Every baby develops at his/her own pace, so it is impossible to tell exactly when your child will learn a given skill in developmental milestones. The listed milestones below will give you a general idea of the changes you can expect. Do not be alarmed if your own baby’s development takes a slightly different course and/or pace.
By the end of 12 months
Cognitive Development
- Explores object in many different ways (shaking, banging, throwing, dropping)
- Finds hidden object easily
- Looks at correct picture when the image is named
- Imitates gestures
- Begins to use objects correctly (drinking from cup, brushing hair, dialing phone, listening to receiver)
Physical Movement
- Reaches sitting position without assistance
- Crawls forward on belly
- Assumes hands-and-knees position
- Creeps on hands and knees
- Gets from sitting to crawling or prone (lying on stomach) position
- Pulls self up to stand
- Walks holding on to furniture
- Stands momentarily without support
- May walk two or three steps without support
Hand and Finger Skills
- Uses pincer grasp
- Bangs two objects together
- Puts object into container
- Takes objects out of container
- Let objects go voluntarily
- Pokes with index finger
- Tries to imitate scribbling
By the end of 2 years (24 months)
Cognitive Development
- Finds objects even when hidden under two or three covers
- Begins to sort by shapes and colors
- Begins make-believe play
Physical Movement
- Walk alone
- Pulls toys behind while walking
- Carries large toy or several toys while walking
- Begins to run
- Stands on tiptoe
- Kicks a ball
- Climbs onto and down from furniture unassisted
- Walks up and down stairs holding on to support
Hand and finger skills
- Scribbles on his or her own
- Turns over container to pour out contents
- Builds tower of four blocks or more
- Might use one hand more often than the other
By the end of 5 year (60 months)
Cognitive Development
- Can count 10 or more objects
- Correctly names at least four colors
- Better understands the concept of time
- Knows about things used every day in the home (money, food, appliances)
Physical Movement
- Stands on one foot for 10 seconds or longer
- Hops, somersaults
- Swing, climbs
- May be able to skip
Hand and finger skills
- Copies triangle and other shapes
- Draws person with body
- Prints some letters
- Dresses and undresses without help
- Uses fork, spoon, and (sometimes) a table knife
- Usually cares for own toilet needs