps them relax after a long day at school (87%).Inspired by the findings, the report suggests 10 principles for families to consider when playing together. These include encouraging less structured play, embracing mistakes and gamifying household chores.

The report reveals a strong link between the hours spent playing together and the happiness of families, with nine out of 10 families (88%) who play for five hours or more a week claiming to be happy, while, of those who play for less than five hours, only seven out of 10 (75%) say they are happy.
Playtime is being squeezed however, with nearly a third (30%) of families spending less than five hours playing together every week. One in 10 (10%) play for less than two hours.
Even when families do get together to play, six in 10 (61%) parents admit they tend to get distracted by life's other demands, such as work, house chores and their ever-present smartphones

Family expert and author, Jessica Joelle Alexander, says:

The report draws out a generational shift in play patterns and the concerns that come with these changes. While parents still worry about the safety and sociability of digital play - 88% being concerned about online safety and 72% fearing technology makes children less able to think for themselves - the report reveals the next generation is teaching us all to embrace the unique opportunities that technology brings.
Children themselves are pioneering a new type of 'Fluid Play' where they naturally engage in play that seamlessly blends real world, imaginary and digital experiences. To them it is simply

The full LEGO Play Well Report 2018, including market findings, can be viewed

"Playing together is a fundamental cornerstone of family life for children and parents alike. But with modern lifestyles busier than ever and so much emphasis on formal education and structured activities, it can be easy to forget to make time for it. Given the positive effects it has on our wellbeing and happiness levels, family play should be the most important 'homework' of all."
playDr Elena Hoicka, Senior Lecturer in Psychology in Education at the University of Bristol, says: " While many parents feel their children's preference for digital play is getting in the way of what they see as better, typically more traditional activities, the truth is the two don't have to be mutually exclusive. More than previous generations, kids today see the digital and real worlds as part of one big, interconnected play space. To make the most of their time playing together, parents need to adopt this fluid mindset too."

Julia Goldin, LEGO Group CMO, says: "The beauty of play is that it evolves and changes with each generation, yet its benefits remain constant. This report shows that digitalisation is providing more opportunities for immersive play. We will continue to evolve LEGO play to seamlessly integrate digital and physical experiences for kids to ensure that they can continue to benefit from playful learning. Play continues to be essential for children and we have a role in helping parents to provide the best possible experiences for their kids and to protect and prioritise play time."
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For more information, please contact: media@LEGO.com.

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Playing together makes families happier, closer and less stressed - but over a third (38%) admit they struggle to prioritise playtime due to hectic daily schedules of both parents and their children, according to a new report released by the LEGO Group today.

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How reading helped me bond with my baby boyHow reading helped me bond with my baby boy

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Mum to two children already, Jess didn't expect to get post-natal depression with her third. When it happened, it knocked her sideways. So how did reading with her baby get her out of those dark early days?

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By three months, your baby will have reached some exciting milestones. She will be making cooing noises, smiling, and even copying how your facial expressions sometimes.

Milestones

Babies like to look at faces and hear voices, so try to look at your baby when you speak to her. She will try to copy your sounds and expressions. When she does this, make the noise or expression back. This is how babies learn to communicate.

At this age, see if:

Your baby looks at you when you speak.

Your baby looks at your face when you speak.

Your baby coos or gurgles to themselves.

Your baby smiles or has different cries for how she feels.

By six months, your baby will be growing more curious about the world around them. They will try to copy you with babbles, facial expressions and movements. It's good to listen and respond to them at this age as they learn to communicate.

Milestones

By six months your baby will love spending time with you and hearing your voice. Being face-to-face with your baby helps them learn about expressions. This is also a great age to play games like peek-a-boo or sing songs to your baby.

At this age, see if:

Your baby laughs when they play.

Your baby makes sounds when somebody speaks to them.

Your baby makes different noises to show different feelings, like when they are happy, excited, hungry or tired.

Your baby smiles when someone smiles at them.

Concerns?

All babies are different, and your baby will develop in his own way. If you are worried about how your baby is getting on, speak to your Health Visitor or Children's Centre. They may suggest a hearing test or a visit to your GP.

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By three months, your baby will have reached some exciting milestones. She will be making cooing noises, smiling, and even copying how your facial expressions sometimes. Milestones Babies like to look at faces and hear voices, so try to look at your baby when you speak to her.

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Animations of some of the best-known traditional nursery rhymes, many sung by BBC Children's TV presenters, with music that your children will love! They're an ideal resource to support a range of Early Years objectives, whether used in a nursery, reception class, or at home.

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Animations of some of the best-known traditional nursery rhymes, many sung by Cbeebies TV presenters, with music that your children will love! They're an ideal resource to support a range of Early Years objectives, whether used in a nursery, reception class, or at home.

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To view the Baby Brain Map, please visit this page on a browser and device that supports Adobe Flash Player.
To get started, select an age range from the pull-down menu and click on it. Depending on the age range, different hotspots on the brain will appear. Click on a hotspot to reveal questions to find out how a baby's brain develops during this period of brain growth. You'll also learn what you can do to enrich a very young child's development.

Don't forget to click on the questions to display the answers.

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To view the Baby Brain Map, please visit this page on a browser and device that supports Adobe Flash Player. To get started, select an age range from the pull-down menu and click on it. Depending on the age range, different hotspots on the brain will appear.

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What are Baby Mental Leaps - The Wonder Weeks

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What is a mental leap? A leap in the mental development of your baby means that suddenly there are many changes in his head. Suddenly, his brain perceives.

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Talking, understanding others and knowing what to say are really important skills in life. Being able to communicate helps children make friends, learn and enjoy life to the full. You will be your child's first and most important teacher. You may be wondering "when will my baby talk?". A toddler's first words usually occur between 12 and 18 months and they will continue to learn and progress quickly once they reach that milestone. Here we look at simple ways encourage and enjoy your child's language development.

Get your child's attention: Face your child or sit down with them. Say their name before you start speaking. Talk about something you can both see in front of you. This helps them to learn what words mean.

Have fun together: Use actions, sing, make noises and funny faces. Don't be shy, being a bit silly helps get their attention and makes them laugh and can encourage language development.

Comments not questions: Asking lots of questions can feel like it's a test. Make it a conversation. When you talk to your baby comment on what they are doing and what is happening instead.

Give them time to think: Children need more time than adults to think about what they've heard, and to decide what to say back. Give them time to respond, and look at them while you wait.

Use simple language: Keep your sentences short. For example, "Food time now" or "Wow, you're building a tower".

Repeat what you say: It's good to say the same thing over again. Babies and toddlers need to hear words and sentences lots of times to understand them and learn new words. This is key aspect of baby talk.

Make it easier for them to listen: Turning the music, radio or TV off helps children focus on your words.

Build on what they say: Adding one or two words to what they say helps your child onto the next stage of talking. So, if your child says "bus" you say "Yes, big bus".

Speak in your home language: It's important for children to learn their first words and sentences in their home language. Your child will learn in English later, at nursery and school.

Make it easier for them to talk: Dummies can get in the way of talking. Try to keep them just for sleeptimes. Take it out to talk.

Show them the right way: Young children often make mistakes. Show them that you understand, rather than asking them to repeat words correctly. Say the word or sentence again correctly for your child. If they say "Look at the dod", you can say "Yes, it's a dog".

Copy what they say: Repeat back sounds, words and sentences. Whether its "la la" or "Oh, you liked the banana?", it shows you're interested and that sounds and words are important. This can help your baby's speech development.

Talk to someone if you're worried: Some children find talking and listening harder than others. They might find it hard to understand what words and sentences mean. Some struggle to find the right words and sounds to use and put them in order. These children may need extra help.

If you are worried about your child, talk to people you know and who know your child. If you're still worried, go with your instinct. Talk to someone who can help, for example a speech and language therapist or your health visitor or GP.
This article was written using information provided by I CAN, the children's communication charity and the Talking Point website.
Further information

NCT's helpline offers practical and emotional support in all areas of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood: 0300 330 0700.

You might find attending one of NCT's Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

Download I CAN's free First Words Poster and stages of development poster, if you want to find out more about what to expect at different ages and stages.

You can also find lots more useful information and resources from I CAN.

Read The Psychology of Babies: How relationships support development from birth to two by Lynne Murray (published by Constable Robinson).

Take a look at the National Literacy Trust's website which has information about early communication skills.

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How can you encourage a child's language development ?

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Talking, understanding others and knowing what to say are really important skills in life. Being able to communicate helps children make friends, learn and enjoy life to the full. You will be your child's first and most important teacher. You may be wondering "when will my baby talk?".

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Here is fun and interesting infographic about baby development. See all the changes your baby goes through from 0-12 months old.

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All babies go though the same changes in the mental development at the same time. This is called a mental leap. With each leap, your baby is given the possibility to learn new things. And every baby wants to learn, much less master, these new skills, as learning these makes him master that 'puzzle' or 'chaos' that is in his brain since the leap. Learning new things helps him to get through the fussy phase and is good for his development for the rest of his life.
Read More About the Book
The Wonder Weeks featured in:

Even the Voices at the The Huffington Post talk about The Wonder Weeks!

Article on Mom.me:
"It all made sense!"

Podcast with The Wonder Weeks
by Mum Life Australia

"The Wonder Weeks: One of our own personal favorites!" - the bump editors
"Breakthrough science reveals the true reasons of fussiness and weeks of wonders"
Interview with Dr. Frans Plooij iTunes.apple.com

The Wonder Weeks Book
Order your copy today!
Read The Wonder Weeks on your Kindle. The Wonder Weeks Kindle is waiting for you at the Amazon Kindle Store!

The Wonder Weeks Journal

How did YOUR baby make the leaps? What did he do? How did he react? Where did he like to look at? Best. Journal. Ever.

Get your own Journal Today!

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The Wonder Weeks | Bestselling infant development book

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All babies go though the same changes in the mental development at the same time. This is called a mental leap. With each leap, your baby is given the possibility to learn new things. And every baby wants to learn, much less master, these new skills, as learning these makes him master that 'puzzle' or 'chaos' that is in his brain since the leap.

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The dreaded teething. A journey every baby experiences in those first precious months and years. Yes your baby too (there's no escaping it we're afraid).

Unfortunately, teething happens at the same time as they are vulnerable to a number of other illnesses and ailments (Lyttle, 2015). This has led to confusion around what's a sign of teething, and what's not. Not just among parents but also some healthcare professionals (Macknin et al, 2000; Wake, 2002; Sarrell et al, 2005; Plutzer et al, 2012; Eisenstadt et al, 2017). In the words of all those babies out there...uh oh.

This article sets out the signs and symptoms those pesky pearls are widely agreed to cause as they emerge. It also flags up signs and symptoms not caused by teething that you'll need to go and see your doctor about.

But first, the basics: What exactly is teething?

Teething is where your baby's teeth start to emerge through their gums (Lyttle et al, 2015).

"The first milk teeth are already lurking under the gums when your baby is born, and they usually appear on the surface between six and nine months (Lyttle et al, 2015)."

Your baby's complete set of pearly whites is usually on show by the time they're three years old (Lyttle et al, 2015). For a full guide to which teeth appear and when, see our month-by-month teething article.

Teething: What are the signs?

A baby's teeth sometimes appear with no pain or discomfort at all, phew (NHS Choices, 2016). But others experience a constant, dull pain that gets increasingly intense in the four days before a tooth pops through, before rapidly improving (Lyttle et al, 2015).

Your baby can't tell you they are in pain (sad face), but you might see some pretty obvious signs there is a tooth on its way. The signs widely agreed to be sure indicators of teething include:

Drool, and lots of it. Babies can dribble way more than usual.

Them biting and gumming down on anything and everything - that's because the gnawing and chewing provides them with relief.

Them being more grumpy, distressed and irritable than usual

Sore and red gums.

A loss of appetite. (Macknin et al, 2000; Sarrell et al, 2005; Ramos-Jorge et al, 2011; Lyttle et al, 2015; NHS Choices, 2016; Eisenstadt et al, 2017)

Other symptoms that might be signs of teething (although there is some debate over these) include: gum-rubbing; sucking; wakefulness; ear-rubbing; facial rash; and a runny nose. A mildly-raised temperature might also be a sign but it should not be over 38°C (Macknin et al, 2000; Ramos-Jorge et al, 2011; NICE, 2014; Eisenstadt et al, 2017).

Your baby might be showing one of these signs or symptoms, or all of them. As with everything baby related, no two little ones are the same (Lyttle et al, 2015). In fact, teething signs can be so wide ranging, and vary so much from baby to baby that only one third of teething infants would experience any one of the signs above (Macknin et al, 2000).

Some studies go as far as to say none of these symptoms can be proven to be a sign of teething. They suggest the only way to know if your baby is teething is to examine their mouth - looking and feeling for an emerging tooth (Tighe and Roe, 2007).

Try laying your baby on your lap and sneaking a peek inside their mouth by moving their top or bottom lip or gently coaxing open their jaw. Use a clean finger to gently feel around their upper and lower gums systematically, one potential tooth spot at a time.

And what's not teething?

Other signs and symptoms people often associate with teething but that studies have found are generally NOT linked with teething include:

congestion and coughs

sleep disturbance

runny poos, increased number of poops and nappy rash associated with them

less interest or appetite for liquids

rashes other than facial rashes

fever over 38°C

vomiting. (Macknin et al, 2000; Wake, 2002; Sarrell et al, 2005; NICE, 2014; Eisenstadt et al, 2017)

"It's really important you don't assume one of these is a sign of teething. It could be more serious and require medical attention."

A fever and other clinically important symptoms, like diarrhoea, rashes, and vomiting are very unlikely to be caused by teething, so make sure you talk to your GP or call NHS 111 (Tighe and Roe, 2007).

Don't just brush off illness as teething

One study looked at 50 babies admitted to hospital suffering from teething. In 48 of these children, a medical condition other than teething was identified, including a case of bacterial meningitis (Tighe and Roe, 2007).

Right, I've established my baby is teething. Now what?

You can read our articles on how to ease the pain associated with teething, and top tips proven to work.

It is also important to look after yourself, as your baby's upset is likely to be stressful. You might feel exhausted too, as they'll require even more of your attention. Our keeping calm with a crying baby article has some useful techniques you can try to keep your stress levels down.

This page was last reviewed in September 2018.

Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

You might find attending one of NCT's Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

Read more about fever in children from the NHS.

For more information on what other illnesses may be causing their fever, this article from NICE is very useful.

If you are concerned, contact your GP or call NHS 111 where you can access urgent medical help fast.

NCT has partnered with the British Red Cross to offer courses in baby first aid.

Eisenstadt M, Malkiel S, Pollak U (2017) It's alright, ma (I'm only teething...) dispelling the myth from the teeth. Acad J Ped Neonatol. 3(4):555618. Available at: https://juniperpublishers.com/ajpn/pdf/AJPN.MS.ID.555618.pdf [accessed 17th September 2018].

Lyttle C, Stoops F, Welbury R, Wilson N (2015) Tooth eruption and teething in children. The Pharmaceutical Journal. 295:7883. Available at: DOI: 10.1211/PJ.2015.20069598 [accessed 17th September 2018].

Macknin ML, Piedmonte M, Jacobs J, Skibinski C (2000) Symptoms associated with infant teething: a prospective study. Pediatrics. 105:747-52. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12574630_Symptoms_Associated_W... [accessed 24th September 2018].

Memarpour M, Soltanimehr E, Eskandarian T (2015) Signs and symptoms associated with primary tooth eruption: a clinical trial of nonpharmacological remedies. BMC Oral Health [online]. 15:88. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4517507/ doi: 10.1186/s12903-015-0070-2 [accessed 18th September 2018].

NICE (2014) Clinical Knowledge Summaries: Teething. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/teething#!diagnosissub:1 [Accessed on 28th September 2018].

NHS Choices (2016a). Tips for helping your teething baby. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/teething-tips/ [accessed 1st April 2018].

Plutzer K, Spencer AJ, Keirse MJ (2012) How first-time mothers perceive and deal with teething symptoms: a randomized controlled trial. Child: Care, Health and Development. 38(2):292-299.

Ramos-Jorge J, Pordeus IA, Ramos-Jorge ML, Paiva SM (2011) Prospective longitudinal study of signs and symptoms associated with primary tooth eruption. Pediatrics. 128(3):471-476.

Sarrell EM, Horev Z, Cohen Z, Cohen HA (2005) Parents' and medical personnel's beliefs about infant teething. Patient Education and Counseling. 57(1):122-125.

Tighe M, Roe MFE (2007) Does a teething child need serious illness excluding? Archives of Disease in Childhood 92(3):266-268.

Wake M (2002) Teething symptoms: cross sectional survey of five groups of child health professionals. BMJ 2002 [online]. 325:814. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.325.7368.814 [Accessed on 17th September 2018].

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Has my baby started teething? the signs to look out for

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The dreaded teething. A journey every baby experiences in those first precious months and years. Yes your baby too (there's no escaping it we're afraid). Unfortunately, teething happens at the same time as they are vulnerable to a number of other illnesses and ailments (Lyttle, 2015).

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Looking after your baby's teeth - NHS.UK

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You can start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as they start to come through. Use a baby toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.

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Teething can be distressing for some babies, but there are ways to make it easier for them.
Every baby is different, and you may have to try a few different things until you find something that works for your baby.

Teething rings

Teething rings give your baby something to chew safely. This may ease their discomfort and distract them from any pain.

Some teething rings can be cooled first in the fridge, which may help to soothe your baby's gums.

The instructions that come with the ring should tell you how long to chill it for.

Never put a teething ring in the freezer, as it could damage your baby's gums if it gets frozen.

Never tie a teething ring around your baby's neck, as it may be a choking hazard.

If your baby is chewing

One of the signs that your baby is teething is that they start to chew on their fingers, toys or other objects they get hold of.

If your baby is 6 months or older, you can give them healthy things to chew on, such as raw fruit and vegetables. Soft fruit like melon can soothe gums.

You could also try giving your baby a crust of bread or a breadstick.

Always watch when your baby is eating in case they choke.
Find out what to do if your baby starts choking
It's best to avoid rusks because nearly all brands contain some sugar.

Avoid any foods that contain lots of sugar, as this can cause tooth decay, even if your child only has a few teeth.

Teething gels

There's a lack of evidence that teething gels are effective. It's recommended that parents try non-medical options for teething first, such as a teething ring.

If you do decide to use a gel, make sure you use a teething gel that's specially designed for young children.

General oral pain relief gels are not suitable for children.

Teething gels contain a mild local anaesthetic and are only available from pharmacies. Speak to a pharmacist for further advice.

There's no evidence that homeopathic teething gels are effective. If you use a homeopathic gel, make sure it's licensed for use in the UK.

Some unlicensed homeopathic gels advertised on the internet have been linked to serious side effects.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has a list of licensed homeopathic gels.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen for teething

If your baby is in pain, you may want to give them a sugar-free painkilling medicine.

Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given to relieve teething symptoms in babies and young children aged 3 months or older.

Children under 16 years old should not have aspirin.

Always follow the instructions that come with the medicine.

If you're not sure, speak to your GP or pharmacist.

Comforting a teething baby

Comforting or playing with your baby can distract them from any pain in their gums.

Gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger may also help.

Preventing teething rashes

If teething is making your baby dribble more than usual, gently wiping their face may help prevent a rash.

Caring for your baby's new teeth

You'll need to register your baby with a dentist when their teeth start coming through.
Find a dentist near you
Start brushing your baby's teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as their first milk tooth breaks through.
Find out how to look after your baby's teeth

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All you need to know about helping your baby through teething, including advice on gels, rings, painkillers and comforting your baby.

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Teething symptoms, including when babies get their teeth, what order they appear in, and how to make teething easier.

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Introducing the app with all the answers for new and expectant parents

Welcome to your parenting journey! Let our beautifully designed app be your guide, bringing you expert information, insights, and daily tips throughout pregnancy and your baby's first year. All this from the parenting destination trusted by 300 million mums and dads worldwide.

Get expert advice and insights every day of your pregnancy:

Learn how your body is changing and how to cope with aches and pains.

Discover everything you need to know for the healthiest pregnancy possible.

Get well-timed tips and advice from medical experts.

See what your baby looks like each week with detailed fetal development images and videos.

Connect with other mums-to-be due at the same time as you and swap real-life tips.

Turn weekly Bumpie pics of your growing belly into a beautiful time-lapse video keepsake.

Find the perfect baby name with our baby name finder.

Explore your local options for where to give birth with the birth choice tool.

Get daily parenting guidance throughout your baby's first year:

Receive support, advice, reminders, laughs, and everything else you need as a new parent.

Track your baby's development with a personalised daily calendar.

Get well-timed expert advice on sleep, feeding, health, activities and more.

Organise photos of your baby's firsts and funny moments all in one place.

Connect with mums of babies the same age as yours for 24/7 support and advice.

Download for free!

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BabyCentre free app: My Pregnancy & Baby Today

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Introducing the app with all the answers for new and expectant parents Welcome to your parenting journey! Let our beautifully designed app be your guide, bringing you expert information, insights, and daily tips throughout pregnancy and your baby's first year. All this from the parenting destination trusted by 300 million mums and dads worldwide.

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Your baby will reach milestones at a rate that's unique to them. They'll get to each development stage when they are ready so try not to compare them with others.

It's fascinating to see your baby grow and develop before your eyes. You will have plenty of exciting baby's firsts to look forward to in the coming months. The following are the baby development stages you can expect.

Grasping and grabbing

Your baby can grasp an object like your finger from the moment they are born. At birth it's a reflex and by the time they're around three months old, it's a skill they're keen to develop.

You'll notice your little one's increased hand-eye coordination, as they discover their hands are part of their body and start to gain control over them (Murray, 2014).

As your baby develops their arm and hand muscles they will start to reach for objects (Public Health Agency, 2018). It's a good idea to make sure hot drinks are out of their reach. Your little one will begin to reach accurately and quickly, not only with both hands but with their entire body.

By four months, your baby will probably have finally mastered this game and be able to get his thumb to his mouth and keep it there (Murray, 2014). Many people say this movement is one of the most important ways for your baby to self-sooth and calm down. So try not to cover your baby's hands or prevent them from sucking their thumb if they want to.

Kick, wriggle and roll

If your baby enjoys kicking, wriggling and rolling, let them have enough space to move around. Make sure they aren't constricted by clothing that's too big or too small.

At first your little one's movements may appear jerky and meaningless. If you observe your baby closely, you'll see they are communicating through limb movements and facial expressions (Kelly, 2014).

Babies sometimes prefer to feel contained, recreating the feeling of being in the womb. Some babies might fling out their arms or try to push themselves up to the sides of their cot or Moses basket. This is a short phase. To create that security, you could tuck your baby in, or carry them in a sling.

Rolling over is usually the next stage of baby movement. So be careful about putting your baby on a bed or a high surface in case they start demonstrating their new skill.

Tummy time

Giving your baby supervised tummy time will help them to strengthen their back, arm and neck muscles (Pin et al, 2007; Hewitt et al, 2017; NHS Choices, 2017a; Wittmeier and Mulder, 2017). It also encourages them to roll over and get a different view of the world.

You can practice 'tummy time' with your little one once or several times a day (Pin et al, 2007; Hewitt et al, 2017; NHS Choices, 2017a). It's best to do it when your baby is awake and alert.

Some babies don't like being put on their tummies. This is perfectly normal and may change as your baby develops week by week (Pin et al, 2007; Hewitt et al, 2017; NHS Choices, 2017a). Read more in our article about tips for tummy time.

Sitting, crawling and bottom shuffling

Babies learn to sit, first supported and then unsupported (Public Health Agency, 2018). Your little one might enjoy holding your hands and attempting to pull up to a sit.

Some babies find it difficult moving from sitting to crawling and they can hurt themselves. Your baby might get stuck, so it's a good idea for someone to be close by and keep an eye on them.

When your little one decides to crawl for the first time, it's likely to be towards something or someone that interests them. You can encourage them by putting a favourite toy just out of their reach, or by calling them from a few paces away.

Try to place your baby on a soft blanket or carpet and be prepared for them to wobble a little. As they may still be too young to support their own body weight on their arms.

Some babies crawl sideways, backwards, or even with one knee up. Others will shuffle around on their bottom instead of crawling, this is normal for some babies.

If your little one is a bottom-shuffler they may propel themselves using one hand and one leg or both hands and legs. They might even bounce themselves along.

Standing and cruising

Some babies will crawl for months before walking, others may move on quickly (Public Health Agency, 2018). You can encourage your little one to walk by supporting their underarms with your hands and bouncing them up and down. You might notice them stiffen then relax their legs, stand on their tip toes and sometimes resist being put down.

At this age your baby might stand up and not know how to get back down, so they may call out for help. You can teach them to lower themselves onto their bottom by pushing them down gently.

Once your little one has learned how to stand, it won't be long until they are cruising. This is when your baby starts grabbing onto furniture to pull themselves up and for support as they shuffle along a few steps (NHS Choices, 2017b). So always keep hot drinks out of reach.

Cruising is one of your baby's last steps to walking completely independently. Remember some slips and falls are inevitable and all part of learning.

In the beginning, your baby might walk with their feet at a slight angle; this can happen while the muscles in their legs get stronger (NHS Choices, 2017b). If this continues, seek advice from your GP.

It's a good idea to do another baby safety check around your house. You might need to move small items up another level out of your baby's reach or put them away. Make sure that any dangerous items like cleaning products are out of your baby's reach.

Walking

Some babies will spend plenty of time cruising as they gain confidence, while others quickly move on to walking. Learning to walk is a huge baby milestone.

Seeing your little one take their first steps on their own is an incredible feeling and they will be delighted too. Before you know it they will be running, jumping and skipping, and you will be chasing after them.

Baby milestones

Babies will choose when they feel comfortable rolling over, sitting, crawling, standing or walking.

If your little one is learning a new skill, it's better to leave them to master that stage of development rather than push them onto the next milestone (Plooij and van de Rijt, 2013).

Sometimes your baby may seem to lose a skill due to concentrating on gaining a new ability. Once they have mastered the new skill, you will see that the old ones are still present (WHO, 2006).

Similarly, if your little one is ill, they might temporarily regress with their movement. As soon as they're feeling well again, they'll have the energy to pick up where they left off (WHO, 2006).

There's no rush, most babies will do things when they're ready. You can help by making sure they can move around and practice their new abilities freely, easily and safely.
This page was last reviewed in October 2017.
Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

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Your baby's development: physical stages

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Your baby will reach milestones at a rate that's unique to them. They'll get to each development stage when they are ready so try not to compare them with others. It's fascinating to see your baby grow and develop before your eyes. You will have plenty of exciting baby's firsts to look forward to in the coming months.

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Why play is important in your child's development, including learning new skills, making time for play, and involving children in everyday activities.

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For parents to help their children develop vital communication and literacy skills from birth to age eleven.

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The National Literacy Trust is a registered charity no. 1116260 and a company limited by guarantee no. 5836486 registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in Scotland no. SC042944.
Registered address: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL.

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The National Literacy Trust is a UK charity that changes lives through literacy. We have a vision of a society in which everyone has the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills that they need to fulfil their own and, ultimately, the nation's potential.

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Talking, understanding others and knowing what to say are really important skills in life. Being able to communicate helps children make friends, learn and enjoy life to the full. You will be your child's first and most important teacher.

You may be wondering "when will my baby talk?". A toddler's first words usually occur between 12 and 18 months and they will continue to learn and progress quickly once they reach that milestone. Here we look at simple ways encourage and enjoy your child's language development.

Get your child's attention

Face your child or sit down with them. Say their name before you start speaking. Talk about something you can both see in front of you. This helps them to learn what words mean.

Have fun together

Use actions, sing, make noises and funny faces. Don't be shy, being a bit silly helps get their attention and makes them laugh and can encourage language development.

Comments not questions

Asking lots of questions can feel like it's a test. Make it a conversation. When you talk to your baby comment on what they are doing and what is happening instead.

Give them time to think

Children need more time than adults to think about what they've heard, and to decide what to say back. Give them time to respond, and look at them while you wait.

Use simple language

Keep your sentences short. For example, "Food time now" or "Wow, you're building a tower".

Repeat what you say

It's good to say the same thing over again. Babies and toddlers need to hear words and sentences lots of times to understand them and learn new words. This is key aspect of baby talk.

Make it easier for them to listen

Turning the music, radio or TV off helps children focus on your words.

Build on what they say

Adding one or two words to what they say helps your child onto the next stage of talking. So, if your child says "bus" you say "Yes, big bus".

Speak in your home language

It's important for children to learn their first words and sentences in their home language. Your child will learn in English later, at nursery and school.

Make it easier for them to talk

Dummies can get in the way of talking. Try to keep them just for sleep times. Take it out to talk.

Show them the right way

Young children often make mistakes. Show them that you understand, rather than asking them to repeat words correctly. Say the word or sentence again correctly for your child. If they say "Look at the dod", you can say "Yes, it's a dog".

Copy what they say

Repeat back sounds, words and sentences. Whether its "la la" or "Oh, you liked the banana?", it shows you're interested and that sounds and words are important. This can help your baby's speech development.

Talk to someone if you're worried

Some children find talking and listening harder than others. They might find it hard to understand what words and sentences mean. Some struggle to find the right words and sounds to use and put them in order. These children may need extra help.

If you are worried about your child, talk to people you know and who know your child. If you're still worried, go with your instinct. Talk to someone who can help, for example a speech and language therapist or your health visitor or GP.
This article was written using information provided by I CAN, the children's communication charity and the Talking Point website.
Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

You might find attending one of NCT's Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

You can also find lots more useful information and resources from I CAN.

Read The Psychology of Babies: How relationships support development from birth to two by Lynne Murray (published by Constable Robinson).

Take a look at the National Literacy Trust's website which has information about early communication skills.

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How can you encourage a child's language development? | Baby & toddler articles & support | NCT

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Here we look at communication and language development in children. We discuss how to encourage your baby to communicate and help a toddler learn to talk.

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Your baby's development: communication and play

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Play-time has a significant role in your baby's development. Here we discuss ways to help you enjoy interacting together, with information on baby play and communication.

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Stage one: From birth

From the minute they're born, your baby is already interested in faces and voices and wants to communicate. They'll recognise their mum's voice from the womb and her face too after their first day in the world.

Encourage them by: Poking your tongue out or opening your mouth and letting them copy. This 'turn-taking' is basically your first conversation with your baby.

Stage two: Early week cues

You are your newborn baby's world. And they're trying their best to tell you what they need and what they're feeling via cues and signals (Faure and Richardson, 2010).

Encourage them by: Giving them lots of reassuring cuddles if they seem anxious. If they're alert and happy, stimulate them with a black and white baby book or a soft rattle, perfect for newborns. Pick some up here at our Nearly New Sales.

Stage three: Sensory play

Your baby might use their sight and hearing the most but they are sensitive to touch and smell too (Murray, 2014). Touch should be very gentle to start with; your baby is only used to contact with amniotic fluid from the womb.

Smell-wise, your baby will be able to detect scent from birth (Sarnat et al, 2017). While they won't mind their own nappy, they may not like the smell of the tasty meal you made last night. What they will know is the unique smell of your skin and that helps to tell them where you are (NHS Choices, 2018).

Encourage them by: Light stroking or tickling and, when they're ready. Baby massage is such a lovely way for you to bond, spend time together and chill out. Click here for more info on baby massage.

Stage four: Telling you when they're unhappy

Just because they can't speak, it doesn't mean things can't still bother babies. Overstimulation from TV or busyness around them can lead to problems feeding or sleeping easily.

Watch out for signs of frustration like avoiding your gaze or jerky movements in their arms or legs (Murray, 2014). Equally, your baby won't like quick movements nearby that may appear threatening so try to avoid jumping up in a panic if you've forgotten something.

Encourage them by: Keeping things as calm as possible at home and reassuring your baby regularly that everything is ok. Easier said than done, we know, especially if you have older children.

If your baby does start to complain, it's worth taking time later to talk to them calmly, saying sorry for the upset and having a cuddle. It might feel strange - and they won't know the words yet - but it can help them understand that arguments or stressful occasions will end (Sunderland, 2016). If you are feeling very low, a cuddle with your baby can work wonders for you both.

Stage five: Teaching them about words

Babies love to listen to their parents' voices and they are particularly receptive to tone and rhythm (Murray, 2014). Sometimes they will even move their bodies in time with the adult's speech. They also imitate facial expressions and start to learn how they're related to the meaning of words.

Encourage them by: Lots of eye contact. It doesn't matter which way you speak to your baby as long as they're receiving warm, positive attention, with lots of eye-to-eye contact.

Stage six: And now it's their turn

Until now, the noises you've heard from your child have mostly been cries telling you in the only way they have that they need something. As the months go by you'll notice cooing then baby babbling. They're all signs that you are gearing up for your baby's first words (Hodapp et al, 1984).

Encourage them by: Listening then responding so they know how conversations work. Taking turns making the sounds with them is key to your baby's development.

Stage seven: Words, words, words

At around six to eight months, all of your hard communicating work will have paid off and you'll finally start getting the cute 'mama's and 'dada's of the nappy adverts.

Encourage them by: 'Scaffolding'. This means you're building on what your child is saying. So that if they say 'Dadadada' you can say 'Yes, there's Daddy' and your baby learns that those sounds they're making can become words (Hodapp et al, 1984). Name the things they look at or are listening to and they'll soon be chatting away with you about what happened today at nursery.

Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

You might find attending one of our Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

To read more about your baby's first words click here.

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Seven ways to help your baby start talking

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From the minute they're born, your baby is already interested in faces and voices and wants to communicate. They'll recognise their mum's voice from the womb and her face too after their first day in the world. Encourage them by: Poking your tongue out or opening your mouth and letting them copy.

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Help us help you get the treatment you need

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), it can be hard to know what to do if you're unwell. It's important to get medical help if you think you need it.

For help from a GP - use your GP surgery's website, use an online service or app, or call the surgery.

For urgent medical help - use the NHS 111 online service, or call 111 if you're unable to get help online.

For life-threatening emergencies - call 999 for an ambulance.

If you're advised to go to hospital, it's important to go.

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Help us help you get the treatment you need Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), it can be hard to know what to do if you're unwell. It's important to get medical help if you think you need it. For help from a GP - use your GP surgery's website, use an online service or app, or call the surgery.

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Simple ways for children to be creative, including playing with water, reading books, rattles, play dough, drawing and painting, dressing up and making models.

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Importance of outdoor play activities for kids

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Being outside is the perfect place for kids to be kids with the freedom to shout, jump, run, hop or skip. In fact, by taking your children outdoors and supporting their play, you can help their development. This article covers lots of information about the positive impact and importance of outdoor activities for kids.