Stages of Development
The time between infancy and the toddler years is one of rapid growth and change. Each child is unique and develops at a different rate. Listed below are some of the activities most children do sometime during the age range. This is a quick guide to help you look at your child¡¦s development. It is not a complete developmental test. Regular screening by your nurse, doctor, or clinic is recommended (See HEALTH section).
Birth to 3 Months
- Startles or cries at sudden loud noises
- Looks at you, watches your face
- Takes a bottle or breast and sucks
- Follows objects at close range by turning head
- Moves arms and legs easily
- Makes gurgling or cooing sounds
- Smiles in response to your smile or voice
- Responds when comforted
3 Months to 6 Months
- Holds head upright without support
- Makes a lot of different sounds
- Laughs out loud
- Begins to show likes and dislikes
- Plays with own hands by touching them
- Lifts head and chest and holds weight on hands when on stomach
- Plays with toy placed within reach
- Plays with feet when on back
- Rolls from stomach to back and back to stomach
Reading to your baby encourages the child to associate reading with love and comfort.
6 Months to 12 Months
- Sits without help while playing with toys
- Transfers small objects from one hand to the other
- Copies speech sounds (ba-ba/ga-ga)
- Knows parents from strangers
- Lets you know needs with motions and sounds
- Pulls self up and stands with some help
- Imitates waving bye-bye
- Takes turns while playing with adults (actions, sounds, or facial expressions).
12 Months to 18 Months
- Picks up small objects (raisin size)
- Walks alone
- Feeds oneself with spoon
- Says two or three different words in addition to “Mama” and “Dada”
- Puts objects in and dumps from container
- Puts one object on top of another
- Holds and drinks from cup with some spilling
- Points to several things or pictures when named
- Asks for things using words
18 Months to 2 Years
- Moves body in time to music
- Walks up and down stairs with hand held
- Takes off shoes and socks
- Puts two words together (“More juice”)
- Interested in books
- Makes simple choices (“Juice or milk?”)
- Plays near but not with other children
- Scribbles
