What are developmental milestones?

Developmental milestones are specific skills and behaviors most children reach by a particular age. Milestones track growth in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development and are organized into three different areas:

• Physical milestones: Gross motor skills (like walking or jumping) and fine motor skills (like picking up objects with fingers).

• Speech and language milestones: Understanding and using verbal and nonverbal language.

• Social and emotional milestones: Interacting with others, managing emotions, and building relationships.

Developmental milestones during toddlerhood

Here are developmental milestones commonly seen in toddler children between the ages of 1 and 3:

• Gross motor: Walking, running, climbing

• Fine motor: Holding utensils, scribbling with crayons, picking up toys or objects

• Speech and language: Understanding simple instructions, forming sentences

• Social and emotional: Parallel play (playing alongside others without interacting), showing affection, developing self-awareness

• Cognitive: Recognizing familiar people, learning simple problem-solving tasks, imaginative play

Developmental milestones for 1-year-olds

• Takes first steps

• Says one to three words

• Follows simple commands

• Engages in simple games like peek-a-boo

• Picks up small objects with thumb and index finger (pincer grasp)

Developmental milestones for 18-month-olds

• Beginner walking skills

• Says 10 to 20 words

• Scribbles

• Drinks from cup

• Shows a range of emotions

• Points to body parts

Developmental milestones for two-year-olds

• Runs

• Uses over 50 words

• Combines two words

• Follows two-step commands

• Engages in imaginative play

• Shows signs of independence

Developmental milestone for three-year-olds

• Climbs

• Speaks in short sentences

• Sorts objects

• Plays cooperatively with others

• Self-dresses with assistance

• Shows empathy towards others

How to support your child's development by age

1 year

• Support walking by holding their hands

• Provide opportunities for safe exploration

• Talk and read to your baby regularly

18 months

• Offer opportunities for independent and parallel play

• Encourage self-feeding

• Offer choices

Two years

• Provide opportunities for active play

• Introduce simple puzzles

• Model and reinforce simple language skills

Three years

• Offer opportunities for pretend play (like playing dress-up or using dolls)

• Engage in interactive games with others

• Read daily

Developmental progress

Every child is different and develops at their own pace. While developmental milestones provide general benchmarks, it's normal for children to reach them at different times. Some children excel in one area and take their time in others. Factors like temperament, family environment, and biology influence developmental progress. Instead of comparing your child to other children, focus on their patterns of progress.

If your child doesn't meet a milestone on time, it's not a cause for concern. Instead, focus on their overall developmental progress in all areas.

When to consult your pediatrician

Contact your local or Summer Health pediatrician if your child:

• Misses multiple developmental milestones

• Shows a noticeable regression in skills (like losing language or motor abilities)

• Seems significantly delayed in areas such as speech, social interaction, or physical mobility

• Shows problems with hearing, vision, or overall health that could impact development

If needed, your pediatrician will refer your child to a developmental specialist for further evaluation and support.