Developmental milestones from birth to two years

Developmental milestones are important for comparison and to make sure that a child is growing at what is considered the normal pace. For this we will take a look at some important milestones from birth to 3 years. These developmental milestones are considered a rough account of how a child should develop. Some children will demonstrate all of these while others will master some skills and may lag behind in others. Generally physicians would not consider it a sign of developmental delay unless the child is markedly slow in some areas of development. General milestones from birth to 3 years are mentioned below and it must be noted that these milestones are important for professionals in related fields since they can assess a child's progress against these milestones and at the same time study the reasons behind developmental delays.

Birth to one year:

Motor Skills

During this critical period of growth, the child develops some important motor skills. From lifting his head by the age of 3 months to learning to stand, the child develops fast. By the age of one, the child should be able to sit without support, crawl properly, and show interest in standing and some may even take few steps with support. Among some gross motor skills, the child will also show understanding of dressing by offering one arm or foot.

Sensory and Thinking Skills

By the age of 12 months, the child would know what music is and move his body along with music. He can open his mouth when food is offered; he can look for things as they fall out of sight and also can copy the sounds and actions parents make.

Language and Social Skills

The child can make sounds that resemble words, May even say his first word, Show distress when others look sad or under stress, raise his arms to be picked up, Follow simple instructions like "get your toy from the floor"

BY THE AGE OF 2 YEARS

Motor Skills

By this age, the child can drink from a straw, feed himself with a spoon, cooperates when his hands are being washed, can put arms through sleeves, can open and close closets, cabinets, doors etc. The child can also figure out a mechanical toy, walk and run without support, bend to pick up things, can even move backwards.

Sensory and Thinking Skills

The child is more interested in exploration of surrounding, can point to some body parts, can take things apart to see what's inside. Enjoy music, show interest in some shows more than others; develop preference for some kid programs.

Motor skills

Dress himself usually with little help, feed himself, open and close doors, hold glass with one hand, can use crayons well, build towers, throw ball overhead etc.

Sensory and thinking skills

By this age, the child usually develops the concept of time and hence can understand soon, later, fast etc. he can remember yesterday and what they did before. He also develops sense of danger and avoids little dangers like avoiding a car on the street. Also knows shapes

Language skills

Talk in more complex and longer sentences, the child can also use plurals, knows colors if not all then at least a few. Can play with children in a group and can follow directions to some extent.