Developmental Milestones

Provided is an overview of developmental milestones for children ages 0 months - 6 years. Information below is based on standardized assessments including the HELP Strands and Developmental Programming for Infants and Young Children. If you notice a delay in your child reaching a milestone, talk with a healthcare professional for further information. 
Fine Motor/ Perceptual Milestones
  • 0 months - 1 year
    • Responds to different colors/ light
    • Uses palmar grasp (Holds small object against palm with fingers; no thumb)
    • Reaches and grasps toy
    • Pincer grasp (Uses tips of thumb and index finger)
    • Bangs two cubes held in hands
    • Imitates scribbles
  • 2 years - 4 years
    • Puts tiny objects into container
    • Holds crayon with thumb and fingers
    • Imitates pre-writing strokes (horizontal lines, vertical lines, circular strokes, and cross design)
    • Turns pages in book one at a time
    • Places six pegs in pegboard
    • Snips on line using scissors
    • Completes simple puzzle
  • 5 years - 6 years
    • Dynamic tripod grasp (held between the thumb and index finger, resting on middle finger)
    • Draws a simple picture
    • Colors a picture
    • Can distinguish right hand
    • Prints letter, numbers, simple words
    • Cuts out picture
Reflexes/ Reactions/ Response Milestones
  • 0 months - 1 year
    • Lifts head when held at shoulders
    • No head lag present
    • ATNR inhibited (Fencer position)
    • Moro reflex inhibited
    • Protective extension- arms and legs downward
    • Protective extension- arms behind back
    • Demonstrates balance reactions in kneeling position
Gross Motor Milestones
  • 0 months- 1 year
    • Lifts head while on tummy
    • Extends both legs
    • Rolls from tummy to back
    • Brings feet to mouth
    • Sits independently
    • Stands momentarily
    • Creeps on both hands and knees
    • Walks alone 2-3 steps
  • 2 years - 4 years
    • Mature walking
    • Runs
    • Kicks ball
    • Walks on tiptoes
    • Catches 8 inch ball
    • Jumps on both feet
    • Climbs on playground equipment
    • Hops on one foot
  • 5 years - 6 years
    • Stands on 1 foot
    • Throws tennis ball in forward stance
    • Walks on balance beam forward, backward, and sideways
    • Skips and gallops
    • Jumps rope
    • Rides bicycle
Self-Care Milestones
  • 0 months - 1 year
    • Opens and closes mouth in response to food
    • Coordinates sucking, swallowing, and breathing
    • Swallows purred food
    • Uses tongue to move food
    • Drinks from cup with help
    • Finger feeds
    • Chews and bites cracker
    • Feeds self with spoon
  • 2 years - 4 years
    • Begins to use fork
    • Pulls pants down with help
    • Unbuttons large buttons
    • Toilets independently (with exception of wiping)
    • Dresses independently (with exception of fasteners)
  • 5 years - 6 years
    • Cleans face
    • Bathes independently
    • Spreads with table knife
    • Ties shoes