Baby
First foods, first movements, and often a return to work.
Development
- Rolls, then sits without support
- Crawls and pulls to stand
- Waves, points, may say first words
Feeding
- Signs of readiness around 6 months, not before 4
- Start with iron-rich foods
- Peanut and egg before 12 months
Health & checks
- Immunisations at 4, 6 and 12 months
- First dental visit when teeth appear or by 12 months
- Child health check at 12 months
Money & support
- Child Care Subsidy if returning to work
- Join child care waitlists early
- Plan the return-to-work routine
Tools for this stage
FeedingSolids readiness checkSigns your baby may be ready for first foods.FeedingAllergen introduction trackerLog peanut, egg and other first tries.Family & schoolChild-care waitlist trackerEvery centre, date joined and follow-up.DevelopmentGrowth recordsHeight and weight over time.DevelopmentMilestone journalNote the firsts in a private, printable journal.
Guides for this stage
BabyFinding a gentler rhythm in your dayUse a few familiar anchors without planning every minute.BabyA useful note for another caregiverShare the details that make an everyday handover clearer.BabyKeeping baby memories without another big projectSmall notes can hold the moments you want to remember.Family lifeChild Care Subsidy in Australia: a parent’s starting guideChild Care Subsidy can help eligible families with approved childcare fees. The amount depends on your circumstances.WellbeingReturning to work, one routine at a timePractical handovers and room for the unexpected.