Developmental milestones

Developmental milestones are certain skills or abilities that most children develop at a certain age. Examples of these milestones include rolling over, sitting up, and walking. While there is a general age range when children typically achieve these milestones, there is a wide range of "normal" for when children reach them. Some children may develop certain skills earlier or later than others, and that is perfectly normal. It is important for parents to understand that every child develops at their own pace and to not compare their child to others. There are some times, however, were not meeting a milestone by a certain age can be a sign that your child might need to be evaluated.

Want to talk to one of our pediatricians about your child's development?

Common questions
about

developmental milestones

What are developmental milestones, and why are they important?

Developmental milestones are specific skills or abilities that most children can do by a certain age, such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving "bye-bye." These milestones cover how children play, learn, speak, act, and move. They are important because they help parents and healthcare providers track a child's development and identify any potential delays or concerns early on.

What is the range of 'normal' for children to reach developmental milestones?

There is a wide range of "normal" for when children reach developmental milestones. Some children may develop certain skills earlier or later than others, which is perfectly normal. It's important for parents to understand that every child develops at their own pace and not to compare their child to others too strictly.

When should I be concerned about my child's development?

You should consider seeking an evaluation if your child is not meeting milestones by a certain age, especially if they are significantly delayed compared to typical developmental timelines. Signs of concern include not reaching milestones related to movement, speech, social skills, or cognitive abilities. If you have concerns, it's advisable to talk to your pediatrician.

How can I support my child's development?

You can support your child's development by providing a stimulating environment with age-appropriate toys and activities, engaging in regular playtime, reading to them, encouraging exploration and interaction, and ensuring they have regular health check-ups. Also, be attentive to their emotional and social needs.

Are there resources available to help track my child's developmental milestones?

Yes, there are many resources available for parents to track developmental milestones. The CDC offers milestone checklists and a Milestone Tracker mobile app, which can be very helpful. These resources provide guidelines for what to expect at various ages and stages of your child's development. Remember, these tools are not substitutes for professional medical advice but can be useful for initial guidance and discussions with healthcare providers.

Explore related symptoms

Breastfeeding
Sleep training
Starting solid foods
Potty training

Ask Dr. Ali
about

developmental milestones

Dr. Ali Alhassani and our team of pediatricians are ready to answer your questions about
developmental milestones
and all the everyday questions you have about your child’s health.
Dr. Ali and our team are ready to answer your questions about
developmental milestones
.
Ask about
developmental milestones
*Requires account with Summer Health at $45/month

Blog posts about

developmental milestones

Megan N. Freeland, PharmD
Developmental milestones
Dr. Ali Alhassani

When can babies start to swim

Is there anything cuter than a little tot smiling as he/she splashes away in the water on a sunny day? One of your priorities as a parent might be keeping that smile on your little one’s face, but your top priority is probably keeping them safe in the water. Consider this deep-dive into introducing swimming to newborns and infants a helpful start to a lifelong love of and respect for water.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Read More
Developmental milestones

Tips for traveling with a newborn baby

Whether you're daydreaming about a family getaway or already have one in the works, preparing for travel with a newborn is a big deal. Between packing, sorting out travel details, and wondering how on earth you'll keep your baby happy during the journey, there’s a lot to consider. Traveling with a newborn should be fun and it’s a wonderful opportunity to start building precious family memories. But before you jump into planning, let's go over some key family travel tips to make sure your adventure is a smooth and enjoyable one for everyone involved.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Read More
Megan N. Freeland, PharmD
Developmental milestones
Dr. Ali Alhassani

Your baby's first year of pediatrician visits, explained

Lugging your newborn to the doctor’s office can be a chore — especially if they hate their car seat and make it known... loudly. As the parent of a newborn, you’ll be making your way to the pediatrician’s office quite often. Sometimes these visits will be unplanned because your bundle of joy isn’t feeling well. But during a baby’s first year of life, there are at least 7 routine pediatrician appointments, and it can be helpful to know what to expect.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Read More

Explore related symptoms

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a journey of nourishment and closeness for you and your baby.

Read More

Sleep training

Helping your baby learn to sleep through the night is a challenge with rewarding results.

Read More

Starting solid foods

The adventure begins when your baby experiences the tastes and textures of solid foods.

Read More

Potty training

Moving on to potty training is a big step towards independence for your little one.

Read More
View all conditions