Early Years Development
Early Years Development
Developmental milestones vary with each child. While most children tend to follow a similar pattern, there are lots of reasons why a child may be slower to develop. Not all of these reasons are a cause for concern. Please see below the timeline for general early years physical developmental milestones. Please note that these milestones are a guide and should be used as such.
If you are concerned about your child’s development, please speak with a healthcare professional i.e. health visitor or GP.
We have only highlighted gross motor skills in the sections below. Should you have concerns with other areas i.e. feeding, social and sensory issues, fine motor skills and communication, please contact your healthcare professionals.
0 - 3 Months
- Turns head to both sides lying on back
- Developing head control when pulling to sit
- Moving both arms and kicking both legs when lying on back
- Brings hands to mouth
- When placed on tummy, able to lift head off of floor
3 - 6 months
- Rolling- usually tummy to back first, then back to tummy later on
- Pushing up on extended arms lying on tummy
- Bringing feet to mouth when lying on back
- Pulling to sit without any head lag
- Beginning to sit with support
6 - 9 Months
- Sits without support
- Beginning to try to crawl
- Pulling self up to sitting position
- Starting to pull to stand
- Can reach out for toys and maintain balance in sitting
- Bears weight through feet when held in standing
9 - 12 Months
- Crawling and/or bottom shuffling
- Starting to pull to stand
- Squatting down to pick toys up from the floor holding on for support
- Cruising around furniture
- Stepping holding hands
12 - 15 Months
- Kneels unaided
- Starting to take independent steps
- Starting to crawl/climb up stairs
- Squats and stands up without holding on for support
15 - 18 Months
- Carry objects safely while walking
- Walking up stairs with handhold
- Starting to run although trips and falls frequently
18 Months - 2 Years
- Jumps
- Stands on tiptoes
- Kicks a ball
- Push and pull toys
What can impact my child’s development?
There are lots of factors that will influence your child’s development.
Some of these factors can include:
- Being born prematurely
- Complex birth history
- Prolonged periods in hospital
- Genetic conditions/complex medical needs
- Opportunities and practice
As a patient, relative or carer using our services, sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice, and support.