Your child’s development: What to expect
Watching your child grow and develop is one of the most exciting parts of being a parent, especially in the early months when it seems every day brings a new skill.
Knowing what to expect from your child will help you in many ways. If you’re worried that they are not reaching some milestones, you can mention it to your doctor. As well, if you know what skills to expect at a specific age, you can be sure to take steps to keep your child safe (for example, keeping dangerous objects well out of reach before your baby starts crawling).
Children develop skills in several different areas:
- Gross motor: These are movements using the body’s large muscles and include sitting, standing, walking, running, keeping balance, and changing positions.
- Fine motor: These skills use the small muscles in the hands and fingers. Fine motor skills include using hands to eat, draw, dress, play, and write. They develop over time and also involve hand-eye coordination.
- Language: Speaking, using body language and gestures, and understanding what others say.
- Social: Connecting and having relationships with others, cooperating, and responding to others' feelings.
- Cognitive: These are thinking skills—learning, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning, and remembering.
The table below is a general guide for development from birth to age 4. Remember, all children are different and develop skills at different times. It is normal for a child to be behind in some areas and ahead in others.
For babies born prematurely, milestones are based on their corrected age (your baby's actual age minus the number of weeks or months they were born early).
If you have any concerns about your child’s development, or if they seem to be behind in more than one of the areas listed below, speak with your doctor.
Age | Gross motor | Fine motor | Social/Language | Cognitive |
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At the end of 3 months, most infants can… |
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At the end of 8 months, most babies can… |
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At 12 to 14 months, most babies can… |
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At 18 months, most babies can… |
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At 24 months, most toddlers can… |
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At 3 years, most toddlers can… |
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At 4 years, most preschoolers can… |
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Source: Well Beings: A Guide to Health in Child Care, 3rd edition
Reviewed by the following CPS committees
- Public Education Advisory Committee
Last updated: October 2019