Best Way to Understand the Milestones of Children Development

Detailed study of child development by doc­tors, psychologists, and child-care professionals has shown that there are a number of “milestones,” that is, significant points of development. Most children pass through these milestones at about the same age. For instance, most children are able to sit independently at the age of six months, most start to put two words together at about the age of eighteen months, and most are toilet-trained by the time they are five. Such milestones are important because they provide guidelines for a child’s expect­ed rate of development. Every child develops at her own pace. Milestones are only approximate points, nothing more, and often vary widely among children. One baby might show her first smile at six weeks, while another may not do so until she is twelve weeks old; one may be up on her feet at twelve months, while another may not walk independently until six­teen months. These variations are normal and are not a cause for concern.

Here are some key milestones in the development of walk­ing and talking of which you may want to make a special note:

Walking

• at 3 months, your child’s back becomes firmer and straighter when sitting on your knee;
• at 6 months, your child sits on the floor without any support from you;
• at 9 months, your child may be able to stand using a low table as support;
• at 12 months, your child may take her first few unsteady steps;
• at 15 months, most children are on their feet, often unconfidently;
• at 18 months, your child can walk comfort­ably around the room;
• at 21 months, with your help, your child can walk up and down stairs;
• at 24 months, your toddler can run and kick a ball, without falling over

Talking

• at 3 months, your baby can make a couple of distinct sounds;
• at 6 months, your child babbles more con­sistently;
• at 9 months, your child starts to use two-syl­lable babbling and possibly her first word;
• at 12 months, your infant may be able to say up to three clear words;
• at 15 months, your child recognizes her name when it is spoken to her;
• at 18 months, your child has at least a dozen words and probably more;
• at 21 months, your toddler starts to com­bine two words into a short phrase;
• at 24 months, your child’s spoken vocabu­lary runs into hundreds of words.

Sometimes the gap in levels of progress between one child and others of her age does indicate a deeper problem. A severe difficulty is rarely indicated if only one aspect of development is slow. In most instances, a combination of several delayed milestones must be present before more substantial investiga­tion by a qualified professional is needed.

Determining the significance of developmental difficulties is not clear-cut and requires detailed consideration of a child’s strengths and weaknesses. If you are worried about your child’s progress, speak to your pediatrician. Chances are, you’ll be reas­sured to hear that your child is progressing well. If a problem does exist, then the earlier it is detected the better for the sake of your child.