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