Birth to 3 Months
- During this time, you can expect your newborn to change from a sleeping lump to a smiling baby that can track people and objects with his or her eyes.
- Your newborn prefers to look at faces and bright colors.
- They can reach toward their hands and feet, and turn their head toward a sound.
- You can expect your newborn to cry during this stage, but be easily soothed when held.
- During this time, your baby depends totally upon your care.
- Adequate nutrition and healthcare, such as immunizations and hygiene, is important to your newborn.
- It is also imperative that you respond quickly to your newborn's cries to help relieve stress.
- Stimulate your newborn's motor, sensory and language development by moving his or her hands and feet, providing them with colors and sounds, and talking to them often.
Age 4-6 Months
- During this developmental stage, your baby will begin to repeat actions that have a result that interests them, such as dropping a toy for you to retrieve.
- Your baby will be able to listen and respond with his or her eyes or with noises when you speak to your baby.
- Laughing, cooing and imitating sounds are milestones during this time.
- Your child may say "da da" or "ma ma".
- Your baby will explore his or her hands and feet, and begin to put objects in his or her mouth.
- Your child can sit up with help, as well as roll over.
- Your baby will grasp items using the raking method of all four fingers and palm.
- Continue to provide your child with the nutrition and health care that he or she needs.
- Baby food is often started during this time, and your baby should continue to nurse or take formula.
- Talk to your baby often to encourage language and social development, and provide your baby with tummy time to strengthen muscles in the neck and those needed for crawling."
Age 7-12 Months
- Babies during this stage can identify themselves, body parts and voices and people that are familiar to them.
- They begin to know common words and their own name.
- You may expect your baby to say his or her first meaningful words (not just da da and ma ma sounds).
- Your baby can sit unattended, as well as crawl, and pull him or herself up to stand.
- Your baby may also begin to walk during this time.
- He or she may begin to notice strangers and be shy around anyone unfamiliar.
- Your baby is becoming independent, crawling and exploring new areas.
- It is important, then, that you baby-proof your home with outlet covers, baby gates, etc.
- Continue to stimulate your baby's motor and language development, pointing out names of objects and reading simple books to your baby.
- Never force your baby to go to someone unfamiliar if your baby is shy or scared.
Age 1-2 Years
- Your child is continuing to become independent and is walking, climbing stairs and running.
- He or she may wish to do simple tasks alone, as well as help you with tasks.
- Toddlers may imitate adult actions (so be careful!), as well as speak and understand more words and ideas.
- They may begin to know objects, such as toys and clothes, that belong to them.
- Your toddler will begin to develop friendships, as well as pretend play.
- Encourage your toddler's social development by providing him or her with opportunities to play with other children.
- This is a good time to encourage sharing and self-control.
- Allow your child to develop independence by allowing your child to complete tasks as well as giving him or her choices in food, clothing, etc.
Age 2 - 3,5 Years
- It may seem that your child is always on the go during this time.
- At this age, children enjoy learning and continue to add new words to their vocabulary.
- Their fine motor skills are developing.
- They are more independent, but easily frustrated.
- Continue to provide your child with social opportunities.
- Focus on choice-making, dramatic play and reading to your child.
Age 3,5 -5 Years
- Your child's attention span is longer during this time.
- He or she may talk a lot and ask questions ("why?"), or be outgoing physically.
- Your child will enjoy playing with friends and will begin to understand the concept of sharing and taking turns.
- Your child will probably be potty trained during this time, but he or she may still wet the bed.
- Help your child expand language skills by talking with him or her often, as well as reading and singing.
- Allow your child to gain pre-writing and pre-reading skills by telling you a story, drawing pictures and mastering a pencil.
- Encourage cooperation by giving opportunities to help and share.
Age 5-8 Years
- During this stage of development, your child's world may begin to change.
- He or she will begin school, so relationships and learning will come to the forefront.
- Your child will begin to notice the world and the people in it, and become more outgoing.
- Language will continue to flourish with your child using words to express his or her feelings and help cope with experiences.
- Your child will become more interested in numbers and letters, as well as reading and writing.
- Help your child develop reading skills by reading with them, as well as pointing out sounds of letters.
- Strengthen social skills by giving your child opportunities to practice teamwork, as well as problem solve.
- Encourage and praise your child often in order to help develop a sense of competency and increase self esteem.
- Aid your child in acquiring basic life skills, such as taking care of his or her own hygiene, belongings, etc.
- These stages and checklists are only to be taken as a guide. Know that every child is unique, so your child may develop at a different pace.
- If you have questions or concerns about your child's development, discuss these issues with your child's pediatrician.