Developmental Milestones for Children Ages Birth to Three Years Old

Developmental Milestones for Children Ages Birth to Three Years Old

Although every child grows differently and there are variations of what is considered developmentally “within normal limits”, there are specific milestones that all children should reach by certain milestones ages. It is important to note that this chart is based on chronological ages; if a child is premature, this chart can apply to their adjusted age. This article will chart typical developmental for children birth to three years old across all developmental domains: cognitive, social-emotional, self help (adaptive skills), and motor developmental, both gross motor and fine motor.

By three months, infants are consumed by adaptive skills. At this age level, babies should be able to urn their heads, move both eyes in the same direction, recognize the bottle/breast, react to sudden sounds and make cooing sounds. Within this time, the infants start to grasp toys, hold fisted hands, kick arms/legs, lift head when on stomach, and smile.

At six months, once they have passed the 0-3 age phase, babies will start interacting within their environment more. Babies should follow moving objects, turn towards the source of sounds, and reach for desired objects. Infants between three and six months can play with their toes, help hold the bottle during feedings, recognize familiar faces, and babble (sweet sounds!).

By nine months of age, babies become more physically active. Physically, babies can sit without support, pull to standing, and crawl. Furthermore babies are able to drink from a cup, play interactive games (i.e. peek-a-boo), wave bye, stack two blocks, and know approximately 5 words (i.e. look at mom when someone says ‘momma’; retrieve a bottle when requested).

Within the first year, babies have grown into pulling, pushing, and dumping things. Milestones such as walking, feeding themselves, and assisting in dressing/undressing are emerging. By 12 months, children like to look at pictures, use crayons, and follow simple directions (i.e. come here).

At two years of age, toddlers are assertive. They become increasingly more verbal using two word sentences, labeling common objects, and using verbal requests (i.e. more juice). At this stage, two year olds identify body parts, like to imitate adults/peers, build larger block towers, turn pages in a book, and show affection. They can also be extremely determined to have things ‘their way”. Temper tantrums are very common at this age.

By three years old, children are completely independent. They are able to walk up/down steps, put on their own shoes, use three-to-five word sentences, and are fully toilet trained. Three year old children can play with other children, name at least one color correctly, and ride a tricycle.

Written by Lilya Popovetsky of Adoptiondoctors.com

* Note: The information and advice provided is intended to be general information, NOT as advice on how to deal with a particular child's situation and or problem. If your child has a specific problem you need to ask your pediatrician about it -- only after a careful history and physical exam can a medical diagnosis and/or treatment plan be made. This website does not constitute a physician patient relationship

Article Source: http://www.adoptiondoctors.com/articles

Lilya Popovetsky, MA SpEd, CAS, SDA is the founder of A Multilingual Development Agency, an Early Intervention agency for children from birth to three years old in Nassau County, NY. She obtained a Master’s Degree from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College in Early Childhood Special Education, with a dual certification in General Education. Lilya went on to complete an educational administration degree from Hofstra University. If your child is not meeting these milestones, you are entitled to have a free developmental evaluation. Call A Multilingual Development Agency, if you reside within Nassau County, at (516) 730 – 5001.

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