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Developmental Milestones

Discover the detailed guide to child development milestones from birth to 6 years, covering social-emotional, language-communication, cognitive, and movement-physical development. Learn about the significant stages of your child's growth and development.

Baby Developmental Milestones 1SpecialPlace

0-6 months

0 to 6 months mark a period of significant growth and development for your baby. Tracking their milestones in social/emotional, language/communication, cognitive, and movement/physical development is vital. From smiling in response to faces to grasping objects and rolling over, each milestone offers important insights into your baby's progress. Discuss these milestones with your baby's doctor during well-child visits to ensure they're on track and to anticipate their next stages of development.

0-6 months Baby Development Milestones
Social/Emotional Milestones:
  • Begins to smile in response to faces (around 1-2 months)

  • Shows interest in faces and follows objects with eyes (around 2-3 months)

  • Develops attachment to primary caregivers

  • Enjoys being held, cuddled, and talked to

6-12 months

The period between 6 to 12 months is an exciting time in your baby's development. From their first babbling sounds to taking their first steps, each milestone in social/emotional, language/communication, cognitive, and movement/physical development is a significant step forward. Keep track of these milestones and discuss them with your baby's doctor during well-child visits to ensure they're progressing well and to support their continued growth and development.

6-12 months Baby Development Milestones
Social/Emotional Milestones:
  • Begins to show stranger anxiety (around 6-9 months)

  • Exhibits separation anxiety when caregivers leave (around 9-12 months)

  • Begins to express preferences and dislikes

12-18 months

Between 12 to 18 months, your baby's development continues to unfold rapidly. From their growing independence to expanding vocabulary, each milestone in social/emotional, language/communication, cognitive, and movement/physical development highlights their progress. Take note of these milestones and discuss them with your baby's doctor during well-child visits to ensure they're meeting developmental expectations and to address any concerns.

12-18 months Baby Development Milestones
Social/Emotional Milestones:
  • Shows affection towards caregivers and familiar people

  • Begins to engage in simple pretend play (e.g., feeding dolls)

  • Begins to assert independence and may show signs of frustration

18-24 months

As your baby approaches their second birthday, they continue to reach new milestones in their development. From engaging in imaginative play to putting words together into simple sentences, each milestone in social/emotional, language/communication, cognitive, and movement/physical development reflects their growing abilities. Monitor these milestones and discuss them with your baby's doctor during well-child visits to ensure they're thriving and to seek guidance on supporting their ongoing development.

18-24 months Baby Development Milestones
Social/Emotional Milestones:
  • Engages in parallel play alongside other children

  • Shows increasing independence in daily routines (e.g., dressing self)

  • Begins to show empathy towards others (e.g., comforting a crying friend)

2 Years

At 2 years old, your toddler is making remarkable progress in their development. From asserting their independence to beginning to understand basic concepts, each milestone in social/emotional, language/communication, cognitive, and movement/physical development is a testament to their growth. Stay informed about these milestones and discuss them with your toddler's doctor during well-child visits to ensure they're on track and to address any areas of concern.

2 Years Baby Development Milestones
Social/Emotional Milestones:
  • Shows increasing independence and may assert themselves more

  • Begins to show empathy and understanding of others' emotions

  • Engages in simple pretend play and imitates adults and peers

3 Years

By 3 years old, your child's development continues to advance in leaps and bounds. From engaging in cooperative play to expressing themselves with more complex language, each milestone in social/emotional, language/communication, cognitive, and movement/physical development showcases their expanding capabilities. Keep an eye on these milestones and discuss them with your child's doctor during well-child visits to ensure they're thriving and to receive guidance on fostering their continued development.

3 Years Baby Development Milestones
Social/Emotional Milestones:
  • Engages in cooperative play with other children

  • Begins to express a wider range of emotions and may show empathy towards others

  • Shows increasing independence in daily routines and decision-making

Download a Free Milestones Guide for Parents

Here is a Comprehensive Guide for Parents Curated by Our Therapists

This is a very useful Guide for Parents! Happy Reading!

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