Your babies development

During the earliest months and years of life, the architecture of the brain is being built at an unparalleled rate in response to nurturing early experiences. 90% of brain development has happened by the age of 5. Find out more below plus advice, links to video clips, local and national information and guidance.

You can access a free interactive online course which helps parents, families, carers and professionals feel more confident when looking after their children and young people.

Ways to get your baby moving

• Lay your baby down on their back so they can kick their legs.
• Pulling, pushing, grasping and playing with other people are great ways to practice different kinds of movements.
• Once your baby has started crawling, let them crawl around the floor, but make sure it’s safe first – see the NHS UK baby safety guide.
• Playing outdoors helps your baby learn about their surroundings.
• You can take your baby swimming from a very young age – there’s no need to wait until they’ve been vaccinated.

Find out more about the following by clicking on the links.

• Tummy time
• Rolling and sitting
• Crawling and walking

The development process involves learning and mastering skills like sitting, walking, talking, skipping, and tying shoes. Children learn these skills, called developmental milestones, during predictable time periods.

Your child will receive five health and development reviews during their first 3 years. You can find out more about these on the NHS UK website.