Understanding the growth and development of your child is a critical part of parenting. Not only do children grow physically, but they also experience significant changes in speech, intellect, and emotions. These changes, known as developmental milestones, offer insights into whether your child is developing at a healthy pace. In this article, we’ll delve into the 5 stages of early child development and growth.
Newborn (0-2 Months)
Key Developmental Milestones:
- Reacts to external stimuli
- Moves head from side to side
- Focuses on close-up objects
- Turns towards sounds
- Cries to indicate needs
- Starts smiling by the third month
In the newborn stage, the world is an array of sensory experiences. From moving their head side to side to crying to indicate a need, newborns are beginning to react to the world around them.
Infant (3-12 Months)
Key Developmental Milestones:
- Recognizes familiar faces
- Starts to babble
- Controls head movement
- Sits without support
- Responds to their name
- Begins to crawl
- Points at objects
Infants go through a rapid phase of development. They learn to sit without support, start crawling, and even respond when their name is called. Communication begins to take form through babbling and gesturing.
Toddler (1-3 Years)
Key Developmental Milestones:
- Walks without assistance
- Runs and climbs stairs
- Waves goodbye
- Holds a pencil or crayon
- Learns simple words and short sentences
- Follows simple instructions
Toddlers are on the move, learning to walk, run, and climb. This is also a crucial time for language development, as toddlers start to form words and short sentences. They also begin to understand and follow simple instructions.
Preschool (3-5 Years)
Key Developmental Milestones:
- Refined motor skills
- Throws and catches a ball
- Learns to dress themselves
- Draws simple shapes
- Forms complete sentences
- Toilet training
Preschoolers show great leaps in both motor and language skills. Not only can they throw and catch a ball, but they can also draw recognizable shapes like a flower. This is also when they master toilet training and learn to dress themselves.
School-Age (6-17 Years)
Key Developmental Milestones:
- Learns to read and write
- Develops emotional intelligence
- Forms friendships
- Experiences sexual development
- Gains independence
As children enter the school-age stage, they develop more complex cognitive and emotional skills, including reading, writing, and forming their own opinions. Emotional development is also significant, as children make friends and express complex emotions like love and jealousy.
How Can You Track Your Child's Development?
If you're concerned about your child's growth and development, consult with a pediatrician for developmental screening tests. However, another easy way to track your child's growth is by using our Growth Calculator. This tool will help you see if your child is growing at a healthy pace based on various factors like age, gender, and more.
Final Thoughts
Each child is unique, and it's essential to remember that development is not a race. However, knowing what milestones to expect at each stage can help you offer the right support and spot any issues early on. At Healthy Heights, we're committed to supporting children's growth and development at every stage of their life.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any concerns about your child's health.
Interested in understanding more about your child's growth? Use our Growth Calculator to see where your kid is in their developmental journey. 📏👶