Encourage them to crawl, talk, sit and role

Babies vary widely in the rate at which they reach milestones such as sitting, crawling and walking - what's 'normal' can range by as much as six months from baby to baby.


How to encourage her to: Sit

Your baby may start sitting from around six months, using her arms as props at first; independent sitting may happen at eight or nine months. Your baby will enjoy pulling herself up to sitting if you hold your hands out to her. She'll also love being held in a sitting position on your lap. Both these 'exercises' strengthen her back muscles and make her more ready to sit unaided.
Debbie, mum to Michael, six months, says: ‘I prop Michael with loads of cushions so he can see what's going on - hopefully it also gives him the idea of sitting.’


How to encourage her to: Crawl

Your baby may crawl from around seven months, though many babies won't crawl until nine months or later. Around 10% of babies never crawl at all and go straight on to walking. Give your baby plenty of opportunities to crawl, dress her in comfy clothes, and give her lots of floor space.
Natasha, mum to Georgia, eight months says: ‘I put Georgia's favourite toy just out of reach so she has to crawl to get it, or I ask her to crawl to me for a game.’


How to encourage her to: Talk

Your baby may babble at around six months, and by 10-11 months may make more singsong sounds and imitate specific sounds, such as a cough. At around 12 months, she may say her first word, such as ‘Mama’. Reading, singing and chatting all help stimulate language development.
Stacey, mum to Daniela, nine months says, ‘I talk to Daniela a lot, telling her about whatever I’m doing - I'm sure she's taking it all in and understands my tone of voice.’


How to encourage her to: Get on her feet

Your baby may start pulling herself up from around nine months and may stand while holding on to objects from around 10 months. By 12 months, most babies can stand well alone, and may even take a first step. Allow her curiosity free rein as inquisitive babies will stand up to explore what's around them.
Mair, mum to Ewan, 10 months says, ‘Ewan spends ages standing on my lap and my health visitor says it strengthens his leg and hip muscles.’


Did you know?

Around 10% of babies are still not sitting up at 8 months; don't cruise until after 13 months; and don't walk alone until after 14-15 months.