Stages of physical development refer to what your child is able to do by the time he reaches certain points in his life, usually arranged by years. Stages are usually divided into age groups: the first two years, preschool age and school-aged groups. If you are not sure if your child is developing how he should, contact your physician for advice.
Three Months
At three months of age, your child should be able to raise her head and chest when she lies on her stomach, according to the Centers for Disease Control. She should be able to bring her hand to her mouth and open and shut her hands. By the end of three months, your baby should be able to grasp and hold toys or other light objects.
One to Two Years
During the first year or two, you will notice incredibly fast physical development. By the time your child reaches two years of age, he will be walking by himself and even able to carry large toys while he walks. The pediatrician-run website Healthy Children reports that you should notice him beginning to run and standing on his toes. Also, he will be able to kick a ball by two years. He will favor one hand over the other for scribbling and eating.
Three Years
Human development experts Joyce Powell and Charles Smith say that a 3-year-old child is able to feed herself and hold a glass in one hand. She will be able to fold paper, use the toilet, catch a ball and throw a ball overhead, walk up steps and dress herself. She will also be able to jump with both of her feet and pedal a tricycle.
Four Years
At four, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a child can jump on one foot, go up and down steps, kick backwards, catch a bounced ball and move forwards and backwards with agility. He can now use scissors and can draw some elementary shapes like circles and squares, as well as a few letters.
Five Years
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that a healthy 5-year-old should be able to stand on one foot for over 10 seconds. She will hop and do somersaults. Your 5-year-old should also be able to swing and climb furniture and equipment. She might even be able to skip. She can use her fingers to draw people and print letters. She will also finally be able to use a fork and spoon.
Six to Twelve Years
As your child enters the later childhood years before turning into an official teenager, there is a wide range of development. According to Kids Health, a children's health website, your child will grow 2 1/2 inches each year. At this time, your child may grow longer legs and feet first but will eventually even out in appearance. This awkward and fast growth can result in self-consciousness, but discussing puberty and development with your child can help.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Important Milestones---by the End of Three Months
- Healthy Children: Developmental Milestones---2 Years
- National Network for Child Care: Developmental Milestones---A guide for Parents
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Important Milestones -- By the End of Four Years
- Healthy Children: Physical Development -- What's Normal? What's Not?
