Health & Development Milestones
Tracking your child’s health and development is one of the most proactive steps you can take as a parent. Understanding what to expect at each stage helps you support your child’s growth, detect early signs of developmental delays, and feel more confident in your parenting journey.
In Cyprus and across the EU, pediatric care is standardized and closely follows developmental guidelines backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Academy of Paediatrics. This guide will walk you through the key developmental milestones during the early years, as well as the health checks and support systems available.
What Are Developmental Milestones?
Developmental milestones are a set of functional skills or age-specific tasks that most children can do within a certain age range. These are grouped into five major areas:
Gross Motor Skills – Sitting, crawling, walking.
Fine Motor Skills – Picking up objects, holding crayons.
Language and Communication – Babbling, speaking, understanding instructions.
Cognitive Development – Problem-solving, memory, learning through play.
Social and Emotional Skills – Smiling, bonding, showing empathy.
Key Milestones by Age Group
0–3 Months
Lifts head during tummy time
Follows objects with eyes
Responds to sounds and smiles back
4–6 Months
Rolls over both ways
Reaches and grabs toys
Babbles, laughs, and expresses emotions
7–9 Months
Sits without support
Transfers objects between hands
Understands “no” and responds to name
10–12 Months
Crawls or cruises along furniture
Stands with or without help
Says simple words like “mama” or “dada”
13–18 Months
Begins walking independently
Imitates behavior and points to show interest
Understands basic instructions and uses a few words
18–24 Months
Runs, climbs, and kicks a ball
Begins two-word phrases
Shows growing independence and curiosity
2–3 Years
Speaks in simple sentences
Plays simple pretend games
Follows two-step instructions
Begins potty training
Routine Health Check-Ups in Cyprus & EU
Regular pediatric visits are a cornerstone of preventive healthcare. In Cyprus, most check-ups are covered under the General Healthcare System (GESY).
Suggested Schedule:
Newborn (first week) – General assessment, feeding, and weight
1 month – Growth, reflexes, and sleep patterns
2, 4, 6 months – Physical and developmental milestones, first vaccinations
9 months – Screening for mobility, communication, and early cognitive signs
12 months – Language development, nutrition, and vaccines
18 and 24 months – Behavioral, speech, and social development
Annually from age 2 – Vision, hearing, motor coordination, and growth tracking
Vaccination Schedule: The national immunization program in Cyprus follows EU guidelines and includes protection against:
DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
Polio
Hepatitis B
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Pneumococcus
Rotavirus
Early Intervention and Support Services
Early identification of developmental delays significantly improves outcomes. In Cyprus, parents can access assessments and early intervention through:
Your pediatrician – First point of contact for screening and referrals
Public Health Centres and GESY – Free developmental assessments and speech therapy
Early Childhood Intervention Programs – Offered by NGOs and educational organizations
Child Developmental Clinics – For complex developmental or neurological issues
Signs to Watch For:
No social smile by 3 months
No babbling by 9 months
No walking by 18 months
Limited vocabulary or no two-word phrases by 2 years
Poor eye contact or lack of interest in social interaction
Your Role as a Parent
Supporting development isn’t just about watching milestones — it’s about nurturing them:
Talk and Read Daily – Language development starts with simple conversation.
Provide Play Opportunities – Play is essential for cognitive and emotional growth.
Be Responsive – React to your child’s needs and cues to build trust and security.
Encourage Independence – Allow your child to explore and make safe choices.
When to Seek Help
Every child develops at their own pace. But if you notice consistent delays or regressions, speak to your pediatrician. Don’t wait for a check-up — early intervention is most effective before age 3.
Resources in Cyprus:
Ministry of Health Child Development Services
Cyprus Pediatric Society
School Educational Psychology Services
NGOs like Center for Preventive Paediatrics (C.P.P.)
Final Thoughts
Understanding health and development milestones empowers you to support your child in meaningful, age-appropriate ways. With the support of Cyprus’s health infrastructure and the broader EU standards, you can ensure your child is growing up healthy, happy, and on track.
Keep track, stay informed, and most importantly — enjoy each stage of the journey.
