From the time a child enters the world till the age of 5 years, a child undergoes major physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. Be it taking the first step, smiling, holding, or identifying people, every activity marks a change in the child’s development years. Understanding the child’s growth and development milestones is an important part of parenting. As infants and children progress through age and changes around, they may encounter various physical and emotional challenges.
Many experts have categorized a child’s development into different stages, so that you better understand your child’s growth and development milestones, and spot any issues that occur during these growing years. Child Development can be classified into 5 Stages which are as follows:
- Newborn (0-3 months)
During the first three months, a newborn responds to external stimuli. They move their head from side to side and develops basic sensory distinctions in smell, taste, and vision.
Motor abilities at this stage are very little developed which only include the control of eye muscles and lifting the head when on the stomach. One of the most significant development milestones at this stage is head control. They begin to hold their head for a few seconds with support while laying on their stomach. Known as the Tummy Time, it helps in strengthening the neck, and head, and helps in higher-level motor development.
- Infants (3months- 1Yr)
A lot of physiological and psychological changes occur by the time a child turns one.
- 3-6 months- By this time, a child develops greater dexterity and strength. They begin to clench their fist, hold hands, turn around, and put things in their mouths. Sensory capabilities begin to develop at a faster pace as they start identifying familiar faces and voices when called out. During this stage of a child’s development, a caregiver can help little ones by providing a variety of toys and sensory-stimulating objects.
- 6-9 months- A child starts to understand various expressions and makes certain expressions to express displeasure or discomfort. They no longer smile at strangers and develop social abilities by responding to their names. The cognitive abilities include attention to specific objects.
- 9-12 months- In this stage of a child’s development years, a child starts to stand up, walk, throw things, roll back, respond and speak a few words. They now begin to seek attention and cry when left alone. The ability to distinguish taste becomes dormant. Along with sensory and physical capabilities, this stage marks a significant development in a child’s ability to develop fine motor skills.
- Toddler (1-3 Years)
Between the age of 1 and 3 years, neuron development begins to occur at a much faster rate. During this stage of development milestone, a child begins to become more independent. They begin to speak one or two sentences, and words and start identifying colors and patterns. During this period, a child starts to become more observant and begins to imitate.
- Pre-school (3-5Years)
Pre-school years mark a significant change in the development of a child’s growth. This is the crucial time when most of the habits a child develop begins to imprint to form neuron patterns. Motor skills become more refined by the time they reach 4 years of age. They begin to draw and scribble, run, walk the stairs and understand long sentences. With proper training, they begin to use toilets and tell about pain, falls, or injury by pointing to body parts.
- Schooling Age (6-17 Years)
Schooling Age starts at the age of 6 and till 17 years. At this stage, a child becomes more independent and begins to share their views and opinions. By the time a child turns 6-10 years of age, they develop various abilities of reading, writing, drawing, and solving complex problems. They start observing others’ behaviors towards them.
As the child begins to reach adolescence, it becomes important to impart knowledge about good and bad touches. Asking about their day, and educating them about themselves becomes more important.
No two children are the same. Every child grows at their own pace. But what’s important is to keep a close look during these development milestones to identify the delay in a child’s development, if any. If you see your child’s delayed development at a particular stage then considering activities involving the development of motor and cognitive skills can help.
We at TAABUR help you connect with the activities essential for early growth years. Find out the activities and activity centers in your area to help your kid get the right attention needed for growth.