Developmental Milestones for Children—Birth to Four Years
What Are Developmental Milestones?
Developmental milestones are guides to a child’s growth and achievement of new abilities. They inform parents, pediatricians, teachers, and other professionals of the development expected at each age.
A child may not achieve every milestone on schedule, but if they consistently fall behind this schedule, they may need help. An assessment by a pediatrician or pediatric therapist can determine if assistance is needed to help them catch up developmentally.
The following are just a few of the milestones for each age.
By Six Months:
Occupational:
- Passes objects from hand to hand
- Tries to grab objects that are out of reach
- Brings their feet to their mouth
Physical:
- Begins to sit without support
- Rolls over in both directions
- Begins to crawl on their belly
Speech and Language:
- Responds to their own name
- Makes babbling sounds that resemble words
- Coos, giggles and laughs
Feeding:
- Opens mouth when spoon is offered
- Begins to show taste preferences
- Bangs a spoon and puts it in mouth
By One Year:
Occupational:
- Points out objects
- Climbs stairs on hands and knees
- Begins to feed self with spoon, perhaps not neatly
Physical:
- Pulls self to standing position
- Pulls self into a seated position without assistance
- Walks by holding onto furniture
Speech and Language:
- Begins to use gestures such as waving for goodbye
- Says “mama” or “dada” or other names
- Responds to their own name or simple requests
Feeding:
- Drinks from a cup without a lid
- Able to pick up food and small objects with fingers
- Feeds self with fingers
By Eighteen Months:
Occupational:
- Assists during dressing and undressing
- Throws ball from a standing position
- Creeps down stairs independently
Physical:
- Walks unassisted
- Throws underhand
- Walks backwards while pulling a toy
Speech and Language:
- Says several single words
- Follows directions with just one part
- Names some body parts
Feeding:
- Begins to successfully feed self with spoon
- Uses jaw and tongue together to chew foods completely
- Begins to bite foods well
By Two Years:
Occupational:
- Builds tower with four or more blocks
- Notices when someone is hurt or upset
- Imitates behavior of adults or older children
Physical:
- Kicks a ball
- Runs well
- Walks up or down stairs while holding onto rail
Speech and Language:
- Says two or more words together
- Understands and uses 50 words
- Begins to initiate conversations
Feeding:
- Drinks more successfully from a cup with a spout
- Starts to stab food with a fork
- Knows the difference between food items and non-food items
By Three Years:
Occupational:
- Begins to share and take turns
- Joins other children at play
- Puts on own shoes unassisted
Physical:
- Runs easily
- Jumps with both feet off the floor
- Pedals tricycle
Speech and Language:
- Understands opposites like “stop” and “go”
- Asks “who,” “what,” and “why” questions
- Is understood by most people
Feeding:
- Drinks from a small open cup
- Shows improved accuracy when feeding with spoon and fork
- Eats foods with a variety of textures
By Four Years:
Occupational:
- Washes hands and face
- Brushes own teeth alone
- Comforts someone who is hurt or sad
Physical:
- Skips and climbs
- Catches a large ball
- Jumps forward
Speech and Language:
- Speaks in longer sentences of four or more words
- Sings some simple songs
- Knows basic colors
Feeding:
- Begins to be able to spread butter on bread
- Cuts food with child-friendly knife
- Feeds self an appropriate amount and chews with lips closed
Contact Us
Have questions about developmental milestones or your child’s progress? Call (925) 743-3322. Also, ask about our free 15-minute phone consultation!
