Brain Development in the First 2,000 Days
A child’s brain grows the fastest in the first 2,000 days (the first 5 years). During this time, it is the environment your baby lives in and the family they have around them that helps the brain make connections that will aid their learning and their health for their life ahead- it’s a very important time.
Playing, reading, cuddling, and talking with your baby helps them to learn, communicate, and develop lots of different skills.
Development in Babies
The following list shows what most babies can do at this age- these are called milestones. You might find this list in your baby’s Blue Book given to you at the hospital. It can be a good idea to have your baby’s health and development checked with your child and family health nurse or GP.
Milestones for Babies (3-12 Weeks)
At 8 Weeks Old:
Social/Emotional Milestones:
- Calms down when spoken to or picked up
- Looks at your face
- Seems happy to see you when you walk up to them
- Smiles when you talk to or smile at them
Language/Communication Milestones:
- Makes sounds other than crying
- Reacts to loud sounds
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving):
- Watches you as you move
- Looks at a toy for several seconds
Movement/Physical Development Milestones:
- Holds head up when on tummy
- Moves both arms and both legs
- Opens hands briefly
At 4 Months Old:
Social/Emotional Milestones:
- Smiles on their own to get your attention
- Giggles (not yet a full laugh) when you try to make them laugh
- Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep your attention
- Makes sounds like “oooo”, “aahh” (cooing)
Language/Communication Milestones:
- Makes sounds back when you talk to them
- Turns head towards the sound of your voice
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving):
- If hungry, opens mouth when they see breast or bottle
- Looks at their hands with interest
Movement/Physical Development Milestones:
- Holds head steady without support when you are holding them
- Holds a toy when you put it in their hand
- Uses their arm to swing at toys
- Brings hands to mouth
- Pushes up onto elbows/forearms when on tummy
Remember, every child is different and will develop at their own pace. It can be very helpful to regularly look at your child’s personal health record book. You can find a copy of the NSW child health ‘blue book” here. It is available in lots of languages. The child health record books have tips and ideas on your child’s development and ideas for play, safety and good health up to 5 years of age.
Supporting Your Baby’s Development
Parents can support their baby’s development by playing and talking to your baby.
- Engage Their Senses: Talk, sing, and make eye contact during daily interactions. Offer toys with brighter colours or gentle sounds.
- Tummy Time: Give your baby tummy time a few times during the day to help with their neck and body muscles - stay close to your baby during tummy time
- Listen to your baby: Listen to your baby’s cries or laughter and respond. This helps your baby to understand you're close by and will help them - it helps your baby to feel safe and loved.
- Routines: Begin to establish gentle feeding, sleeping, and play routines so your baby learns about the world around them - this can help to make your baby feel safe.
Karitane Tip: Tummy Time is best done on the floor
When to get help
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, it’s a good idea to talk to your GP or a child and family health nurse. Signs to watch for include:
- No response to sounds or voices.
- Not looking at you or smiling by 8 weeks.
- Floppy or stiff movements.
- Concerns about their weight.
Talking to a healthcare professional can help you and your baby if additional support is needed.
