Child Development Timeline Progress Chart
1 month - 5 years old

most children...

• * Lift head a little when lying on stomach
• * Watch objects for a short time
• * Make "noise in throat" sounds
• * Stay away from annoying sensations such as cloth or blanket on the face

most children...

• * Hold their head up (bobbing when supported in sitting position)
• * Sometimes copy or respond to a smiling person
• * Roll part way to side
• * Make sounds of discomfort

most children...

• * Lift head and chest when lying on stomach
• * Recognize bottle or breast
• * Smile when talked to
• * Show active body movement
• * Follow moving things with their eyes

most children...

• * Hold head up for a long time without bobbing
• * Laugh out loud
• * Roll from front to back
• * Like to play
• * Grab an object held near their hand
• * Make sounds when talked to
• Teething can begin as early as 3 months and continue until a child's third birthday. Between the ages of 4 and 7 months, you'll notice your baby's first tooth pushing through the gum line. The first teeth to appear usually are the two bottom front teeth, also known as the central incisors. These are usually followed 4 to 8 weeks later by the four front upper teeth (central and lateral incisors). About a month later, the lower lateral incisors (the two teeth flanking the bottom front teeth) will appear.

most children...

• * Sit with little support
• * Respond to a friendly voice with a smile or coo
• * Roll from back to stomach
• * Turn and look at sounds
• * Change object from hand to hand and from hand to mouth

most children...

• * Sit alone and change position
• * Say "mama" and "dada"
• * Crawl
• * Respond to people they know
• * Respond to their name

most children...

• * Pull themselves to stand and may step with support
• * Can nod their head to signal "yes"
• * Give love
• * Pick things up with thumb and one finger
• * Say two or three words

most children...

• * Walk without support
• * Do some self-feeding
• * Speak and make their voice go up and down
• *Drink from a cup held by someone
• * Use four or five words

most children...

• * Walk (may run a bit)
• * Use five to ten words
• * Climb up or down one stair
• * Pull toys that have wheels
• * Mark on paper with crayons
• * Understand easy directions

most children...

• * Give toys when asked
• * Recognize a familiar picture and know if it is upside down
• * Kick large ball
• * Turn pages in a book (two or three at a time)
• * Use two or three words together, such as "more juice"

most children...

• * Walk up stairs holding railing
• * Unbutton large buttons
• * Stand for a moment on one foot
• * Talk of toilet needs
• * Open doors
• * Stack objects by size
• * Ask and answer simple questions
• * Speak clearly and are understood by family members

most children...

• * Run on tiptoe
• * Understand "yesterday" and "tomorrow"
• * Print a few capital letters
• * Know their name in print
• * Use sentences with correct grammar, such as, "May I go to the store?" or "I want a big cookie."
• * Play together with others
• * Put their shoes on the correct feet

baby development, development timeline, child development, early child development

The FREE Kit for New Parents is a comprehensive resource for new and expecting parents. The kit is based on scientific knowledge about the importance of the early years. It translates these concepts into practical information you can incorporate into your daily life with your child.
Good health, loving relationships and frequent learning opportunities are some of the topics covered. Kits are available in English and Spanish.

What is normal development from infant to 5 years old from Medline