# When should my child start pointing at things?

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-my-child-start-pointing-at-things
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

Most children begin pointing between about 9 and 14 months — first to request things they want, then to share and show interest, with sharing-pointing usually well established by 15–18 months. Pointing and other early gestures are lovely signs of growing communication. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

*That first little finger reaching out to show you the moon — pointing is one of the loveliest milestones, and a window into how your child connects and communicates.*

## In short
Most children begin **pointing between about 9 and 14 months** — first reaching to *request* things they want (around 9–12 months), then pointing to *share* and show you something interesting (around 12–14 months). By **15–18 months**, pointing to show and to share attention is usually well established. Pointing is a wonderful early sign of social communication, so it's worth gently watching — but children vary, and a little later than average is often perfectly fine.

## How pointing develops
There are two kinds of pointing, and both matter:
- **Requesting (imperative) pointing** — "I want that." Often appears first, around 9–12 months, as your baby reaches or points towards a snack or toy out of reach.
- **Sharing (declarative) pointing** — "Look at that with me!" Usually emerges by 12–14 months, when your child points at a dog or aeroplane and then looks back at you to share the moment. This *joint attention* — pointing, then checking your face — is an especially rich sign of growing communication.

Alongside pointing, look for other early gestures by around 12 months: waving bye-bye, clapping, reaching up to be picked up, and showing or giving you objects. These all weave together into the foundations of language and connection.

## When a gentle check helps
Every child grows at their own pace, but a developmental check is a kind, sensible step if by **around 15–18 months** your child:
- isn't pointing or using other gestures to ask for or show things, or
- doesn't follow your point when you say "look!", or
- rarely looks back to share a moment with you, or
- has lost gestures or words they once had.

This isn't cause for alarm — it's simply information. Early support, when it's needed, is gentle and play-based, and children often respond beautifully.

## The Pinnacle way
AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional — never from an app or checklist. If you'd like reassurance or a fuller picture, our team can map your child's [developmental profile](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) and, where helpful, shape playful support through [speech therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate). You can also begin from our [home page](/) to find your nearest centre across our 70+ locations.

## Trusted sources
CDC developmental-milestones guidance describes pointing and gesture use through the first and second years; the American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) outlines social-communication milestones; WHO and ASHA describe joint attention and early gesture as foundations of language.

**Next step —** Curious or simply want peace of mind? [Book a developmental check with a Pinnacle clinician](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate).

This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

## Sources
- CDC — Developmental milestones (gestures and pointing): https://www.cdc.gov/child-development
- AAP HealthyChildren.org — Early social communication: https://www.healthychildren.org
- ASHA — Early gestures and joint attention: https://www.asha.org

## Connected topics and perspectives
- Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent
- Support: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/support
- Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/screen
- Book Assessment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/book-assessment
- Early Clarity: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/early_clarity

## Related question paths

### Recognise signs & concerns
- When should I worry about not pointing to show things?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-i-worry-about-not-pointing-to-show-things-in-my-child

### Explore therapy & support
- My child doesn't point at things — should I be worried?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-doesn-t-point-at-things-should-i-be-worried
- What does it mean if my child doesn't point at things?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-it-mean-if-my-child-doesn-t-point-at-things
- Is Not Pointing To Show Things Normal?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-not-pointing-to-show-things-a-normal-part-of-child-development
- What should I do if my child doesn't point at things?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-should-i-do-if-my-child-doesn-t-point-at-things

### At home & in everyday life
- How do I handle not pointing to show things in a 1-year-old?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-do-i-handle-not-pointing-to-show-things-in-a-1-year-old