Developmental Milestones of Children

Developmental Milestones Overview

This document outlines the developmental milestones for infants and young children at various ages, covering motor skills, cognitive abilities, language development, social skills, and client education.

2 Months

Motor Skills

  • Demonstrates head lag (1 month)

  • Strong grasp reflex (1 month)

  • Holds head up when in a prone position

  • Moves bilateral extremities

  • Opens hands briefly

  • Grasp reflex fading

Cognitive Skills

  • Observes movement

  • Gazes at an object for several seconds

  • Shows interest in surroundings

Language Skills

  • Cries and makes other sounds

  • Startled from loud noises

  • Calms down when picked up

  • Makes facial contact

  • Smiles when spoken to

Social Skills

  • Interaction through gazing and smiling

Client Education

  • Talk, read, or sing to the infant

  • Cuddle and hold the infant

  • Position infant on their tummy when awake and supervised

4 Months

Motor Skills

  • Pushes up onto elbows when in a prone position

  • Holds head unsupported when being held

  • Holds object/toy when placed in hand

  • Opens mouth when notices breast or bottle

  • Shows interest in hands by observation

Cognitive Skills

  • Moves objects from hand to hand (7 months)

  • Begins using pincer grasp (8 months)

Language Skills

  • Makes cooing sounds

  • Makes constant sounds

  • Responds to talk by making sounds back

  • Turns head towards familiar voices

  • Makes slight chuckling sounds

Social Skills

  • Smiles and moves to get attention

Client Education

  • Talk with the infant positively when they make sounds

  • Allow the infant to reach for objects

  • Provide a routine for feeding and sleeping

6 Months

Motor Skills

  • Rolls from front to back position (prone to supine)

  • Sits leaning forward on hands (7 months)

  • Pushes up with arms straight when in prone position

  • Holds bottle

  • Moves objects from hand to hand (7 months)

  • Puts objects in mouth

Cognitive Skills

  • Recognizes familiar people

  • Enjoys looking at self in the mirror

Language Skills

  • Makes high-pitched squealing sounds

  • Alternates make sounds with another person

  • Laughs

Social Skills

  • Initiates reciprocal play

Client Education

  • Read, sing, or play music to the infant

  • Discuss with the provider about complementary/solid foods

9 Months

Motor Skills

  • Able to get into a sitting position independently

  • Sits unsupported

  • Has a crude pincer grasp

  • Changes from prone to sitting position

  • Bangs two objects together

Cognitive Skills

  • Looks for objects when dropped or hidden

  • Begins to comprehend simple commands

Language Skills

  • Makes various sounds with longer syllables

Social Skills

  • Shy among strangers

  • Smiles or laughs during games

Client Education

  • Use simple words and encourage waving "bye-bye"

  • Play games such as peek-a-boo

  • Schedule developmental screening with provider

12 Months (1 Year)

Motor Skills

  • Pulls up to a standing position

  • Drinks from a cup without a lid

  • Walks holding onto furniture

  • Attempts to build a 2-block tower

Cognitive Skills

  • Looks for hidden objects/toys

Language Skills

  • Calls parent/guardian by their special name

  • Comprehends the word "no"

Social Skills

  • Plays games with others

Client Education

  • Ensure environment is safe

  • Limit screen time

15 Months

Motor Skills

  • Takes a few independent steps

  • Stacks 2 small objects (blocks)

  • Uses things correctly (phone, book, cup)

Cognitive Skills

  • Follows simple directions

Language Skills

  • Tries to speak one or two words beyond "mama" or "dada"

Social Skills

  • Shows affection (hugging, kissing, cuddling)

Client Education

  • Assist child in learning to speak

  • Encourage play with blocks

18 Months

Motor Skills

  • Walks independently

  • Climbs on and off furniture

  • Attempts using a spoon

Cognitive Skills

  • Plays with toys in a simple manner

Language Skills

  • Tries to say three or more different words

Social Skills

  • Notices emotions of others

Client Education

  • Schedule developmental screening and inquire about toilet training

24 Months (2 Years)

Motor Skills

  • Kicks a ball

  • Attempts to use knobs, buttons, or switches on toys

  • Uses more gestures

Cognitive Skills

  • Speaks about 50 words

Language Skills

  • Says at least two words together

Social Skills

  • Looks for reactions from others

Client Education

  • Allow child to play and interact with others

30 Months

Motor Skills

  • Jumps with both feet

  • Uses pretend play

Cognitive Skills

  • Demonstrates simple problem-solving skills

Language Skills

  • Speaks in two or more words and verbs

Social Skills

  • Follows simple routines

Client Education

  • Encourage child to draw and name colors and body parts

3 Years

Motor Skills

  • Strings beads together

  • Rides a tricycle

Cognitive Skills

  • Talks in conversation with back-and-forth exchanges

Language Skills

  • Says first name when asked

Social Skills

  • Notices and joins play with other children

Client Education

  • Teach child opposites and counting numbers

4 Years

Motor Skills

  • Catches a large ball

  • Holds crayon or pencil appropriately

Cognitive Skills

  • Writes some letters of their name

Language Skills

  • Answers simple questions about a story

Social Skills

  • Comforts others who are hurt or sad

Client Education

  • Provide a calm environment for bedtime

5 Years

Motor Skills

  • Hops/skips on one foot

  • Throws a ball overhead

  • Laces shoes

Cognitive Skills

  • Identifies some numbers and letters

Language Skills

  • Keeps conversations going with more than three exchanges

Social Skills

  • Follows rules when playing with others

Client Education

  • Allow time for active and creative play daily

These milestones represent a general guideline for child development, and it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for individualized assessments and advice.