Parents are very much concerned about the growth and development of their kids. Child development based on age ensures your child's overall growth. They feel disturbed if they notice any developmental or growth delay in their kids. Each child is different, but there are specific milestones your child must attain at a specified stage. A child development guide can help parents identify developmental delay problems early. Here is a complete guide on the must-know milestones and the stages of child development.
What are the Stages of Child Development and Milestones?
A newborn baby’s brain and body grow based on their age. You can notice the growth or development in stages. This is called the stages of child development. You can witness your newborn performing new movements and activities as they grow. Attaining age-appropriate growth and mental development are called milestones. It helps doctors assess if the growth is as expected. Each child is different, and you cannot expect every child to attain the same milestones simultaneously. Have a glance at the stage of child development and milestones. This would serve as a child development guide for parents who doubt developmental delay in their kids.
Different Stages of Child Development
Child development is usually classified into five stages. Several factors determine your child's physical and mental growth. Check out the child development stages by age.
New Born -Development Stage
(0-1 month)-Milestones and Growth
Weight gain is an important factor in this development stage. It also helps to track the growth of your baby. It is normal for your newborn to lose weight in the initial days after birth. However, a weight gain of 30 grams per day from birth must occur after a few days. Your newborn must sleep for 14-17 hours a day. Your baby must be able to cry, turn their head, look at their hands and listen to sounds in the first month after birth.
Infant- Development Stage
(1-3 Months) - Milestones and Growth
Babies in this development stage usually feel more hungry and demand more feeds. You may notice the following movements and actions in your baby during this stage:
Responding loud sounds
Moving the head
Putting hands or objects on mouth
Leg movements
When placed on a tummy, they may try to lift their head and chest.
Reaching out for objects with their hands
Smiling at familiar faces and babbling
Following moving objects with their eyes
(4-6 Months) - Milestones and Growth
During this stage, your baby must double its birth weight and start to move around. The following are the milestones that babies usually reach in 4-6 months.
In this stage, you can notice drastic development in their physical ability. They start to crawl around the house. The common milestones during this stage are listed below.
Grasps objects with their hands
Pulls up to stand
Moves back and forth when they are on hands and feet
Sits without support
Enjoys playing peek-a-boo
Put things in the mouth
Shows symptoms of teething
Makes two-syllable sounds
Tries to repeat sounds
Responds when called by their name
Understands one-word command
Learns basic sign language
Exhibits fear for strangers
(10-12 Month) - Milestones and Growth
You may notice some evident signs of development in your baby in this stage.
Stands on their own
Sits down from standing position
Tries to walk with support
Takes few steps without support
Picks and eats finger foods on their own
Turns pages of books
Says Dada, Mama or names of people whom they are familiar with
Tries to imitate the sound of animals
1 Year - Milestones and Growth
You may notice various exciting milestones when your baby becomes one year old.
Your child can squat and stand on their own
Climb stairs with support
Play with toys
Build towers with blocks
Throws ball
Scribbles with crayons or pencil
Drinks in a cup
Sleeps continuously for 10- 12 hours in the night.
Speaks four to five words
Waves hand to say bye-bye
Toddler - Development Stage
2 Years - Milestones and Growth
When your baby is two years old, he/she transitions from infant to toddler. In this stage, your child becomes more independent. Here are certain milestones for a two-year-old.
Start to speak in simple sentences.
Exhibit improved vocabulary
Runs, walks and jumps
Tries to stand on one foot
Drinks through a straw
Kick, throw and catch balls
Can control their bladder .
3 Years - Milestones and Growth
All 20 milk teeth are developed during this development stage. Other milestones are.
Climb stairs without support
Tries to stand on tip-toes
Can ride a tricycle
Dress themselves with help
Draw a straight line and circle
Recites rhymes and simple songs
Identify 3 -4 colours
Pre-school- Development Stage
4-5 years - Milestones and Growth
Your kids' gross and fine motor skills continue developing in this stage. Your kids are ready to join a play school. Your child can:
Draws different shapes
Sings songs
Plays skipping
Starts doing simple chores
The baby teeth start to fall
Recognises alphabets
Tie Shoelace
Asks questions
Recites stories
Talks using big sentences
School Age - Development Stage
6-12 years - Milestones and Growth
In this stage, your child is involved in various physical and mental activities.
Differentiate day and night
Can read the clock
Can solve simple math problems
Reads books
Draws, paints and keeps themselves busy
Conclusion
Doctors and parents check for the above milestones in their kids to ensure their growth as expected. Each child is different, and you cannot expect all kids to exhibit the same milestones. You can expect a delay in milestones for premature kids. Discuss with your doctor if you notice a prolonged delay in your child's development or about missing milestones.
These milestones vary slightly for each child, but they generally follow a predictable pattern.
4. What should I do if my child is not meeting developmental milestones?
If your child is not meeting expected milestones, don’t panic.
Some children develop at their own pace.
However, it is important to discuss your concerns with your pediatrician, who may recommend further evaluation or early intervention if necessary.
5. How much sleep does my child need for proper growth?
Sleep requirements vary by age. Newborns need 14-17 hours, toddlers 11-14 hours, preschoolers 10-13 hours, and school-age children 9-12 hours of sleep per day.
Adequate sleep is crucial for growth, brain development, and overall health.
6. What factors can affect a child's growth and development?
Factors include genetics, nutrition, physical activity, health conditions, environmental influences, and emotional well-being.
Providing a supportive, nurturing environment with proper nutrition and healthcare is key to promoting healthy growth.
7. How can I support my child’s language development?
Engage in regular conversations, read books aloud, sing songs, and encourage your child to express themselves.
Limit screen time and provide plenty of opportunities for social interaction
8. What role does nutrition play in my child's development?
Nutrition is fundamental for growth, brain development, and overall health.
Ensure your child has a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive sugary foods and beverages.
9. What are five guidelines for parents to help children learn?
Create a positive learning environment.
Use age-related learning techniques
Encourage learning through play.
Offer simple instructions that are easier to understand.
Provide feedback based on their learning.
10. How to parent a child with developmental delays?
Firstly, as a parent, you need to give unconditional love and support to your child. You can take them to a consultant who can guide you on how to handle your child. Encourage them to learn while they play. Add visual clues when you are giving them directions. Keep a daily schedule and routine for them.
11. What can parents do to help their child development?
Stimulate baby talk with your child and try to have a real conversation. Read to your child on a regular basis. Help them understand the learning in every experience. Play with them once in a while - can be physical activities or just simple board games. Finally, lead by example - do it and they will follow.
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