Milestone Mania: What to Expect at Each Age

Milestone Mania: What to Expect at Each Age

When it comes to parenting, there really isn’t anything else quite like the feeling that you get from watching your kid grow up in front of you. Since your child was born, you’ve probably searched on Google “pediatricians near me” many, many times, trying to keep up with all the inevitable health issues that come up with raising a young child.

Here’s the thing: milestones aren’t just a list of boxes to check off. They’re signs that your child is growing and learning. Whether they just took their first little, shaky step, or if you’re wondering why your toddler steadfastly refuses to just say “thank you”, this guide is here to help you know what to expect.

The First Year: From Tiny Newborn to Curious Explorer

The first year is completely packed with changes that feel like they’re happening in the blink of an eye.

0-3 Months: The World Comes Into Focus

At  this first point, your child is absorbing everything they see and hear around them like a vacuum. At this stage, you should be looking for:

  • Head Control: By the end of the third month, they shouldn’t have much trouble being able to briefly lift their head during tummy time.
  • Social Smiles: Those first little smiles and grins they give you are a sign that they’re beginning to bond with you.
  • Tracking Movement: Babies at this age begin to follow objects with their eyes.

If your baby isn’t reacting to loud sounds or making eye contact, it’s worth a conversation with us. Early intervention can make all the difference, and we’re here to help.

4-7 Months: Starting to Engage

This is where the first bits of your baby’s personality will begin to really show. You might notice:

  • Rolling Over: First from tummy to back, then the other way around.
  • Babbling: Before they speak, they babble! Those little coos and giggles will be warm memories you’ll carry for the rest of your life.
  • Reaching and Grabbing: They’re starting to become a bit (or a lot) curious about their environment, and are expressing that by putting everything in their mouths.

Every baby develops at their own pace, but if yours isn’t showing interest in toys or responding to familiar voices, then contact us.

8-12 Months: Movers and Shakers

You thought they moved before, but now your kid is going to be everywhere! Expect:

  • Pulling to Stand: Cruising along furniture often comes next.
  • Simple Words: They might say “mama,” “dada,” or even start mimicking sounds.
  • Pointing: This is their way of telling you that they want that something specifically!

If walking hasn’t started by their first birthday, you shouldn’t worry too much. Many children won’t take their first steps until as late as 15 months, and that’s perfectly normal and healthy.

Toddlerhood: Ages 1-3

Welcome to the era of big feelings and endless curiosity. Toddlers are explorers with boundless energy, and each new skill builds on the last.

12-18 Months: Gaining Independence

Your little one is on the move, and life just got busier. Milestones include:

  • Walking: Most toddlers master this early in the second year.
  • Words Galore: They’ll have a handful of words by now and understand even more.
  • Pretend Play: Whether it’s stirring an imaginary pot or feeding a stuffed animal, creativity is blossoming.

If you’re concerned about speech delays or motor skills, we can provide tailored guidance during a check-up.

18-24 Months: Becoming a Communicator

This is when language takes off:

  • Two-Word Phrases: “Want cookie” or “Go park” might start making an appearance.
  • Following Simple Instructions: They can understand and act on simple requests like “bring me the ball.”
  • Climbing Everything: When we say everything, we mean it. Doesn’t matter if it’s a chair, stairs, or a stack of boxes. Anything within reach will be their new favorite playtime. Make sure to watch them carefully.

If tantrums are dominating your days, it’s normal. Their emotions are growing faster than their ability to express them. We’re happy to offer tips on navigating this tricky stage.

The Preschool Years: Ages 3-5

These are the “why” years. Every question, every moment, is a chance to learn.

3-4 Years: Building Skills

Preschoolers thrive on structure and discovery. Expect to see:

  • Storytelling: They’ll start piecing together ideas to tell basic stories.
  • Fine Motor Mastery: Whether it’s drawing doodles, stacking little blocks, and using utensils, it’s all starting to become second nature for the child.
  • Playing With Others: Social interactions become more meaningful, though sharing is something that’s likely still a work in progress.

Encourage curiosity and patience during this stage, and let us know if you notice concerns with speech clarity or social interactions.

4-5 Years: Ready for Big School

This is the year of preparation:

  • Counting and Colors: Recognizing numbers, letters, and colors are all things that will set the foundation for their journey into kindergarten.
  • Dressing Themselves: Working with buttons, zippers, and shoelaces might still be tricky (even for adults!), but they’re learning.
  • Cooperation: Group activities become easier as they start to get a hold on rules and routines.

If your kid is having abnormal issues with their attention span or hand-eye coordination, we’re here to help you guide you to the resources you need that will help.

Beyond Milestones: Knowing When to Ask for Help

Although milestones help to give you an idea of a roadmap, they’re not a perfect science. They’re just meant to be good indicators of healthy development. Every kid is completely unique, and some will just need more time to hit what others get earlier, and there’s nothing wrong with that. That said, if you’re worried about your child starting to exhibit signs of delay or are showing behaviors that don’t seem normal to you, then you shouldn’t wait. Googling “pediatricians near me” is something that can only really get you so far for help. The reality is that sometimes, you really need an expert to help.

Ready to Partner With Us?

Whether it’s a routine check-up, developmental concern, or just reassurance, we’re here to help. Start the journey today by becoming a patient at Pediatric Associates of Savannah. Click here to get started.

Sources:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1651-2227.2006.tb02379.x

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