From Crib to Kindergarten
A guide to your child’s development
This guide shows the normal signs of growth in a young child.
Some children develop faster than this. Those who develop slower may have
special needs. If you think your child may have special needs, we have resources. Contact us for more information.
ONE MONTH
·
Raises head slightly when lying on stomach
·
Holds head up momentarily when supported
·
Briefly watches and follows object with eyes
·
Avoids mildly annoying sensations (placement
of cloth on face)
·
Some ‘noise in throat’ sounds
TWO MONTHS
·
Holds head erect, bobbing, when supported in
sitting position
·
Follows moving person with eyes
·
Imitates or responds top smiling person with
occasional smile
·
Vocalizes
THREE MONTHS
·
Lifts head and chest when lying on stomach
·
Vigorous body movement
·
Head control is improving
·
Recognizes bottle or breast
·
Coos/chuckles
FOUR MONTHS
·
Good head control
·
Rolls from side to side
·
Takes object when held near hand
·
May begin reaching
·
Follows moving object when held in sitting position
·
Laughs aloud
·
Enjoys play
SIX MONTHS
·
Sits with minimal support
·
Rolls from back to stomach
·
Transfers object from hand to hand and from
hand to mouth
·
Babbles more than two sounds
NINE MONTHS
·
Sits alone – Changes position without
falling
·
Plays with 2 objects at the same time
·
Unwraps block
·
Says ‘Mama’ ‘Baba’
TWELVE MONTHS (1 YR)
·
Pulls self to standing – May step with
support
·
Picks things up with thumb and one finger
·
Stacks two blocks
·
Gives toy on request
·
Gives affection
·
Follows simple directions accompanied by gestures
·
May say 2 or 3 words
FIFTEEN MONTHS
·
May walk without support
·
Stacks 3 blocks
·
Vocalizes – Voice up and down sounds like
conversation
·
May use 4 or 5 words
·
Some self-feeding
EIGHTEEN MONTHS
·
Walks – May run a bit
·
Climbs up or down one step
·
Likes pull toys
·
Likes being read to
·
Makes mark with crayon on paper or table
·
Partially feeds self
·
May use 5-10 words
TWENTY-FOUR MONTHS (2 YRS)
· Kicks large ball
· Turns pages (2 or 3 at a time)
· Imitates housework
· Recognizes familiar picture – knows if upside down
· Asks for items by name
· Uses 2 or 3 words together such as ‘More juice’
THIRTY-SIX MONTHS (3 YRS)J
· Walks up stairs
· Stands momentarily on one foot
· Rides tricycle
· Feeds self
· Opens door
· Verbalizes toilet needs
FORTY-EIGHT MONTHS (4 YRS)
· Hops in place
· Throws ball over head
· Catches bounced ball
· Copies circle
· Points to 6 basic colors
· Knows own sex, age, full name
· Begins to play with other children
· Uses sentences with correct grammar such as “Can I go to the store?” or “I want a big cookie.”
· Washes hands unassisted
SIXTY MONTHS (5 YRS)
· Walks backward heel-toe
· Runs on tiptoe
· Prints a few capital letters
· Recognizes own printed name
· Cuts food with knife
· Plays with others
· Responds by showing penny, nickel, dime
· Answers verbally to “Hi” and “How are you?”
· Laces shoes
