What are Developmental Milestones?

Although most children develop and learn skills at different rates as they grow up, some general developmental milestones can help you gauge how your child is progressing.  

Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age and these milestones can be used as a ‘checklist’ to help you identify any potential problems early on, as well as provide positive reassurance for yourself and your child.  

Keep reading to learn more about these developmental milestones and how they relate to physical, communication, emotional and cognitive skills that children learn and develop as they grow up. 

Physical milestones 

Physical milestones are usually some of the first milestones that children develop and include large and fine motor skills. Physical milestones also include eating, sleeping, reflexes and vision. 

Large motor skills can be sitting up, rolling over, crawling and walking, whereas fine motor skills include holding cutlery or a pen, picking up small objects and toys and drawing or writing.  

Social and Emotional Milestones  

These milestones are all about how your child begins to develop empathy and understand their own and others’ emotions. Children also learn how to interact and play with other children and adults.  

Cognitive Milestones 

These milestones are all about your child developing skills around thinking, learning and problem-solving. Examples include young children learning how to respond to facial expressions, learning the alphabet or learning how to read. 

Communication Milestones 

This involves both verbal and non-verbal communication such as pointing, learning their first words or the ability to string their first sentence together.  

What Developmental Milestones to Look Out For 

Some children can reach developmental milestones later than other children, however, there are certain age ranges and things to look out for. It is important to be aware of milestones such as: 

• Your child should be smiling from two months and laughing from four to five months old 
• Your child be able to lift or hold their head up by three to four months old 
• They should self-soothe by four months old 
• They should roll over or reach for objects or toys by six months old 
• Your child should be able to pick up a spoon by seven to twelve months old 
• Your child should sit by ten months and stand by twelve months old 
• They should babble by ten months or wave ‘bye bye’ by twelve to fourteen months old 
• They should be able to play pretend or imitate others by ten to eighteen months old 
• Walking up steps can vary but generally between one and two years old 
• Your child should be able to start counting by four to five years old 
• They should be able to write letters and tie their shoes by five years old 

How We Can Help at All About Kids 

By understanding these developmental milestones and what age ranges are typical for your child to meet them, you can make sure your child is learning and developing at the right time. This also makes you more prepared if your child does experience any delays by being aware of them and getting help early on. 

If developmental delays do occur, we are here to help your child at All About Kids.  

We will assess your child and come up with an individual care plan to improve any potential developmental difficulties. We will work together alongside you to provide the best support for your child and your family.   

Contact us via phone or email here to make an initial enquiry.