Your child will grow endlessly and quickly in the first few years of life. As she physically and emotionally develops, she will also develop cognitively, learning new skills and concepts each year. While each child will advance at different rates, there are some developmental milestones, usually tracked by age, that can help you chart your child's growth.
One Year
By one year of age, your little one will begin exploring his world. He may pick up an object and shake it, bang it, drop it or throw it and will be able to locate objects that have been hidden, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He will also imitate gesture and begin to use objects correctly, as he sees then used in the environment around him. That is, he will begin drinking from a cup or dialing a toy phone.
Two Years
At two years, your child will begin make-believe play, an indication that she is learning about the world around her. She will be able to find hidden objects after they have been covered two or three times as her brain processes become more complex. Another interesting cognitive development at two years is her ability to sort by color and shape.
Three to Four Years
Your three- or four-year-old toddler develops astonishing new cognitive skills. According to Baby Center, your preschooler will amaze you as he begins to solve disputes and problems by talking. He will begin noticing cause and effect as well as changes or differences in objects. Your child will learn to think logically and will have a new self-awareness. Basic time measurements will come naturally to him and he may even discuss or question death and birth.
Five Years
Entering kindergarten, your five-year-old should be able to count ten or more objects, according to the CDC. He will be able to correctly name four or more colors, understand time in a more concrete way and will be able to explain or at least acknowledge daily home activities and appliances. He may also understand basic monetary concepts.
