Child Development

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Child Development

Child development refers to the physical, social-emotional, and intellectual development of a child from birth to adulthood. Every child develops at his own unique pace and parents should try not to compare their child to his siblings or other people's children. While kids reach developmental milestones only when they are ready, there are guidelines for what experts consider to be typical development. Read on to find out if your child's development is on track.

Child Development

Your Newborn

By the time your newborn is two to three months old, she may be able to:

  • smile
  • Recognize and respond to your voice
  • Make and hold eye contact
  • Attempt to mimic your movements

Your 3 to 6-Month Old

As your baby approaches her 6th month, she will most likely be able to:

  • Reach for and grasp objects
  • Put anything she can grab in her mouth
  • Roll over from front to back
  • Roll over from back to front
  • Sit up with assistance
  • Engage in play

Your 6 to 9-Month Old

Your six to nine month old will be very busy learning to:

  • Sit unassisted
  • Crawl or crab forward or backward
  • Babble and sing
  • Support weight on legs and bounce
  • Master the pincer grasp


Your 12-Month Old

Around his first birthday, your baby may be able to:

  • Wave good-bye and clap his hands
  • Say 'Mama' and 'Dada' to the appropriate parents
  • Stand alone and cruise along the furniture; some babies may be walking
  • Understand simple instructions
  • Imitate others' sounds and activities

Your 18-Month Old

By 18 months, your toddler may be able to:

  • Say about 15 to 20 words
  • Feed himself with a spoon
  • Point to several body parts upon request
  • Climb stairs with assistance
  • Scribble on paper with a crayon

Your Two-Year-Old

By his second birthday, your child may be able to:

  • Put together pairs or strings of words to communicate his wants and needs
  • Form three and four word sentences
  • Take off his clothes without help
  • Throw a ball overhand
  • Follow two-step directions
  • Name pictures in books
  • Start asking "Why?"
  • Feed himself with a spoon and a fork

Your Three-Year-Old

By his third birthday, your child may be able to:

  • Communicate wants and needs verbally and be understood most of the time
  • Be more independent with self-care skills like dressing, washing hands, and brushing teeth
  • Show interest in potty training
  • Ask an increasing number of questions
  • Begin playing more cooperatively with other children
  • Have a longer attention span

Influences on Child Development

There are many factors that can influence a child’s development other than a physical or neurological problem. Birth order can have a great effect on when a child reaches certain developmental milestones. Physical development can be influenced by a baby’s size and weight. Personality can also play a role in child development. Some little ones are more determined, curious, or fearless than other children and may reach physical milestones earlier than a cautious baby. Some babies may meet language milestones earlier than they meet physical milestones. No two children will develop in the exact same way. Behavioral scientists have long since understood that the single greatest influence on child development is stimulation. The most important thing a parent can do to assure healthy mental and physical development of a child is to spend time playing with him. Stimulation, conversation, and exploration all lead to healthy brain and body development.

If You Have Concerns

If you feel that your child's development is not following these general guidelines, explain your concerns to your child's pediatrician. He or she can advise you about the steps to take to have your child evaluated and receive help through an early intervention program.

Summary

Every child develops at a different rate and there is a wide range of what is considered "normal" development. Don't worry if your child walks or talks later than someone else's child. Your child is unique and his development will be unique as well.


 


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