You’re on the floor with your baby, pointing at the family cat and saying “kitty!” — and your little one just looks at your finger, or at you, but never points back. If a small thing like that has planted a seed of worry, you’re paying close, loving attention, and that’s a good thing. Let’s walk through what pointing really means and when it’s worth a closer look.
Why Pointing Is Such a Big Deal
Pointing may look simple, but it’s a powerful early communication skill that usually shows up before many first words. When a baby points, they’re telling you something without speaking. That’s a huge step toward talking, because it shows they understand that sharing thoughts with another person is possible and rewarding.
Most babies start pointing somewhere between 9 and 14 months. Keep in mind that’s a window, not a strict cutoff, and babies arrive at each skill in their own time.
Two Kinds of Pointing
There are two flavors of pointing, and both matter:
- Requesting (asking): Your baby points to something they want, like the crackers on the counter. It’s their way of saying “I want that.”
- Showing (sharing): Your baby points to something interesting just to share the moment with you, then glances back at your face. This is called joint attention, and it often appears a little later.
Showing is especially meaningful because it’s all about connecting with you, not just getting a thing.
When It’s Worth an Evaluation
Not pointing exactly on schedule isn’t cause for alarm by itself. But it’s reasonable to ask for an evaluation if, past their first birthday, your baby:
- Isn’t pointing or using other gestures like waving, reaching, or showing you objects
- Rarely makes eye contact during play
- Doesn’t respond when you point at something
- Isn’t babbling or trying to make sounds to communicate
Please hear this clearly: not pointing alone is not a diagnosis. It’s simply one piece of a bigger puzzle, and only a professional evaluation can put that puzzle together.
Playful Ways to Encourage Pointing
You don’t need flashcards or fancy toys. Try weaving these into ordinary days:
- Point a lot yourself. Narrate as you go: “Look, a bus!” Babies learn gestures by watching you.
- Put favorites just out of reach. A toy on a high shelf gives your baby a reason to gesture and ask.
- Read picture books. Point to and name pictures, and pause to let your baby react.
- Offer choices. Hold up two snacks and see if your baby reaches toward one.
- Celebrate every gesture, including reaching, waving, or lifting arms to be picked up.
Keep it light and fun. This is play, not a test.
How NYC Families Get Support
New York’s Early Intervention Program supports children from birth to age 3 across all five boroughs, and it’s free to families. You don’t need a doctor’s referral or a diagnosis to begin. Anyone can make a referral, to an approved agency like Star EIP or by calling 311. The NYC Early Intervention Program reviews the referral, then assigns your family to an agency that schedules a free developmental evaluation, usually in your home.
If your child is eligible, you and the team create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) together and services can begin, often right at home. Research suggests earlier support tends to help, and starting sooner never hurts.
Trust Yourself
If your gut is nudging you, listen to it. Whether your baby just needs a little more time or could benefit from some support, finding out brings clarity instead of quiet worry. A developmental evaluation is always free.
Star EIP is a New York State–approved Early Intervention agency serving children birth–age 3 across all five NYC boroughs.
Free · No cost to families
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