Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age. They are physical or behavioral signs of development of infants and children. Rolling over, crawling, walking and talking are considered developmental milestones and provide important information regarding your child’s early development.
Child Development
Developmental Milestones
Your pediatrician uses milestones to monitor your child’s development. Children develop at their own pace so don’t be alarmed if your child misses a milestone. Below is a list of the developing skills that are considered:
- Gross motor skills: using large groups of muscles to sit, stand, walk, run, etc., keeping balance and changing positions
- Fine motor skills: using hands to be able to eat, draw, dress, play, write, and do many other things
- Language skills: speaking, using body language and gestures, communicating, and understanding what others say
- Cognitive skills: thinking skills including learning, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning, and remembering
- Social skills: interacting with others, having relationships with family, friends, and teachers, cooperating and responding to the feelings of others.
If there are concerns about your child’s development, there are early intervention supports to help, including publicly funded programs that provide services for free or at reduced cost for any child who is eligible.
Websites with Valuable Information about Developmental Milestones:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
This website is loaded with research-based information regarding child development and supportive resources.
https://www.healthychildren.org
This resource provides information on what to expect and how to prepare for your child’s doctor’s appointments from 3 days old all the way to 8 years old. Make the most of your child’s well-child checkups with this advice!
