Milestones: Tracking Your Child’s Development from Birth to Five

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Watching your child grow and develop is one of the most rewarding experiences of parenthood. From those first wobbly steps to the first day of school, every milestone is a testament to their incredible journey of growth and learning. Understanding the key developmental milestones for children from birth to age five can help parents and caregivers support their child’s progress and provide a foundation for a healthy and thriving future.

– Holds head up briefly when supported.

– Tracks moving objects with eyes.

– Makes random movements with arms and legs.

– Rolls from back to front and front to back.

– Sits with support.

– Begins to grasp objects.

– Crawls or scoots.

– Pulls self up to stand.

– Begins to use pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger) to pick up small objects.

– Takes first steps or walks with support.

– Climbs on furniture or stairs.

– Feeds self with fingers.

– Focuses on faces and high-contrast patterns.

– Begins to track objects with eyes.

– Recognizes familiar voices.

– Explores objects with mouth.

– Begins to understand object permanence (objects exist even when not seen).

– Responds to own name.

– Bangs objects together.

– Engages in simple pretend play (e.g., pretending to talk on the phone).

– Understands simple cause and effect.

– Understands simple instructions (e.g., “come here” or “give me”).

– Begins to sort shapes and objects.

– Engages in imitative play.

– Responds to caregiver’s voice and touch.

– Begins to show social smiles.

– Calms down when held.

– Shows attachment to primary caregivers.

– Responds to emotions of others.

– Begins to exhibit stranger anxiety.

– Demonstrates preferences for certain toys or activities.

– Engages in back-and-forth interactions (e.g., peek-a-boo).

– May experience separation anxiety.

– Demonstrates a range of emotions (joy, frustration, etc.).

– Begins to show independence (e.g., wanting to feed self).

– Enjoys simple games like pat-a-cake.

– Walks independently.

– Scribbles with crayons.

– Begins to feed self with utensils.

– Climbs stairs with assistance.

– Builds towers with blocks.

– Throws a ball.

– Runs, jumps, and climbs with coordination.

– Learns to use a spoon and fork.

– Begins to dress self (with assistance).

– Points to familiar objects when named.

– Identifies body parts.

– Begins to follow simple instructions.

– Matches objects with pictures.

– Begins to sort objects by shape or color.

– Engages in parallel play (playing alongside others without interaction).

– Names familiar objects and people.

– Identifies colors and shapes.

– Engages in imaginative play.

– Begins to show empathy (e.g., comforting others).

– Shows attachment to caregivers.

– May exhibit possessiveness over toys.

– Begins to imitate adult behaviors and roles.

– Shows interest in playing with peers.

– Begins to express a range of emotions verbally.

– Shows interest in playing with others (cooperative play).

– Develops a sense of identity (e.g., saying “I” or “me”).

– Begins to understand and express emotions more complexly.

– Hops and stands on one foot.

– Draws recognizable shapes and objects.

– Dresses and undresses independently.

– Skips, jumps, and balances with ease.

– Draws detailed pictures.

– Uses utensils with precision.

– Recognizes some letters and numbers.

– Follows simple instructions and rules.

– Engages in imaginative play with detailed stories.

– Recognizes and writes letters and some numbers.

– Understands concepts like counting, shapes, and sizes.

– Begins to show interest in reading and writing.

– Engages in complex play scenarios with peers.

– Begins to understand sharing and taking turns.

– Develops a sense of humor.

– Forms friendships and engages in cooperative play.

– Shows empathy and understanding of others’ feelings.

– Begins to express opinions and preferences.

As parents and caregivers, it’s important to remember that each child is unique and may reach milestones at their own pace. If you have concerns about your child’s development, consult a pediatrician or early childhood specialist for guidance and support. Providing a nurturing and stimulating environment, along with plenty of love and encouragement, will set the stage for your child to reach their full potential. Celebrate every milestone, big or small, and cherish each moment of this remarkable journey from birth to five.

The Learning Experience supports families through their child’s every milestone- find the nearest location to you!