Children change more physically and emotionally during the first five years of life than at any other time. Each stage of early development includes advances in physical and behavioral development. All children do not meet milestones simultaneously, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but developmental milestones offer an idea of changes to expect.
Infancy (Birth to 1 Year)
From birth until three months, babies become self-aware and aware of surroundings. Jerky movements at one month become smooth by 3 months. Initial blurry vision gets clear, and infants can see up to 12 inches away. Babies smile at familiar faces by three months and support their heads with their necks by 3 months. By six months, babies can sit with minimal support and reach for objects, according to the CDC.
Rolling by three months and moving from one point to another via crawling or scooting is followed by pulling up to stand by one year, according to Zero to Three: Child Development. The average child learns to walk between 10 and 15 months, according to the CDC.
During the first year, infants learn to babble, then talk. They become anxious when separated from their parents or caregivers, according to the PBS Parents Child Development Tracker.
Toddlerhood (1 to 3 Years)
Toddlers focus on refining gross motor development by practicing walking, according to the CDC. Toward the end of this stage, they can kick a ball, climb stairs, run and jump.
Fine motor skills are enhanced as they learn to scribble and draw, according to Zero to Three.
They can understand and follow simple commands, imitate others, show interest in other children and become more independent and defiant.
Receptive language skills develop, including answering yes or no questions and identifying body parts, according to the CDC. Expressive language skills also develop. During play, the child uses noises, such as beeping while pushing a toy car.
Preschool Age (3-5 years)
By age three, a child can build tall block towers, use scissors to cut shapes and hold utensils with fingers. Children consistently use one hand over the other for scribbling, according to Zero to Three.
Gross motor skills include skipping, hopping and catching a small ball.
Preschool-age children can follow up to three unrelated instructions, identify the primary colors, and know concepts such as up or down, heavy or light, says the CDC.
During this period, children ask what new words mean, can retell a story, count 10 or more items and sort objects by size, shape and color, according to the CDC.
By age five, they engage in imaginary play, imitate friends, follow rules, can dress and undress and handle bathroom needs alone and understand gender.
