When do babies roll over, sit, crawl and walk?
Every baby moves at their own pace, but motor skills tend to develop in a predictable order: head control first, then rolling, sitting, crawling or scooting, standing and finally walking.
Typical ages
Head control: around 2-4 months, when your baby holds their head steady while supported.
Rolling over: from about 4-6 months, often first from tummy to back and later from back to tummy.
Sitting without support: around 6-9 months.
Crawling or scooting: around 7-10 months. Some babies bottom-shuffle, commando-crawl or skip crawling altogether, which is normal.
Pulling to stand and cruising along furniture: around 9-12 months.
First steps: most babies walk between 9 and 17 months, with the average around 12 months.
A wide normal range
Milestone ages are averages, not deadlines. A baby who walks at 9 months and one who walks at 16 months can both be developing normally. Babies born early should be compared by their adjusted age, counting from the due date.
How you can support development
Give your baby plenty of time on a safe floor surface rather than in seats and carriers, offer toys just out of reach, and let them practise at their own speed. Avoid walkers, which do not help and can be dangerous.
When to talk to a health nurse
Raise your concerns early if your baby is not sitting by around 9 months, is not putting weight on their legs, seems very stiff or floppy, or if skills they had seem to disappear. Your health nurse can check your baby and refer further if needed.