Is Not Pointing To Show Things Normal in Child Development?

When your little one points at the moon, a dog, a favourite biscuit — and looks back at you to share it — that small gesture is one of the biggest moments in early communication.

In short

Yes — learning to point develops on its own timeline, and not every baby points at the same age. Most children begin pointing to show or share things they find interesting (called "declarative" pointing) by around 12–16 months, usually looking back at you to check you've noticed. If your child is past 16–18 months and rarely points, waves, shows toys or shares attention, it's simply worth a gentle developmental check — not a cause for alarm. Pointing is one piece of a bigger picture of how a child connects and communicates.

Why pointing matters

Pointing to share (not just to get something) is a lovely early sign of social communication — it shows your child wants to bring you into their world. Babies often point in two ways:

• To request — "I want that" (pointing at a snack out of reach).
• To show or share — "Look at that!" — glancing back at you to enjoy something together.

The second kind, with that to-and-fro eye contact, is the one clinicians especially love to see. Children vary, though: some show interest by leading you by the hand, bringing objects, vocalising or using their whole body before a clear point appears. So a child who isn't yet pointing may still be sharing in other ways.

When a check helps

A gentle developmental review is sensible if, by around 16–18 months, your child:

• rarely or never points to show you things,
• doesn't follow your point or your gaze to look where you're looking,
• seldom brings or shows you toys, and
• isn't combining gestures with eye contact and sounds.

This isn't a diagnosis — it's an early, reassuring way to understand how your child communicates and whether a little extra support would help them flourish.

The Pinnacle way

This is general guidance, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care. If you'd like clarity, our team can map your child's communication strengths and gently fill any gaps. Explore Pinnacle Blooms Network, our speech therapy programme, and how a clinician-led AbilityScore® builds a complete picture of your child.

Trusted sources

CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestone guidance notes pointing to show interest around 15–18 months; the American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) describes gestures like pointing and waving as key early communication milestones; WHO developmental guidance frames gestures within the wider social-communication picture.

Next step — Curious about how your child shares and communicates? Book a developmental assessment with a Pinnacle clinician.