First Milestone Reminder

Get reminders for key baby milestones.

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Medical Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results are estimates only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical decisions. In an emergency, call 995 (Singapore) immediately.

Your Baby's First Year: Key Milestones and What to Watch For

Every baby develops at their own pace, but there are broad windows when most babies achieve each skill. Missing a milestone doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong - but some delays do warrant early assessment. Singapore's polyclinics conduct routine developmental screening at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. For detailed milestone tracking, use the Developmental Milestone Tracker or visit our Baby Milestones hub.

Month-by-Month: Key First Milestones

1 month

Lifts head briefly during tummy time. Focuses on faces 20–30cm away. Startles to loud sounds.

Red flag: Does not respond to sound or visual stimuli at all. No head movement.

2 months

Social smile (responding to your smile). Coos and makes vowel sounds. Tracks objects.

Red flag: No social smile by 2 months. No eye contact.

4 months

Holds head steady. Reaches for objects. Laughs and babbles. Rolls tummy to back.

Red flag: No head control. No reaching or interest in objects. No sounds other than crying.

6 months

Sits with support. Transfers objects hand to hand. Responds to own name. Stranger anxiety begins.

Red flag: Cannot sit even with support. Does not respond to name or familiar voices.

9 months

Crawls or bottom-shuffles. Pincer grasp emerging. Says 'mamama' or 'dadada' (not yet meaningful). Waves or claps.

Red flag: Does not babble. No interest in toys. Cannot stand with support.

12 months

Walks with support (or independently). 1–2 real words. Points to show interest. Plays gesture games.

Red flag: No words at all. Does not point. Cannot stand even holding furniture. No waving or gesturing.

18 months

Walks steadily. 10+ words. Follows simple instructions. Plays beside other children.

Red flag: Fewer than 6 words. Not walking independently. No pointing or interest in showing you things.

24 months

Runs, climbs. 2-word phrases. 50+ words. Pretend play begins.

Red flag: Fewer than 50 words. No 2-word combinations. Loss of any previously acquired skill.

When to Seek Early Assessment in Singapore

Early intervention is far more effective than waiting. If you notice any red flag, speak with your polyclinic doctor or KKH/NUH paediatrician. Singapore's early intervention programmes include:

Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC)

For children with developmental delays or disabilities from birth to age 6. Provides speech, occupational, and physiotherapy.

Apply via MOE SEN or KKH referral

KKH Child Development Unit

Specialist assessment for autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning delays, and motor difficulties.

Referral from polyclinic or GP

NUH Child Development Programme

Multidisciplinary team covering speech, cognition, behaviour, and motor development.

Referral from polyclinic or GP

Early Childhood Intervention Centre (ECIC)

Community-based early intervention for 0–6 years with government subsidies available.

MSF ECDA portal or social worker referral

Important: Loss of any previously acquired skill at any age is a red flag that warrants urgent medical review - for example, a baby who was babbling and then stops, or a toddler who was walking and then regresses. This is different from temporary regression during illness.

Developmental Milestone Tracker → Baby Milestones Hub → Growth Chart Calculator →