Parenting and childcare are replete with unlimited moments of joy—and plenty of questions. Is my child on track? When do they need to speak, walk, or hold a crayon? Early childhood development is a fascinating and significant period in the life of every child characterized by physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development milestones. These development milestones help parents, teachers, and caregivers track children’s development and identify areas where additional assistance may be required.
This article makes milestones easy to understand, why they matter, and useful advice to understand and assist a child in developing in the early years of their life.
What Are Developmental Milestones?
Developmental milestones are main skills or activities most children achieve within a specified range of ages. Developmental milestones are checkmarks, a rough sketch of a method of gauging a child’s development in a number of areas:
- Physical development (e.g., walking or crawling)
- Cognitive skills (e.g., problem-solving and language comprehension)
- Social and emotional development (e.g., attachment or playing with others)
- Communication skills (e.g., saying their first words)
Interestingly, milestones are not deadlines. All children develop at their own pace, and variations in reaching these milestones are entirely normal. But regular monitoring can help caregivers know when additional attention or intervention might be necessary.
Key Pillars of Child Development
To understand milestones better, it’s helpful to group them into primary areas:
| Domain | Examples of Milestones | Typical Age Range |
| Physical (Gross Motor) | Rolling over, crawling, standing, walking | 4 to 15 months |
| Fine Motor | Holding objects, using fingers to feed themselves, grasping crayons | 5 to 12 months |
| Cognitive | Recognizing faces, understanding cause and effect, problem-solving | 3 months to 2 years |
| Language | Babbling, saying first words, forming simple sentences | 6 months to 3 years |
| Social/Emotional | Smiling, playing peek-a-boo, expressing different emotions | Birth to 3 years |
Why are Milestones Important?
Milestones are dual-purpose. They reassure parents their child is progressing as expected. They also mark early signs of development delay or illness like autism spectrum disorder or speech delay. Early treatment by pediatricians and specialists can be much more successful when problems are identified at an early stage.
Disaggregating Milestones by Age
Then there are developmental milestones by age range:
Birth to 6 months
Infants at this age are staying busy acclimating to their new world. There will be lots of physical growth and sensory exploration.
- Physical: Lifts head during tummy time, starts rolling over, picks up objects.
- Cognitive: Begins tracking moving objects and recognizing familiar faces.
- Social/Emotional: Smiles at caregivers, loves being held and comforted.
- Language: Coos and makes babbling sounds, responds to noises.
6 to 12 Months
Babies start engaging more actively in the world during this period.
- Physical: Sits independently, pulls to stand, might begin crawling.
- Cognitive: Begins to understand object permanence (e.g., peek-a-boo).
- Social/Emotional: Forms close relationships with caregivers, stranger anxiety may emerge.
- Language: Responds to name, says simple words like “Mama” or “Dada.”
At this age, play is the key to helping children achieve milestones. Stacking blocks or playing with mirrors encourages curiosity and coordination.
1 to 2 Years
Toddlers grow fast and appear to keep their adults on their toes!
- Physical: Walks independently, starts climbing up furniture, begins scribbling with crayons.
- Cognitive: Acquires knowledge by trial and error, copies adult actions (e.g., pretend cooking).
- Social/Emotional: Begins parallel play (plays alongside other kids without playing with them).
- Language: Has two words, comprehends simple commands, points.
Pro Tip: Let them have some independence! Set up play areas where your toddler can experiment, like placing cups on top of one another or sorting out the shapes.
2 to 3 Years
At this age, toddlers are mastering a blend of motor, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Physical: Walks, climbs, rides tricycle.
- Cognitive: Begins problem-solving and understanding of basic things like color and shapes.
- Social/Emotional: Engages in symbolic play (i.e., “play doctor”).
- Language: Forms short sentences and enjoys a storytime.
By now, establishing structured routines will aid in the control of behavior and their adjustment to preschool.
3 to 5 Years (Preschool Age)
Preschoolers are rapidly growing independence and creativity.
- Physical: Evolves coordination skills (i.e., one foot balance, use of scissors).
- Cognitive: Begins simple thinking, can solve simple puzzles.
- Social/Emotional: Prefers to work together (e.g., working on group projects or team sports).
- Language: Speaks in shorter sentences and begins asking “Why?” about anything.
Facilitating imaginative play with dress-up attire or making up a story together will support emotional as well as cognitive growth.
Encouraging Milestones as a Caregiver
Are you wondering how you can become an active participant in helping a child grow? Some tried-and-true ways in which caregivers can encourage development at each stage are:
Developing a Stimulating Environment
- Use toys and activities appropriate to the child’s age to encourage exploration and skill-building.
- Examples include textured books for the infant or blocks for the toddler.
Encourage Interaction
- Engage in lots of back-and-forth interactions like reading, singing, or conversation (even with newborns).
Provide Ample Physical Activity
- Tummy time makes the baby strong, and outdoor activity promotes physical well-being in the toddler and preschooler.
Foster Social Skills
- Playgroups or preschool settings allow children to learn sharing, empathy, and cooperation.
Monitor Progress (Stress-Free)
Use tools like milestone checklists, but remember to appreciate minor triumphs at their own pace.
For additional guidance, tools like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s developmental milestone tracker can be an excellent resource.
When to Seek Advice
While differences are inevitable, there are certain indications that may imply professional counsel is warranted. Call a pediatrician if you notice:
- Lack of eye contact or interaction by 6 months.
- No crawling, babbling, or excitement about movement at 12 months.
- Limited use of expressive language or difficulty responding to command at 2 years.
Early intervention in the form of early childhood programs or therapies is possible to help children overcome the hurdle.
The Journey of Growth
Watching a child grow and achieve milestones is one of the most exhilarating parts of caregiving. While milestones are important guidelines, remember that each child is unique in their journey. Support and guide them as they move forward and stay alert to their unique needs.
Development is not a race—it’s an adventure.
For additional professional guidance, tactics, and personal assistance, read our resources and tools to guide you in cultivating your child step by step!
