Points at things

What is this milestone?

Points to show interest or request

Using their index finger, your baby points at objects to draw your attention to them (declarative pointing) or to request something out of reach (imperative pointing).

Why it matters

Pointing is a huge communicative leap. It proves they understand 'joint attention'—the concept that two people can share focus on the same object. It drastically reduces frustration because they can clearly indicate their desires.

What to expect leading up to it

Before isolating the index finger, babies often 'point' with their whole hand or reach aggressively toward what they want. Once they master the finger point, they will point at everything—dogs, airplanes, and ceiling fans.

How to encourage and support it

When they point to something, name it and describe it ('Oh, you see the big green truck!'). Point to things yourself while reading or walking outside to demonstrate how useful the gesture is.

When to talk to your doctor

The CDC's milestone checklists say what most children (75% or more) can do by each age. They list “Points to ask for something or to get help” by 15 months and “Points to show you something interesting” by 18 months. If your child is not doing these by those ages, the CDC's advice is not to wait: talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening. The same goes at any age if your child loses a skill they once had, or if anything else about their development worries you. Source: the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” milestone checklists, checked October 5, 2026.

CDC: Milestones by 15 months · CDC: Milestones by 18 months · CDC: all milestone checklists