Pointing is one of the most important communication milestones in the first year of life. When your baby points at something and looks at you, they are essentially saying: "Look over there! Do you see it too?" This is the beginning of joint attention — a foundational skill for language and social development.

But what if your baby is approaching one year old without pointing? Is there cause for concern? The answer depends on the overall picture, but pointing is a milestone worth keeping an eye on.

Why Is Pointing Important?

Pointing may seem like a simple gesture, but it represents something significant in your baby's development:

Joint Attention

When a baby points and looks at you, they are trying to share an experience with you. This is called joint attention and is a cornerstone of social and language development. It shows that the baby understands that you are a separate person with your own gaze and attention.

Communication Without Words

Before a baby can talk, pointing is the most effective communication tool they have. It allows them to tell you what they want, what they see, and what interests them.

A Precursor to Language

Research shows that babies who point early often develop their vocabulary more quickly. Pointing and language are closely connected — both are about communicating meaning to another person.

Types of Pointing

Not all pointing is the same. Developmental psychologists distinguish between two main types:

Proto-Imperative Pointing (Request Pointing)

The baby points at something they want — a biscuit, a toy, a cup of water. They use pointing as a tool to get you to do something. This type of pointing usually comes first, often around 9–10 months.

Example: The baby points at the cake on the table and looks at you expectantly.

Proto-Declarative Pointing (Sharing Pointing)

The baby points at something to share the experience with you — a dog walking by, a plane in the sky, a funny sound. They don't want anything specific; they just want you to see what they see. This type comes a little later, usually around 11–14 months.

Example: The baby points at a bird outside the window, looks at you, then looks back at the bird — all to share the experience.

Proto-declarative pointing (sharing pointing) is considered especially important for development. It shows that the child understands that other people have their own thoughts and attention — a complex social understanding.

When Do Babies Start Pointing?

Typical development looks like this:

Precursors (6–9 months)

Reaching for things — whole hand toward what the baby wants
Following your gaze — looking where you look
Showing things — holding up an object and looking at you
Giving things — handing you a toy

Early Pointing (9–12 months)

Pointing with the whole hand — extending the arm and opening the hand toward something
Pointing to request — proto-imperative pointing
Beginning to point with the index finger — gradual transition from whole-hand pointing

Clear Pointing (12–16 months)

Pointing with the index finger — clear, directed pointing
Proto-declarative pointing — sharing attention
Pointing combined with sounds — pointing and saying "dah!" or "there!"
Pointing in books — pointing at pictures during reading

A good sign even if your baby isn't pointing yet: Do they follow your gaze when you point at something? The ability to follow others' pointing (which comes first) is also an important milestone.

Why Isn't My Baby Pointing Yet?

Normal Variation

Just as with motor milestones, there is normal variation in when pointing emerges. Some babies point from nine months, others not until 14–15 months.

Other Communication Strategies

Some babies use other ways to communicate instead of pointing:

Leads you to what they want — takes your hand and pulls you toward something
Gives you things — hands you toys or objects
Uses sounds and gaze — combines babbling with eye contact
Shows things — holds up objects for you

Lack of Modeling

Babies learn pointing partly by watching others point. If you rarely point at things and comment on them, your baby may need a little longer to learn this gesture.

Fine Motor Development

Pointing with the index finger requires the baby to isolate that one finger from the rest. Some babies prefer to use their whole hand for a while, and that is perfectly fine.

How to Encourage Pointing

You can actively support your baby's development of pointing through daily activities:

1. Point Frequently Yourself

Point at things in everyday life and name them: "Look, a dog!" "There's the bus!" "Look at that pretty flower!" Your baby learns by watching you.

2. Read Books with Pictures

Picture books are perfect. Point at the images and say what they show. Eventually your baby will start pointing themselves. "Where is the cat? There is the cat!"

3. Follow Your Baby's Gaze

When your baby looks at something, point at it and name it. You confirm that you have seen the same thing and show how pointing works as communication.

4. Wait and Give Space

When your baby clearly wants something, don't give it right away. Wait a little and see if they try to communicate — reaching, making sounds, or perhaps pointing. "Do you want that? Point to what you want!"

5. Exaggerate Your Reaction

When your baby points (or reaches toward something), respond with enthusiasm: "Yes! You're pointing at the dog! That's a big dog!" Positive reinforcement motivates the baby to repeat the action.

6. Point-and-Choose

Give your baby a choice between two things and point to each one: "Do you want the banana or the apple?" Point to each fruit as you say it. Eventually, your baby may start to point to choose.

Picture books with large, clear images are perhaps the best tool for encouraging pointing. Sit with your baby in your lap, read together, and make it a daily routine.

When Should You Contact Your Pediatrician?

Pointing alone is not a diagnostic criterion for anything. But in combination with other signs, lack of pointing may be reason to speak with your pediatrician.

Contact your pediatrician if your child at 12–15 months:

Does not point and does not use other gestures (waving, clapping, showing things)
Does not follow your gaze when you point at something
Does not respond to their own name
Has little eye contact in interaction
Never shows you things — never holds up objects
Seems uninterested in other people — prefers to play alone
Has lost skills they had previously

None of these signs alone means something is wrong. But if you observe several of them together, it is wise to bring it up with your pediatrician. Early identification and support gives the best outcomes if your child needs extra help.

Pointing and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

It is important to note that a baby not pointing at 12 months does not mean the child has autism. Pointing is one of many indicators that specialists consider as part of a comprehensive assessment. Many children who point late have entirely typical development.

At the same time, it is important to take concerns seriously. If you see multiple signs of limited joint attention, it is always better to raise this with your pediatrician early rather than waiting. They can make an assessment and refer on if needed.

What Do Specialists Look At During an Assessment?

If you bring up concerns about pointing and communication, your pediatrician will consider:

Joint attention — does the child share experiences with you?
Gestures — does the child use any gestures (waving, clapping, showing)?
Eye contact — does the child have natural eye contact in interaction?
Responding — does the child react to their name and your voice?
Play — does the child play functionally (use toys "appropriately")?
Imitation — does the child copy actions you perform?

It is the overall picture that counts, not individual signs.

Other Communication Milestones Around 12 Months

Pointing is just one part of communication development. Here are other things to look for:

Milestone	Typical age
Waving goodbye	9–12 months
Giving objects to adults	9–12 months
Shaking head for "no"	10–14 months
First words	10–16 months
Following simple instructions	12–15 months
Pointing with index finger	10–14 months
Using 3–5 words	12–18 months

If your child masters several of these but hasn't yet pointed with their index finger, it is most likely just a matter of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for a baby not to point at 12 months? It can be within the range of normal variation. Some babies don't point until 14–15 months. Look at the overall picture — is the baby using other gestures and communicating in other ways?

Is lack of pointing a sign of autism? Lack of pointing alone is not a sign of autism. It is one of many indicators specialists consider in a comprehensive assessment. Most children who are late to point have typical development.

What matters more — pointing to request things or pointing to share? Both are important, but sharing pointing (proto-declarative) is considered especially significant because it shows the child understands joint attention.

Can I teach my baby to point? You can encourage and model pointing by pointing frequently yourself, reading picture books, and responding enthusiastically when your baby reaches toward things. Never force the baby's finger into a pointing position.

My baby leads me to things instead of pointing. Is that OK? Yes, leading an adult toward something is a form of communication. But it is important that the child eventually also develops pointing and other gestures to share attention.

Sources

AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics): Developmental Milestones
Tomasello M, Carpenter M, Liszkowski U: A New Look at Infant Pointing (Child Development, 2007)
Colgan SE et al.: Analysis of social interaction gestures in infants (Child Development, 2006)

Baby Not Pointing at 12 Months: Communication and Development