by Bri Dandrea
As children grow from infants to toddlers and beyond, we measure their development by milestones. These developmental milestones help us track their progress with skills in gross motor, fine motor, and self care. Listed here are some key milestones and typical development indicators for different stages of a child’s life.
Milestone Development in the First Year
1-month-old
• Lifts head briefly during tummy time
• Uses all 5 senses
2-month-old
• Track objects with their eyes
• Brings hands to their mouth
3-month-old
• Brings arms and hands to their chest
• Smile at people
• Bat at objects
4-month-old
• Push themselves onto their forearms
• May roll to their side accidentally
5-month-old
• Reach for objects and hold them
• Lifts head when propped in sitting position by caregiver
6-month-old
• Sits up with support
• Ready for solid food
• Learns through games (peek-a-boo)
• Rolls to either side
7 to 8-month-old
• Sitting up without support
• Bangs objects together
• Stranger anxiety starts
9 to 10-month-old
• Crawling or creeping starts
• Move from scooping up their food with fingers to pinching food items
11 to 12-month-old
• Starts pulling-up to stand, cruising furniture, and may take their first step
• Use their first words
• Turns thick pages of paper (kids books are great)
Remember all children grow and develop at their own pace. These are just general stages of development. If you are concerned please contact your pediatrician or give me a call.
Milestones Development for Toddlers
1-year-old
• Holds crayons with whole hand
• Helps with undressing themselves
• Drinks from sippy cups, eventually moving to an open cup
• Walks independently
2-year-old
• Begins to run
• Builds towers with 4 or more blocks
• Sorts shapes and colors
• Follows along in a book
3-year-old
• Copies simple shapes and lines
• Jumps and climbs
• Can dress/undress themselves needing help with shoelaces, buttons, and other fasteners
4-year-old
• Catches a bounced ball most of the time
• Ability to play with one toy for 15 minutes
• Cuts out simple shapes
• Washes and dries hands independently
5-year-old
• Ties shoes
• Can write their own name
• Can do a somersault
• Can use the toilet on their own
This list contains just some of the skills I look for when I have a kiddo come into the clinic for an occupational therapy assessment. I can also assess these skills through standardized tests/assessments to ensure a child is receiving the best services. When a child is behind with one or multiple skills, I am able to help them grow and develop through individualized therapy sessions. Each child is so different in their interests and personalities. I use these differences to the child’s advantage in the session. For instance, if a child loves Paw Patrol or Star Wars, I will create activities based on these interests while still focusing on the skills they need to develop. Occupational therapy should be a place where a child wants to come.
Again, this is general information on milestones and typical development and not medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s development and meeting milestones, please call us, as we offer complimentary 30-minute consultations.