Child Development

Ages 3 months through 4 years

Every parent wants to know how their child is doing. Are they a "star," doing better than the average? Are they falling behind, and is that a sign of a serious problem or just a little bump in the road to development? The following is a list of some of the milestones you can expect a child to achieve and the average times he or she will reach them. The list is by no means complete but can give you a hand in understanding how your child is developing.

Some cautions

There are a couple of things you should be aware of. First, don't take a snapshot. Observe your child over a period of time, which means weeks, not a few days or hours. Each child will develop at a different rate and can have a bad day. If your child seems to be lagging behind, see your pediatrician.

Secondly, if your child was born premature (Read about "Preterm Labor"), be sure to deduct that time from their age. A 5 month old that was born 2 months premature should be expected to have the development of a 3 month old according to the March of Dimes.

Here are some of the milestones you can watch for at different stages. Sources include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

3 to 4 months

• Weight: 10-18 pounds
• Length: 23-27 inches
• Sleeps about 6 hours overnight
• Sleeps a total of 14-17 hours in a 24 hour period
• Lifts head and chest while lying on stomach
• Eyes follow a moving object or person
• Can grasp objects
• Wiggles and kicks with arms and legs
• Can make cooing and gurgling sounds
• Smiles when smiled at, coos
• Reacts to sounds of voice, rattle, bell and peek-a-boo games

6 to 8 months

• Weight: 14-23 pounds
• Length: 25-30 inches
• First teeth begin to show up
• Reaches for and grasps objects (Read about "Crib Toys")
• Explores objects by touching, shaking, banging and mouthing
• Able to sit with little or no support
• Pulls self up to sitting position with some help
• May pull self into crawling position
• Babbles, responds to sounds
• Shows displeasure or satisfaction by making various noises
• Imitates sounds and actions made by others
• Smiles at self in a mirror

12 months

• Weight: 17-27 pounds
• Length: 27-32 inches
• Sleeps less overall, sleeps mostly at night
• Can drink from a cup without help
• Starts to eat with fingers
• Crawls easily
• Stands while holding onto something
• Takes first tentative steps
• Speaks first word
• Responds to name
• Affectionate to familiar adults
• Fearful of strangers
• Shows concern when separated from main caregiver

2^nd year

The changes in the second year can be almost as dramatic as in the first. This listing is broken up into 2 parts. Once again, remember that every child develops differently. So parents shouldn't panic if their child seems a little behind at 18 months, but if they are concerned, they should see their pediatrician.

12 to 18 months

• Pulls off socks, mittens and hat
• Turns pages in a book
• Can feed self with a spoon
• Picks up objects with thumb and first finger
• Loves flushing the toilet and closing doors
• Will carry small objects like a blanket, doll or other toy while walking
• Walks without help
• Scribbles with a crayon
• Can follow simple one step directions
• Starts to say words you can understand
• Can say "hi," "bye" or "please" when reminded
• Plays alone on the floor with toys
• Is upset when separated from primary care givers

18-24 months

• Can drink from a straw
• Opens cabinets, drawers and boxes (Read about "Childproof Home")
• Able to climb stairs
• Able to bend over and pick things up without falling
• Likes to take things apart
• Uses two or three word sentences
• Will hum or even try to sing
• Occasionally gets angry and may have temper tantrums
• Takes turns while playing with others
• Aware of parental approval and disapproval
• Will look at one book over and over again
• Can point to eyes, ears or nose when asked

3^rd year

• Feeds self with some spilling
• Opens doors
• Holds glass in one hand
• Holds a crayon easily
• Throws a ball, ride a tricycle
• Tries to catch a large ball
• Puts on shoes but not tie laces
• Uses toilet with some help
• Will ask to use the toilet
• Jumps with both feet
• Attention span of about 3 minutes
• Knows what happened the day before
• Knows a few numbers
• Will look at a book alone
• Can match an object to a picture correctly
• Three to five words sentences common
• Can name familiar objects
• Knows own name, age
• Aware of their own gender

4^th year

• Tries to use a fork
• Holds a pencil
• Tries to write name
• Can tell a story
• Can draw a circle and/or a face
• Attempts to button, buckle and lace while dressing
• May completely undress if wearing clothes with simple fasteners
• Brushes teeth with help
• Uses the toilet alone
• Recognizes primary colors
• Very curious
• Increasing vocabulary and understanding of grammar
• Wants explanations on how and why
• Able to separate from parents without crying
• Plays with imaginary objects and people
• May try to bargain with others, to trade toys
• Enjoys simple games with rules such as hide-and-seek and tag

Again, this list is not comprehensive and is provided only as a general guideline. Every child is different. Any parent with concerns or questions about their child's development should talk with their pediatrician.

Related Information:

    Autism Spectrum Disorders

    Down Syndrome

    Fragile X Syndrome

    Usher Syndrome

    Childhood Weight Issues