Your Child's Development

Watching your child grow and develop is one of the most exciting parts of being a parent, especially in the early months when it seems every day brings a new skill. Knowing what to expect helps you in many ways — if you're worried she isn't reaching some milestones, you can mention it to your doctor, and knowing what skills to expect at a specific age helps you keep your child safe (for example, keeping dangerous objects well out of reach before your baby starts crawling).

What to expect

• All children are different and develop skills at different times.
• It's normal for a child to be behind in some areas and ahead in others.
• If you're worried your child is not reaching some milestones, mention it to your doctor.

Development categories

• Gross motor: movements using the body's large muscles — sitting, standing, walking, running, keeping balance, changing positions.
• Fine motor: skills using the small muscles in the hands and fingers — eating, drawing, dressing, playing, writing.
• Language: speaking, using body language and gestures, and understanding what others say.
• Cognitive: thinking skills — learning, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning, remembering.
• Social: connecting and having relationships with others, cooperating, and responding to the feelings of others.

If you have any concerns about your child's development, or if he seems to be behind in more than one of these areas, speak with your doctor.