Developmental Milestones
Watching Your Little One Grow
As a sleep consultant, I often get questions about child development and how it relates to sleep. Understanding your baby's developmental milestones can help you better support their sleep needs and overall growth. Let's explore some key milestones from birth to three years old.
Newborn to 3 Months: The Fourth Trimester
During these early months, your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb. Key milestones include:
Smiling in response to your voice or face
Holding their head up during tummy time
Following objects with their eyes
Cooing and making gurgling sounds
How to Navigate:
Embrace skin-to-skin contact to foster bonding and regulate your baby’s systems.
Use blackout curtains and white noise for nighttime, while keeping daytime naps light and social to help establish circadian rhythms.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, know that these early weeks are a phase. Ask for support when needed—this isn’t a journey you have to take alone.
Sleep tip: Newborns sleep a lot but in short bursts. Establish a soothing bedtime routine to help them differentiate between day and night.
4 to 6 Months: Discovering the World
At this stage, babies become more aware of their surroundings. Look for these milestones:
Rolling over from tummy to back (and eventually back to tummy)
Reaching for and grasping objects
Laughing and squealing with delight
Responding to their name
How to Navigate:
Encourage safe rolling during tummy time to build strength.
Offer age-appropriate toys to spark curiosity and engagement.
Begin implementing consistent pre-sleep routines and aim for slightly longer wake windows to help consolidate naps.
Sleep tip: This is often a great time to start sleep training, as babies are developing the ability to self-soothe.
7 to 9 Months: On the Move
Get ready for action! Your baby is likely to:
Sit without support
Start crawling or scooting
Pull themselves up to stand
Say simple words like "mama" or "dada"
How to Navigate:
Create a safe space for exploration and physical activity during the day.
Keep your bedtime routine predictable and soothing, even when naps or overnight wakes become challenging.
If regression occurs, stay consistent with your approach—skills learned during this phase can make big leaps in development later.
Sleep tip: With increased mobility comes the potential for sleep regression. Stick to your routines and be patient.
10 to 12 Months: Becoming a Little Person
Your baby is turning into a toddler before your eyes. Watch for:
Taking their first steps (some babies wait until after 12 months)
Using simple gestures like waving "bye-bye"
Imitating sounds and actions
Showing separation anxiety
How to Navigate:
Practice “peek-a-boo” games to build confidence in separations.
Use transitional objects like a favorite blanket or toy to provide comfort at bedtime.
Be patient with overnight wakes; this is a natural phase that will pass with time.
Sleep tip: Separation anxiety can affect sleep. Reassure your baby if needed, but avoid creating new sleep associations.
13 to 18 Months: The World is Their Playground
Toddlers at this age are constantly learning. They may:
Walk independently and even run
Climb on furniture
Use 5-10 words consistently
Point to body parts when asked
How to Navigate:
Allow plenty of active play during the day to help tire them out.
IF you don’t have a consistent wind-down routine introducing one now will pay off in the long run.
If they resist sleep, use consistent boundaries to signal that it’s time for rest.
Sleep tip: Increased physical activity can lead to better sleep, but be mindful of overstimulation close to bedtime.
19 to 24 Months: Little Explorers
Your toddler's independence is growing. They might:
Kick a ball
Begin to sort shapes and colors
Follow simple two-step instructions
Show increasing interest in playing with other children
How to Navigate:
Provide opportunities for cooperative play to support social development.
Use a consistent bedtime routine to help them transition from active exploration to rest.
Be firm but loving when reinforcing sleep rules—toddlers thrive on structure and predictability.
Sleep tip: Establish clear boundaries around sleep times to manage your toddler's growing desire for independence.
2 to 3 Years: The "Why" Phase
Get ready for lots of questions! Your child is likely to:
Speak in short sentences
Show a wide range of emotions
Play make-believe
Help with simple household tasks
How to Navigate:
Encourage their curiosity during the day and set clear expectations for quiet time in the evening.
Offer choices when appropriate (e.g., which pajamas to wear) to foster independence while maintaining control over bedtime routines.
Remain consistent if your toddler pushes boundaries—this is often when they test limits but still need the security of a structure.
Sleep tip: Use bedtime as an opportunity for quiet bonding. Reading stories can help settle an active mind before sleep.
Supporting Your Child's Development
Remember, every child develops at their own pace. These milestones are general guidelines, not strict rules. If you have concerns about your child's development, always consult with your doctor.
As a sleep consultant, I've seen how developmental leaps can affect sleep patterns. Understanding these milestones can help you anticipate changes in your child's sleep needs and adjust accordingly.
I am here to support you through every stage of your child's development. My personalised sleep plans take into account your child's age, developmental stage, and individual needs to ensure restful nights for the whole family. Get in touch, and don’t delay getting better sleep today!
Sweet dreams and happy growing,
Clare
Your Baby and Toddler Sleep Concierge