Parenting is not easy, and every mom knows the feeling of never-ending worry that comes along with having a child (Suddenly everything our mom told us is coming to life). Though every phase can be daunting in its own unique way, the first 5 years of life are crucial in the development of a child.
Skills such as the first smile, the first step and waving “bye-bye” are all called developmental milestones, and it’s important to keep track. Children reach milestones in how they play, speak, learn, behave and move and every child is different! Here are a few milestones you can keep a lookout for during each phase of development:
0–3 Months
- Raises head slightly off the floor or bed when placed on the stomach
- Looks and fixates on your face
- Startles in response to sound
3–6 Months
- Rolls from side to side and stomach to back
- Recognizes parent
- Moves eyes in the direction of the sound
6–9 Months
- Stands with support
- Eats soft cookies or lumpy foods
- May say “dada” or “mama”
9–12 Months
- Pivots and scoots in sitting
- Imitates adult behavior
- Turns head immediately to own name
18–24 Months
- May walk up steps
- Drinks from cup
- Nods head “yes” or “no”
2 years
- Steers push toy
- Feeds self with a spoon and fork
- Uses sentences of 2 to 4 words
3 years
- Runs easily
- Turns doorknobs or door handles
- Carries on a conversation using 2–3 sentences
4 years
- Catches bounced ball most of the time
- Brushes teeth independently
- Uses sentences that give lots of detail
5 years
- Jumps rope, swings and climbs with ease
- Eats and dresses independently
- Counts 10 or more things
Our partners at Pediatrics Plus want parents to know that every child will reach these milestones at their own pace but having a guideline can help you keep track of where they’re at.
This is not a rulebook by any means, but if you notice your child falling behind and are worried about their development, talk to your pediatrician at your next checkup.
These are just a few of the milestones Pediatrics Plus provides, visit their blog for the full list and additional details.
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Sponsored content provided by Pediatrics Plus.
This sponsored content was originally published in September 2019.
