Yes, there are cues to support your baby’s development. An expert told us how to spot them.

Thanks to our brand partner, INKLINGS SOUTH AUSTRALIA

When you become a parent or a caregiver, you start collecting milestones like souvenirs.

Their first smile, first laugh, first word. The first time they waved goodbye (even if it was to the toaster).

But alongside those moments come the quiet questions and the pressure.

Should they be crawling by now? Saying more? 

Wait — that baby at playgroup can already sit up?

And comparison, while totally human, can feel heavy — especially in those early months when you're still learning your baby's rhythm.

But here's the part every parent deserves to hear: there's no single path for development.

Recognising their unique communication style — while knowing when to seek support — can be one of the most powerful things you do.

One of the biggest myths Professor Andrew Whitehouse, Deputy Director (Research) at The Kids Research Institute, sees is the idea that development follows a fixed timeline.

"We've come to believe that if babies aren't meeting milestones by a certain age, there must be something wrong. That's simply not true," he said.

"All children — all humans — develop at different times, in different ways. It's not a red flag, it's just human variation."

To put our minds at ease, I asked Professor Whitehouse to break it down further for us.

So, what are the cues to look out for?

There are some helpful cues that can show you how your baby is trying to communicate, and these can appear as early as six to 18 months. While every baby is different and these signs might not look exactly the same, they can give you a general idea of how to better understand your baby's communication and development.

By around 12 months, parents are usually expecting their baby to communicate by:

• Babbling or playing with sounds.

• Responding to their name (even inconsistently).

• Using eye contact during everyday interactions.

• Looking to parents for social cues, like checking your face when something surprising happens.

• Sharing interest by showing or pointing to toys.

• Imitating simple gestures, such as waving or clapping.

"These are the baby versions of adult social behaviours," said Professor Whitehouse.

"They're the obvious signs that your child is learning to engage with the people around them."

And the best place to spot these cues? In everyday, ordinary moments with your baby.

And while play might seem like something extra you squeeze in between naps and feeds, it's actually essential.

"Play is not a sidebar," said Professor Whitehouse.

"It's the way children explore, learn and test boundaries. That unstructured, back-and-forth play is where development comes to life."

That's why having support to understand the ways your baby is showing they want to play is so important.

When should you seek support?

Every baby has their own unique style and there's no set rulebook on what is "normal".

Professor Whitehouse said the most important thing to look at is not isolated behaviours, but patterns.

"There are some things we pay particular attention to around 12 months. If a baby isn't showing consistent interest in others, not responding to their name or isn't imitating simple actions, these could be early signs that your baby may have differences in how they communicate and interact, which might be worth exploring further," he explained.

But Professor Whitehouse was quick to add, "noticing these things isn't about panic — it's about empowerment."

"Identifying small differences early gives parents the best chance to build strong foundations."

How can you support your baby's development?

Inklings, a free, research-backed program (supported by the South Australian Government and the Department of Social Services), is for parents who've noticed their baby's communication or connection might be developing a little differently and want gentle, expert support.

Tailored for babies aged six to 18 months, the program offers up to 10 one-on-one sessions with a trained practitioner, delivered in your home, in a clinic or via telehealth — perfect for busy lives and nap schedules.

"When it comes to development, what we've typically told parents and caregivers is to 'wait and see' before getting help," explained Professor Whitehouse. 

"But Inklings changes that — shifting towards seeking support to grow your confidence in understanding and responding to your baby. Because we know those early months are such a powerful time in brain development."

How does the program work?

Using video feedback from everyday playing — Inklings helps parents better tune into the ways their baby is engaging and strengthens bonds through simple, responsive moments.

And importantly, the program is fully funded by the Federal and South Australian Government — providing a practical way to support connection at no cost to families.

"We show parents how to shape their everyday environment to encourage back-and-forth interaction — these are the building blocks of language and social development."

What's unique about Inklings is that it offers support to families as early as possible — with babies as young as six months able to take part in the program.

Both research and feedback from families who've taken part in the program show that it's working.

"We followed families for up to two years after completing Inklings," said Professor Whitehouse. 

"We saw long-term benefits in babies' communication and social development lasting well beyond the 10 sessions. We also saw stronger relationships between parents and their children."

To check your eligibility and find out more, visit the Inklings website.

Feature Image: Getty.

If you're seeking greater understanding of your baby's communication, Inklings is here to help.
Inklings is a free, research-backed program supporting parents and caregivers of babies aged six to eighteen months, supported by the South Australian Government. Through one-on-one sessions with trained practitioners, you'll gain confidence in understanding and responding to your baby's cues. To check your eligibility and learn more visit inklings.org.au/sa