A Checklist of Milestones of Physical Development

Developmental milestones are useful guides for determining whether your child is developing normally. During the first five years of life, most basic physical developmental milestones are achieved. Further, it is during these years that parents are most likely to see an indication that their child is not developing normally. When examining lists of developmental milestones, it's important to keep in mind that environment influences development and that all children develop at different rates. If your child has missed several developmental milestones, however, talk to your pediatrician.

Age 0 to 6 Months

• Newborns begin focusing on objects (particularly faces) with their eyes by 1 month and tracking moving objects directly by 3 months. By 6 months, a child should have full head control. This skill typically comes in slowly and progressively, beginning with the ability to hold up the head for short periods of time and ending with a full range of head movement. Reaching for objects, with a particular interest on one's own body, is a major milestone of this period.

Age 6 to 12 Months

• Babies begin attempting to sit up at around 6 months and should be able to fully sit up by 8 months. Shortly thereafter, they will attempt to stand by pulling up on objects and by 11 months should be able to stand for short periods of time. By 12 months, children may begin walking and should be able to take steps with adult assistance or by balancing themselves with surrounding objects. By the end of the first year, children should be able to grasp and release objects with their hands.

Age 12 to 24 Months

• A child should be able to walk by 18 months and will begin attempting to run by the end of the second year. With instruction from adults, young toddlers can learn to toss a ball. By age 2, children are beginning to have awareness of bladder and bowel functions and have some limited control over them. Consequently, many children may begin the early stages of potty training at this age.

Age 24 to 36 Months

• Between the second and third years, children should be able to stand on one foot, jump with two feet and kick a ball. By the age of 3, children will be able to feed themselves, though with lots of spilling. Children should have begun potty training prior to age 3, and most children will have mostly completed potty training.

Age 36 to 48 Months

• The ability to walk in an adult-like, heel-to-toe fashion emerges between 3 and 4. Children are developing much more motor control at this age, and should be able to climb stairs with help, feed themselves more competently and draw an imperfect line. By age 4, children should be fully potty trained, with occasional accidents and nighttime bed-wetting. With adult instruction, children should learn basic colors, shapes and numbers. Most children can count to 5 by the age of 4.

Age 48 to 60 Months

• By 5, potty training skills should be fully established, including the ability to use the toilet and wipe without assistance. Kids this age can stand on one foot for several seconds, catch and throw a ball and climb stairs without assistance. Educational skills also become more finely tuned, particularly the ability to copy and recognize letters when taught to do so.