All parents know that every child is unique, from the way they interact with the world, to their pace of development.
It’s normal for some children to reach developmental stages slightly later than their peers.
If your child appears to be experiencing challenges with movement, balance, coordination, or motor development, monitoring developmental milestones may help identify areas where additional support could be beneficial. Early developmental support programmes may encourage confidence, participation in play, and functional movement skills during everyday activities.
Key Milestone Stages
Remember when your baby first crawled on their belly or when they managed to sit up with your support? As your baby learns how to control their body, they will map a journey of their own gross motor development milestones. Read on for a timeline of major developmental stages that the many children typically reach from birth to 5 years of age.
Birth to 3 Months
- Lifts and turns head when on tummy
- Turns head to respond to sounds or visual stimuli
- Begins bringing hands to mouth and moving arms and legs with more purpose
- Able to stretch and kick their legs while on their back
3 to 6 Months
- Reaches and swipes for objects
- Plays with hands and feet
- Rolls over from tummy to back and holds head upright
- Begins pushing up on arms and is able to bear some weight on legs
6 to 12 Months
- Sits without support and crawls or creeps
- Pulls to stand and walks with assistance or along furniture
- Transfers objects between hands and explores surroundings actively
- Able to pick things up with forefinger and thumb
12 to 24 Months
- Walks independently and begins climbing stairs with support
- Squats to pick up toys, stacks objects, and imitates simple actions
- Starts to run and push or pull toys while walking
- Able to pull apart small objects, such as pop beads
2 to 3 Years
- Runs and walks on tiptoes
- Climbs on and off furniture
- Able to pick up toys from the ground without losing their balance
- Ride a tricycle
- Jump with both legs
4 to 5 Years
- Balance while standing on one foot
- Catch a ball that’s thrown to them
- Walk a line backwards
- Hang from monkey bars
- Jump on one leg
When To Consider A Developmental Screening Or Intervention
If you have concerns about your child’s movement, coordination, or developmental milestones, our team can work closely with your family to better understand your child’s unique needs and explore suitable developmental support options. Every child develops at their own pace, and early support may help encourage confidence, participation, and functional growth.
Have concerns that your child may be having trouble reaching their developmental milestones?
From initial evaluation to goal setting, we will work closely with you to create a personalised early intervention programme that’s right for your child.
Schedule A Discovery Call with us to find out more about our programmes, or schedule an appointment.