Information on Child Development
Developmental Milestones
Children develop in different patterns and at different rates. Below are some generally accepted milestones for the age at which a child should be able to display specific behaviors. Such milestones serve as one way to detect child development problems or delays. To decide if there is a true problem or if the child is simply developing in a different pattern, evaulations by qualified professionals are needed.
Children develop in different patterns and at different rates. Below are some generally accepted milestones for the age at which a child should be able to display specific behaviors. Such milestones serve as one way to detect child development problems or delays. To decide if there is a true problem or if the child is simply developing in a different pattern, evaulations by qualified professionals are needed.
| by 3 months |
Turn their heads toward bright colors and lights Smile Move both eyes in the same direction together Lift head and chest when on stomach Make cooing sounds Recognize bottle or breast React to sudden sounds or voices Wiggle and kick with arms and legs Make fists with both hands to grasp toys or hair |
| by 6 months |
Recognize familiar faces Reach for objects and pick them up Recognize familiar faces Follow moving objects with their eyes Switch toys from one hand to the other Babble Turn toward the source of normal sound Help hold the bottle during feeding Play with their toes |
| by 12 months |
Sit without support
Recognize familiar faces Stack two blocks Pull to a standing position Know five or six words Put objects in a container Drink from a cup Play peek-a-boo and patty cake Hold out their arms and legs while being dressed Know five or six words |
| by 18 months |
Pull off shoes, socks, and mittens Feed themselves Follow simple directions ("Bring the ball") Like to pull, push, and dump things Make marks on paper with crayons Walk without help Step off a low object and keep balance |
| by 24 months |
Use two-to-three word sentences Say names of toys Likes to imitate their parent Recognize familiar pictures Use two-to-three word sentences Show affection Identify hair, eyes, ears and nose by pointing Carry something while walking Play alone (independently) Turn 2-3 pages at a time Feed themselves with a spoon Build a tower of four blocks |
| by 36 months |
Walk up steps (alternating feet) Turn one page at a time Put on their shoes Play with other children for a few minutes Name at least one color correctly Open door Use three-to-five word sentences Repeat common rhymes Are toilet trained Ride a tricycle |