Early Years Development: Birth to Age 3
The first three years are a time of extraordinary growth. Every child develops at their own pace, and understanding what to look for can help you feel more confident about when to celebrate progress and when it may be worth seeking a little extra support.
What Development Looks Like in the Early Years
From the moment they are born, babies are learning about the world around them. In the first year, you may notice your child beginning to make eye contact, respond to familiar voices, reach for objects, and babble. By the time they reach their first birthday, many children are starting to pull themselves up to stand and may be saying their first words, although there is a wide range of what is considered typical at this stage.
Between one and two years, toddlers often begin to walk, use a handful of single words, follow simple instructions, and show interest in other children. By age two, many children are combining two words together, engaging in simple pretend play, and becoming more independent in feeding and dressing. By three, children are often speaking in short sentences, running confidently, and beginning to take turns during play.
It is important to remember that these are general patterns rather than strict rules. Some children reach milestones earlier and others later, and both can be perfectly typical. The NHS Healthy Child Programme provides a framework of developmental reviews at key ages, including checks at around 9 to 12 months and again between 2 and 2 and a half years. These reviews are carried out by your Health Visitor and are a helpful opportunity to discuss any questions or observations you have about your child's progress.
Common Concerns at This Stage
During the early years, it is completely natural to wonder whether your child is developing as expected. Some of the most common concerns parents raise include a child not babbling or using words by the expected age, not responding to their name, seeming less interested in people than in objects, or having difficulty settling into routines around sleep and feeding.
Sensory sensitivities can also become apparent during this period. Some babies and toddlers may be unusually sensitive to certain textures, sounds, or lights, while others may seem to seek out intense sensory experiences like spinning or crashing into soft furnishings. These behaviours are not uncommon in young children, but if they are persistent and affecting your child's ability to engage in everyday activities, it can be helpful to explore them further.
Attachment and emotional regulation are also important areas of development in the early years. If your child seems unusually distressed during separations, has difficulty being comforted, or appears withdrawn, it may be worth discussing these observations with a professional. Early conversations about these areas are not about labelling your child. They are about understanding their needs so you can respond in the most supportive way possible.
The Educational and Health Context for Under-Threes
Children under three in England do not follow a formal curriculum, but those attending nurseries and childminders are supported within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. The EYFS covers seven areas of learning and development, from communication and language through to physical development and personal, social, and emotional development. Practitioners in early years settings use these areas to observe and support your child's progress.
Your Health Visitor is also a key professional during this stage. Health Visitors carry out the developmental reviews mentioned in the NHS Healthy Child Programme and can refer your child to other services if there are any areas of concern. In some areas, there are also early years SEND teams that can offer additional support within nursery settings.
If your child attends a nursery, the setting will have a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, sometimes known as a SENCO or Inclusion Co-ordinator, whose role is to make sure children with additional needs are supported. If a practitioner notices something in your child's development that they would like to explore further, they may suggest working together with you and other professionals to put some extra support in place. This is sometimes called 'early years SEN support' and is part of the graduated approach used across all education settings in England.
Conditions Sometimes Identified in the Early Years
While formal diagnoses are less common in very young children, the early years are often when the first signs of certain conditions become visible. Developmental language disorder, for example, may be suspected when a child is significantly behind in their understanding or use of language compared with children of a similar age. Sensory processing differences can also become apparent during this stage, particularly if a child consistently avoids or seeks out particular sensory experiences.
Some families notice early signs that may later be associated with autism, such as limited eye contact, a preference for solitary play, repetitive behaviours, or differences in how a child responds to other people's emotions. It is worth noting that many of these behaviours can be typical in very young children, and the presence of one or two on their own does not necessarily indicate a diagnosis. However, if you are noticing a pattern of differences across several areas of your child's development, seeking a professional perspective can be reassuring and helpful.
Attachment difficulties can also emerge during the early years, particularly if a child has experienced disruption, trauma, or significant changes in their caregiving. Professionals such as child psychologists and family therapists can help families understand and respond to attachment-related needs in a supportive and evidence-based way.
How ChildWize Can Help in the Early Years
If you have concerns about your child's development during the early years, ChildWize can connect you with specialists who understand this age group. Whether you are looking for a speech and language therapist to explore early communication, an occupational therapist to help with sensory needs, or a developmental specialist to carry out a broader assessment, our platform makes it straightforward to find the right professional.
You do not need a GP referral or a diagnosis to book through ChildWize. Many families come to us simply because they have a niggling feeling that something is not quite right and want a professional opinion. Our specialists are experienced in working with very young children and their families, and they understand that this stage can feel both exciting and uncertain.
All sessions take place online, which means your child can be in their own familiar environment during assessments and therapy. This is often particularly helpful for younger children who may find unfamiliar clinical settings overwhelming. After an initial consultation, your specialist will explain their observations, suggest next steps, and provide practical strategies you can begin using at home straightaway. If further assessment or onward referral is needed, they can guide you through that process as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child is developing typically?
Every child develops at their own pace, so there is a wide range of what is considered typical. The NHS Healthy Child Programme includes developmental reviews at key ages, and your Health Visitor can discuss your child's progress with you. If you have specific concerns, a ChildWize specialist can offer an independent perspective without a long wait.
My child is not talking yet. When is it worth seeking help?
If your child is not babbling by around 12 months, not using any single words by 18 months, or not combining words by age two, it may be helpful to speak with a speech and language therapist. Early support can make a real difference, and there is no need to wait for a referral to book through ChildWize.
Can children under three be assessed for autism?
Formal autism assessments are sometimes carried out in children under three, although many families find that professionals prefer to observe and monitor before making a diagnosis at this age. A developmental assessment through ChildWize can help identify your child's strengths and needs and recommend next steps, whether or not a diagnosis is part of the picture.
What is the EYFS and does it apply to my child?
The Early Years Foundation Stage is the framework used in England for children from birth to five. If your child attends a nursery or childminder, practitioners will use the EYFS to observe and support their development across seven key areas including communication, physical development, and personal and social skills.
Do I need a referral to use ChildWize for my toddler?
No. You can book directly with a specialist through ChildWize without a GP referral. Many parents come to us because they want timely advice without waiting for an NHS pathway. Our specialists will carry out their own assessment and guide you through any further steps if needed.
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