From the moment a child is born, they begin their journey of growth and development. Parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals eagerly track the child’s progress, celebrating each milestone achieved. But what exactly are these milestones, and how are they defined? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), developmental milestones are specific skills or abilities that a child should achieve within a certain age range. These milestones cover a wide range of areas, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. In this article, we will explore the developmental milestones according to WHO, and how they can help guide parents and caregivers in supporting a child’s growth and development.

Physical Development Milestones

Motor Skills

Motor skills refer to the physical abilities that a child develops through movement and physical activity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the following are some of the key motor skill developmental milestones for children:

• Head control: This is the ability of a child to control the movement of their head while sitting or lying down. By around 3-4 months of age, most infants develop the ability to hold their head steady while sitting.
• Rolling over: This is the ability of a child to roll from their back to their stomach or from their stomach to their back. Most infants begin rolling over at around 4-6 months of age.
• Sitting up: This is the ability of a child to sit up without support. Most infants can sit up without support by around 6-7 months of age.
• Crawling: This is the ability of a child to move across the floor by pushing themselves with their hands and knees. Most infants begin crawling at around 7-10 months of age.
• Walking: This is the ability of a child to walk independently. Most toddlers begin walking at around 12-14 months of age.
• Running and jumping: This is the ability of a child to run and jump with ease and balance. Most children begin running and jumping with ease by around 2-3 years of age.

It is important to note that these milestones may vary slightly depending on the individual child and their unique developmental path. It is also important to consult with a healthcare provider if a child is not meeting these milestones or if there are concerns about their development.

Vision and Hearing

As children grow and develop, their senses of vision and hearing also progress through specific milestones. These milestones are important indicators of healthy development and can help identify potential issues early on.

Visual Tracking

Visual tracking refers to the ability to follow moving objects with the eyes. This milestone is typically achieved around 3-4 months of age, when infants begin to develop the coordination necessary to track objects as they move across their field of vision.

Recognizing Faces

Recognizing faces is an important milestone in visual development. Babies typically begin to recognize familiar faces around 6-7 months of age, which helps them develop a sense of familiarity and security with their caregivers.

Responding to Familiar Sounds

Around 6-7 months of age, babies begin to recognize and respond to familiar sounds, such as their own name or the sound of a familiar song. This milestone helps children develop a sense of familiarity and attachment to their environment and caregivers.

Distinguishing Between Sounds

As children’s hearing develops, they begin to distinguish between different sounds and recognize patterns in their environment. This milestone is typically achieved around 9-12 months of age, when babies start to recognize and respond to different sounds in their environment, such as the sound of a doorbell or a phone ringing.

Overall, these milestones are important indicators of healthy development and can help identify potential issues early on. It is important for parents and caregivers to monitor their child’s progress and seek medical advice if they have concerns about their child’s development.

Coordination and Balance

Holding objects

One of the earliest physical milestones is the ability to hold objects. Typically, this occurs around 6-9 months of age, as infants develop the necessary muscle strength and coordination to grasp objects with their hands. At first, infants may hold objects in a fist, but as they develop further, they will begin to develop a more mature grasp, using their thumb and fingers. This is an important milestone as it allows infants to explore their environment and develop a sense of object permanence.

Transferring objects from hand to hand

Another important milestone in physical development is the ability to transfer objects from one hand to the other. This typically occurs around 12-18 months of age, as infants develop the necessary hand-eye coordination to perform this task. This milestone is important as it allows infants to manipulate objects more effectively and engage in more complex play.

Walking heel-to-toe

Walking is a critical milestone in physical development, and one of the earliest forms of walking is heel-to-toe walking. This typically occurs around 12-14 months of age, as infants develop the necessary coordination and balance to walk in a more mature manner. Heel-to-toe walking is important as it allows infants to walk more efficiently and safely, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

Jumping with both feet

Finally, another important physical milestone is the ability to jump with both feet. This typically occurs around 2-3 years of age, as children develop the necessary muscle strength and coordination to perform this task. This milestone is important as it allows children to engage in more physically active play, improving their overall physical development and fitness.

Fine Motor Skills

• Picking up small objects: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), picking up small objects is a crucial fine motor skill developmental milestone for young children. This skill involves the coordination of small muscle movements in the hands, fingers, and wrists to grasp and manipulate small objects.
• Brushing teeth: Brushing teeth is another important fine motor skill that children develop. It requires the ability to hold a toothbrush, move it back and forth in a controlled manner, and apply toothpaste.
• Dressing themselves: Dressing oneself is a fundamental fine motor skill that children learn. It involves the ability to manipulate buttons, zippers, and other fasteners, as well as to put on and take off clothing items.
• Drawing with crayons or markers: Drawing is a creative and essential fine motor skill that children develop. It requires the use of hand-eye coordination, pressure, and movement of the hand to create lines, shapes, and images on a surface. The use of crayons or markers also helps to develop finger dexterity and grasping skills.

Gross Motor Skills

• Climbing stairs:
  • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children should be able to climb stairs by the age of 3.
  • This skill involves the coordination of several different movements, including the use of alternate legs and arms to lift the body up each step.
  • It also requires balance and the ability to judge distances, which are important for overall physical development.
• Kicking a ball:
  • Kicking a ball is an important gross motor skill that involves the use of leg muscles and coordination.
  • According to the WHO, children should be able to kick a ball forward by the age of 2.
  • This skill can be developed through play and practice, and is important for promoting physical activity and coordination.
• Jumping rope:
  • Jumping rope is another important gross motor skill that involves the use of leg muscles and coordination.
  • According to the WHO, children should be able to jump rope with both feet by the age of 5.
• Riding a bike:
  • Riding a bike is a complex gross motor skill that involves the use of leg muscles, balance, and coordination.
  • According to the WHO, children should be able to ride a bike without training wheels by the age of 5 or 6.
  • This skill can be developed through play and practice, and is important for promoting physical activity and independence.

As children grow and develop, they go through various physical milestones that help them gain coordination and balance. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified several milestones related to coordination and balance that are important for children’s overall development. These milestones include:

• Playing catch: This involves the ability to catch a ball that is thrown to them. This milestone typically develops between the ages of 2-3 years old.
• Doing somersaults: This involves the ability to perform a series of movements in which the body rotates around its axis. This milestone typically develops between the ages of 3-4 years old.
• Walking on a balance beam: This involves the ability to walk along a narrow surface while maintaining balance. This milestone typically develops between the ages of 4-5 years old.
• Doing handstands: This involves the ability to support the body’s weight on the hands while in an inverted position. This milestone typically develops between the ages of 5-6 years old.

These milestones may vary depending on the child’s individual development and circumstances. It is important to note that children who experience delays in these milestones may benefit from early intervention and support.

Cognitive Development Milestones

Problem Solving

Figuring out how things work

Problem solving is a critical aspect of cognitive development, and it involves the ability to figure out how things work. This involves the use of observation, experimentation, and the application of previous knowledge to understand new concepts. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children typically begin to develop problem-solving skills around the age of two, although this can vary depending on the individual child’s developmental trajectory.

Using trial and error to solve problems

Another important aspect of problem solving is the use of trial and error to find solutions. This involves attempting different approaches to a problem and evaluating the results to determine which approach is most effective. WHO notes that this skill typically develops around the age of three or four, although it can vary depending on the child’s individual developmental progress.

Coming up with creative solutions

Finally, problem solving involves the ability to come up with creative solutions to problems. This involves thinking outside the box and considering multiple options before selecting the best course of action. According to WHO, this skill typically develops around the age of five or six, although it can vary depending on the child’s individual developmental trajectory.

Overall, problem solving is a complex skill that involves multiple sub-skills, including observation, experimentation, evaluation, and creativity. These skills develop at different rates for different children, and it is important to recognize that each child’s development is unique.

Reasoning

Making connections between different ideas

Making connections between different ideas is an important aspect of reasoning. This involves drawing upon prior knowledge and experiences to form new understandings. For example, a child may connect the idea of a dog with the idea of a pet, and understand that both are related to each other. This ability to make connections helps children to learn new concepts and understand complex ideas.

Using cause and effect to explain events

Using cause and effect to explain events is another important aspect of reasoning. This involves understanding that certain events or actions have specific consequences. For example, a child may understand that if they touch a hot stove, they will get burned. This ability to understand cause and effect helps children to make predictions and understand the world around them.

Recognizing patterns and sequences

Recognizing patterns and sequences is also an important aspect of reasoning. This involves identifying repeated patterns or sequences in different contexts. For example, a child may recognize that the sequence of colors in a rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) can also be found in a fruit salad (red strawberries, orange carrots, yellow lemons, green grapes, blueberries, indigo blueberries, violet blueberries). This ability to recognize patterns and sequences helps children to understand and make sense of the world around them.

Memory

• Remembering names and faces: One of the earliest cognitive milestones is the ability to remember names and faces. This skill develops gradually and becomes more efficient as the child grows older. At around 2 years old, children begin to recognize familiar faces and learn to associate names with people they know. As they get older, they can remember and recognize a growing number of names and faces, even of people they meet only briefly.
• Recalling events from the past: Another important aspect of memory development is the ability to recall events from the past. Children’s memories of past events improve as they get older, with toddlers starting to remember simple events and details around the age of 3. Older children can recall more complex events and can differentiate between real and imagined events. This skill is essential for understanding and discussing past experiences, as well as learning from them.
• Learning new information: Learning new information is a crucial aspect of memory development. Young children’s brains are highly adaptable, and they can quickly learn and retain new information. As they grow older, their ability to learn and remember new information becomes more specialized and efficient. For example, around the age of 4, children can learn and remember complex motor skills, such as tying their shoelaces or riding a bike. As they continue to develop, they can learn more abstract concepts and develop expertise in various areas.

These memory milestones are essential for children’s overall cognitive development and help them acquire knowledge, build relationships, and make sense of the world around them.

Communication

Using gestures to communicate

From a young age, children begin to communicate through gestures, such as pointing, waving, and shaking their heads. These gestures are often used to convey needs or desires, and are an important part of early communication. As children develop, they begin to use more complex gestures, such as pretending to dial a phone or picking up a book to read.

Using facial expressions to convey emotions

Facial expressions are an important part of nonverbal communication, and children begin to use them at a young age. According to the WHO, children should be able to recognize and use facial expressions to convey emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger, and fear by the age of 2. This ability to read and interpret facial expressions is an important part of social interaction and helps children to understand the emotions of others.

Imitating speech and language patterns

Imitation is an important part of language development, and children begin to imitate speech and language patterns from a young age. This may include mimicking the tone, pitch, and rhythm of adult speech, as well as using the same words and phrases. According to the WHO, children should be able to imitate a sequence of words and sentences by the age of 2, and should be able to understand and use a wide range of words and phrases by the age of 3.

Attention and Focus

• Sustaining attention on a task: This refers to the ability to focus on a specific activity or task for an extended period of time without becoming easily distracted. This skill develops over time and is an important aspect of cognitive development in children.
• Paying attention to details: This refers to the ability to focus on small details in a task or activity. Children who are able to pay attention to details are better able to learn and remember information, as well as complete tasks accurately.
• Ignoring distractions: This refers to the ability to filter out distractions and remain focused on a task at hand. Children who are able to ignore distractions are better able to concentrate and sustain attention on a task, leading to improved academic and social outcomes.

Social and Emotional Development Milestones

Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation refers to the ability to manage and control one’s emotions in different situations. It is an important aspect of social and emotional development and plays a crucial role in a child’s overall well-being.

Here are some of the key aspects of emotional regulation:

• Recognizing and expressing emotions: Children learn to identify and name their emotions as they develop. This includes being able to recognize different feelings such as happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. They also learn to express their emotions in appropriate ways, such as through talking, drawing, or play.
• Calming down after a big emotion: Children need to learn how to calm down after experiencing strong emotions. This may involve using different strategies such as deep breathing, counting to 10, or engaging in a calming activity like reading a book or listening to music.
• Regulating behavior in different situations: Emotional regulation also involves being able to control one’s behavior in different situations. This includes being able to adapt to different social and emotional demands, such as being able to wait your turn or share with others. Children also learn to regulate their behavior in response to different emotional triggers, such as being able to remain calm when frustrated or angry.

Overall, emotional regulation is an important aspect of social and emotional development and helps children to navigate the complex social world around them. It is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time with practice and support from caregivers.

Social Skills

Developing social skills is an important aspect of a child’s growth and development. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the following are some of the key social skills that children should develop at different stages of their lives:

• Sharing toys and space: At the age of 2-3 years, children begin to understand the concept of sharing and should start to learn how to share toys and space with others. This involves learning to take turns, sharing toys and space with others, and understanding that others have different needs and wants.
• Cooperating with others: By the age of 4-5 years, children should start to develop the ability to cooperate with others. This involves learning to work together with others towards a common goal, following instructions from others, and being able to understand and follow rules.
• Respecting others’ boundaries: At the age of 6-7 years, children should start to develop the ability to respect others’ boundaries. This involves learning to recognize and respect other people’s personal space, belongings, and feelings. Children should also start to understand that other people have different opinions and beliefs, and that it is important to respect these differences.

It is important to note that the development of social skills varies from child to child and can be influenced by a range of factors, including genetics, environment, and early experiences. Parents and caregivers can support the development of social skills by providing opportunities for children to interact with others, modeling appropriate social behavior, and encouraging positive social interactions.

Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is a crucial aspect of social and emotional development in children. It refers to the ability to understand one’s own feelings and needs, express oneself clearly, and identify one’s own strengths and weaknesses. This milestone is important for the child’s emotional well-being and ability to form healthy relationships with others.

Self-awareness begins to develop in infancy and continues to develop throughout childhood. At around 18-24 months, toddlers begin to recognize their own feelings and have a sense of their own identity. By the age of three, children have a more developed sense of self and can identify their own strengths and weaknesses.

Some signs of self-awareness in children include:

• Recognizing their own feelings and being able to express them appropriately
• Showing an interest in their own appearance and body
• Demonstrating a sense of independence and self-reliance
• Expressing confidence in their own abilities
• Recognizing and accepting their own limitations

Developing self-awareness is an ongoing process that requires nurturing and support from caregivers. Parents and caregivers can encourage self-awareness by providing opportunities for children to explore their own feelings and interests, offering praise and encouragement for their efforts, and modeling self-reflection and self-awareness themselves.

Self-Care

• Dressing oneself: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children typically begin to dress themselves around 2-3 years of age. This milestone involves the ability to manipulate buttons, zippers, and other fasteners, as well as the ability to choose appropriate clothing for different occasions.
• Brushing teeth and washing hands: At around 2-3 years of age, children also develop the ability to brush their own teeth and wash their hands. This is an important self-care milestone as it helps to promote good oral hygiene and prevent the spread of germs.
• Following a routine: Self-care milestones also include the ability to follow a routine, such as brushing teeth before bedtime or washing hands after using the bathroom. This helps children to develop a sense of independence and responsibility for their own health and well-being. Additionally, following a routine can help to reduce anxiety and provide a sense of structure and predictability in a child’s day.

Relationships

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified key social and emotional developmental milestones for children, including those related to relationships. These milestones serve as a guide for understanding the typical progression of social and emotional development in children.

Forming attachments with caregivers

One of the earliest relationship milestones is the formation of attachments with caregivers. This typically begins in infancy and continues throughout early childhood. The attachment relationship is characterized by a strong emotional bond between the child and the primary caregiver, often the mother. This bond is essential for the child’s emotional well-being and serves as a foundation for future relationships.

Understanding family relationships

As children grow older, they begin to understand the complexities of family relationships. This includes recognizing the different roles and responsibilities of family members, as well as understanding the dynamics between them. For example, a child may begin to understand that their parents have different roles and responsibilities within the family, and that these roles may change over time.

Showing affection and empathy towards others

Another important relationship milestone is the ability to show affection and empathy towards others. This includes understanding and expressing emotions, as well as demonstrating concern for others’ well-being. Children may begin to show affection through physical touch, such as hugging or holding hands, or through verbal expressions of love and affection.

In summary, the WHO identifies key social and emotional developmental milestones related to relationships, including the formation of attachments with caregivers, understanding family relationships, and showing affection and empathy towards others. These milestones provide a framework for understanding typical patterns of social and emotional development in children.

FAQs

1. What are developmental milestones?

Developmental milestones are the specific moments in a child’s life when they reach certain physical, cognitive, and emotional goals. These milestones help to track a child’s growth and development and can help identify any potential delays or issues.

2. What are the different areas of developmental milestones?

There are typically four main areas of developmental milestones: physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language. Physical milestones include things like crawling, walking, and talking. Cognitive milestones include things like problem-solving and reasoning. Social-emotional milestones include things like self-awareness and self-regulation. Language milestones include things like babbling, speaking, and understanding language.

3. How are developmental milestones different for different ages?

Developmental milestones are different for different ages, as children develop at different rates. For example, a 6-month-old baby may be able to roll over, while a 12-month-old baby may be able to walk. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines for developmental milestones by age, which can help parents and caregivers track a child’s progress.

4. What should I do if my child is not meeting developmental milestones?

If you are concerned that your child is not meeting developmental milestones, it is important to talk to your child’s doctor. They can assess your child’s development and provide guidance on any interventions or support that may be needed. Early intervention can make a big difference in helping a child reach their full potential.

Growth & Developmental Milestones | Pediatric Nursing Stages of Development