When Do Babies Point? Gestures & Communication | Parenting Hub
Pointing usually appears between 9–14 months and is one of the strongest predictors of healthy language and social development.
Before words come gestures: waving, clapping, reaching up, and the big one — pointing. Pointing to share interest (not just to request) is a key social-communication milestone.
Typical progression
- 6–9 months: reaches with whole hand
- 9–12 months: waves, claps, lifts arms to be picked up
- 10–14 months: points with the index finger (first to request, then to share)
- 12–18 months: shakes head 'no', nods 'yes', uses 5+ gestures regularly
Why pointing matters
Pointing to show you something ('look at that dog!') is called joint attention — it means your baby knows you have your own thoughts and wants to share theirs. Joint attention is one of the strongest early signs of healthy social-communication development.
When to see a doctor
Speak with your GP or MCH nurse if your baby isn't using any gestures (waving, reaching, pointing) by 12 months, isn't pointing to show you things by 18 months, or rarely makes eye contact and doesn't respond to their name.
When to seek help
- No gestures by 12 months
- Not pointing to share interest by 18 months
- Limited eye contact and no response to name
- Loss of previously used gestures
Common questions
My baby uses my hand instead of pointing — is that fine?
Hand-leading is common and not automatically a concern. Watch whether they also point on their own, make eye contact and share interest. If hand-leading is the main way they communicate by 18 months, mention it to your GP.
Should I teach baby sign language?
It's optional. Simple signs (milk, more, all done) can reduce frustration and don't delay speech. Talking and reading still matter most.