milestone questions
Clear information, practical prompts and gentle next steps.
Development is a pathway, not a race.
Warm guidance for movement, communication, play, behaviour, learning and when to ask for support.
The first 2000 days are full of movement, communication, play and learning; development is a pathway, not a race.
MilestonesPlaySpeechEarly support
move
talk
play
grow
Development
Milestones are guides, not exams.
Parents do not need to diagnose concerns themselves.
Early support can often begin before a formal diagnosis.
Why birth to 5 matters
The first 2000 days, from pregnancy to around age 5, are a powerful window for health, learning, relationships and confidence. First Years uses this idea to organise practical support without implying endorsement by NSW Health.
Read NSW Health's first 2000 days overviewWhat parents often come here for
First Years keeps the next step visible when parenting information starts to feel scattered. This page gives you a calm overview, then links you to practical guides and trusted Australian resources.
speech and language
Clear information, practical prompts and gentle next steps.
play and learning
Clear information, practical prompts and gentle next steps.
movement and sensory concerns
Clear information, practical prompts and gentle next steps.
early intervention pathways
Clear information, practical prompts and gentle next steps.
Practical anchors
- Write down what you notice across daily routines.
- Ask childcare or preschool what they see too.
- Book support if skills are not emerging, are lost, or family life is significantly affected.
Trusted Australian resource base
This topic connects to resources such as healthdirect, Raising Children Network, Speech Pathology Australia, ASDetect, NDIS early childhood approach. First Years summaries are evidence-informed and parent-friendly, but they do not replace professional advice.
Guides for this topic
Download the free guides or view a sample before buying a premium PDF.
First YearsDevelopment Guide45 pages
Development Guide
A comprehensive development guide covering age stages, movement, communication, play, social-emotional growth, everyday routines and when to seek advice.
First YearsPlay & Learning33 pages
Play & Learning
A warm play guide showing how everyday routines, movement, books, songs, outdoor time and low-cost play support development.
First YearsSpeech, Language & Communication32 pages
Speech, Language & Communication
A practical communication guide covering baby cues, toddler talking, preschool conversations, bilingual homes, hearing and late talking pathways.
First YearsDevelopmental Concerns & Early Support31 pages
Developmental Concerns & Early Support
A pathway guide that helps parents record concerns, ask for help, understand early intervention and start practical support before diagnosis where appropriate.