Peds Milestones

Toddler

A child between the ages of 1-3 years old who is experiencing physical growth, gross motor development, fine motor development, vocalization/socialization, and various age-related challenges.

Physical Growth (Toddler)

The process in which a toddler experiences height and weight growth, with a steady increase in both. Birth weight is typically quadrupled by the age of 2-3 years old, and legs tend to grow more than the trunk. The anterior fontanel closes around 18 months, and toilet training readiness may be possible by 24 months.

Gross Motor (Toddler)

The development of large muscle movements in a toddler. This includes milestones such as walking without help at 15 months, running well and jumping with both feet at 30 months, and the ability to feed and undress oneself. Left or right-handedness may also emerge during this stage.

Fine Motor (Toddler)

The development of small muscle movements in a toddler. This includes milestones such as building a tower with 2 cubes and scribbling at 15 months, imitating a drawn line at 18 months, and building a tower with 8 cubes at 30 months.

Vocalization/Socialization (Toddler)

The development of communication and social skills in a toddler. This includes milestones such as using the word "no" even when agreeing at 15 months, having 10+ words at 18 months, pointing to 2-3 body parts at 18 months, and using the word "mine" to express ownership. By 24 months, toddlers typically have around 300 words and can form 2-3 word phrases. Gender identity, body image, and sexual curiosity also begin to develop during this stage.

Anticipatory Guidance (Toddler)

Guidance provided to parents and caregivers to help them anticipate and address the needs and challenges of a toddler. This includes topics such as water safety, auto safety, aspiration/choking prevention, time-outs, handwashing, emergency planning, and nutrition (including solid foods, meal/snack frequency, limiting sweets/high fat foods, and age-related challenges).

Sleep and Misc

Recommendations and considerations related to sleep and other miscellaneous aspects of toddlerhood. This includes the recommended amount of sleep (12-14 hours per day with at least 1 nap), toilet training, temper tantrums, sibling rivalry, general hygiene, firm discipline, screen time, and health prevention.

Pre-Schooler

A child between the ages of 3-6 years old who is experiencing physical growth, gross motor progress, fine motor progress, vocalization/socialization, and various age-related challenges.

Physical Growth (Pre-Schooler)

The process in which a pre-schooler experiences slow and steady growth. They typically gain 2-3 kilograms per year and grow 2.5-3.5 centimeters per year.

Gross Motor Progress (Pre-Schooler)

The development of large muscle movements in a pre-schooler. This includes milestones such as riding a tricycle and being able to stand on one foot at 3 years old, skipping and hopping on one foot and throwing a ball overhead at 4 years old, and walking backward and throwing/catching a ball at 5 years old.

Fine Motor Progress (Pre-Schooler)

The development of small muscle movements in a pre-schooler. This includes milestones such as copying figures and dressing independently.

Vocalization/Socialization (Pre-Schooler)

The development of communication and social skills in a pre-schooler. This includes milestones such as having a vocabulary of around 2100 words, speaking in multiple word sentences, constant chatter, asking many questions, being able to name body parts, and engaging in social interactions.

Anticipatory Guidance (Pre-Schooler)

Guidance provided to parents and caregivers to help them anticipate and address the needs and challenges of a pre-schooler. This includes topics such as stranger safety, firearm safety, helmet safety, water safety, car safety, nutrition (including picky eating and following the 5-2-1-0 framework), sleep habits, and health promotion (immunizations and dental health).

School-Age

A child between the ages of 6-12 years old who is experiencing physical growth, gross motor progress, fine motor progress, vocalization/socialization, and various age-related challenges.

Physical Growth (School-Age)

The process in which a school-age child experiences slow and steady growth. They typically have an average weight gain of 2.5 kilograms per year and an increase in height of 5.5 centimeters per year.

Gross Motor Progress (School-Age)

The development of large muscle movements in a school-age child. This includes milestones such as more creative play, being more graceful and poised, engaging in activities such as dance and active play (team sports), and being aware of signs of fatigue and dehydration.

Fine Motor Progress (School-Age)

The development of small muscle movements in a school-age child. This includes milestones such as dressing oneself without help and improved coordination.

Vocalization/Socialization (School-Age)

The development of communication and social skills in a school-age child. This includes milestones such as an expanded vocabulary of 8,000-14,000 words, improved reading skills, increased cooperation in sharing, heightened jealousy related to siblings, dramatic and boastful behavior in the 6-9-year-old range, and an interest in boy-girl relationships in the 8-9-year-old range and friend-oriented behavior in the 10-12-year-old range.

Anticipatory Guidance (School-Age)

Guidance provided to parents and caregivers to help them anticipate and address the needs and challenges of a school-age child. This includes topics such as car safety, water safety, fire and burn safety, helmet safety, bullying, nutrition (including increased appetite and challenges related to energy needs), sleep habits, and health prevention (dental caries, lack of hygiene, defining rules, ensuring accountability, and adjustment to a new school).

Prevention of overweight/obesity

Strategies and recommendations to prevent overweight and obesity in school-age children. This includes promoting a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and healthy lifestyle habits.