Child development stages
Child Developmental Stages & Growth Chart
Children will grow and develop at different paces. Although their paths through childhood will differ, children generally will pass a set of milestones along the way. “Child development” is a term used to define a child’s progression and describe how they become able to perform certain tasks and develop functional skills as they grow older.
These skills fall into four main categories including, physical development, language and communication, thinking and cognitive skills as well as social and emotional. A child’s physical development indicates their progression of movements, use of muscles and fine motor skills.
Language skills refer to the child’s communication capabilities, how they speak, use their body language and gestures. Cognitive development involves thinking skills, for instance, how your child learns, how they understand and solve problems. Social milestones comprise interaction, cooperation and relationship skills.
Age
Physical /
Motor Skills
Language /
Communication
Thinking /
Cognitive
Social /
Emotional
Birth to 3 Months
Makes jerky arm movements
Holds hands in tight fists
Brings hand within range of eyes and mouth
Head falls back when unsupported
Raises & moves head side to side when lying on their stomach
Begins reflexes including, sucking, grasping & holding their tongue to the roof of their mouth
Infants pay close attention to sounds and language
Responds to speech by looking at the person speaking
Reacts to changes in tone, pitch, volume and intonation
Communicates with movements including crying, jabbering and laughing
Attempts to mimic sounds
Most infants can see within 13 inches clearly
Starts to focus & follow moving objects and people
Can see all colors
Distinguishes tastes involving, sweet, sour, bitter and salty
Preference for high contrast items
Responds with facial expressions to strong odors
Begins to suck fingers
Watch and Observe Hands
Children will grow and develop at different paces. Although their paths through childhood will differ, children generally will pass a set of milestones along the way. “Child development” is a term used to define a child’s progression and describe how they become able to perform certain tasks and develop functional skills as they grow older.
These skills fall into four main categories including, physical development, language and communication, thinking and cognitive skills as well as social and emotional. A child’s physical development indicates their progression of movements, use of muscles and fine motor skills.
Language skills refer to the child’s communication capabilities, how they speak, use their body language and gestures. Cognitive development involves thinking skills, for instance, how your child learns, how they understand and solve problems. Social milestones comprise interaction, cooperation and relationship skills.
Age
Physical /
Motor Skills
Language /
Communication
Thinking /
Cognitive
Social /
Emotional
Birth to 3 Months
Makes jerky arm movements
Holds hands in tight fists
Brings hand within range of eyes and mouth
Head falls back when unsupported
Raises & moves head side to side when lying on their stomach
Begins reflexes including, sucking, grasping & holding their tongue to the roof of their mouth
Infants pay close attention to sounds and language
Responds to speech by looking at the person speaking
Reacts to changes in tone, pitch, volume and intonation
Communicates with movements including crying, jabbering and laughing
Attempts to mimic sounds
Most infants can see within 13 inches clearly
Starts to focus & follow moving objects and people
Can see all colors
Distinguishes tastes involving, sweet, sour, bitter and salty
Preference for high contrast items
Responds with facial expressions to strong odors
Begins to suck fingers
Watch and Observe Hands