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