Child Development FAQs - Plunket

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• How do I know if my child is normal?

• What should I do if I think my child may have a development issue?

• When do babies smile?

• When do babies roll over?

• When do babies sit up?

• When do babies crawl?

• When do babies laugh?

• When can babies see?

• When do babies walk?

How do I know if my child is normal?

Every child develops at their own pace, so there’snot really a universal“normal”that fits all kids.You can usePlunket’schild development infographicas a quick guidetohelp you figure out what your child may do atcertain ages.One of thebestthings you can do to support your child's development is to build a positive relationship through play. This helps themlearn about themselves and the world around them.

What should I do if I think my child may have a development issue?

You know your child best so if you think there may be something wrong, trust your instincts and talk to a health professional about your concerns. This couldinclude your Plunket nurse, family doctor or another Well Child provider.You can also call PlunketLine anytime.

When do babies smile?

It’s exciting to see your baby smile for the first time – especially if you’re the one whocaused your little one tosmile. Most babies will usually start to smilewhen you smile and talk to themaround six to eight weeks.

When do babies roll over?

Most babies will roll over between three and six months.Theymaystart bytrying toreachfor toys and roll on to their back during tummytime.Babieswill be able toroll fromtheirback to their tummy as they get stronger.

When do babies sit up?

Most babies will sit upwith your helpbysixmonths andsit up on their ownbyninemonths.

When do babies crawl?

Usually, babies will start to crawlbetween eight to 12 months. Sometimes, your baby may move in another wayrather than crawl on their hands and knees, while othersuse their bottom to shuffle along the flooror pull themselves along on their tummy.

When do babies laugh?

Most babieswill laugh between three to four months. It is wonderful to hear your baby laugh and you can try to make silly faces or play peek-a-boo to make them laugh more.

When can babies see?

Babies can see when they're first born, but their vision is limited to 20-25 cm away. Their vision will progress as they grow and by nine months old your baby willhave full-colour visionand the ability to use both their eyes together (calledbinocular vision).If you'reworried about your baby’s visionfor any reason,talk to a healthcare provider.

When do babies walk?

Walking is a big step for a little one. Your baby may start to stand up with assistance from you, orthenearby furniture ataround seven to 10 months.After your little onemastersstanding, they'll stand to walk while holdingon toyour hands or furniture.Itwilltake a bit longer for them to get the hang of walkingby themselves, butmost toddlers are walking by 18 months.

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