“The first five years have so much to do with how the next 80 turn out.” -Bill Gates Sr.
A child’s earliest years are fundamentally important, filled with unique experiences that shape cognitive, social and physical growth. These new experiences are the foundation for the brain’s organizational growth and functioning throughout life. The first five years are a pivotal time for brain development, having an impact on how a child develops learning and social skills.
A child’s primary way of learning is through play. Play is fun for your child and gives him/her an opportunity to explore, observe, experiment and problem solve. Engagement in play helps improve a child’s fine motor, gross motor, language and social skills.
Typical developmental milestones:
3 months
- Smiles
- Grasps rattle
- Rolls from side to back
- Lifts head while on stomach and weight bearing on forearms
6 months
- Rolls from back to stomach
- Sits unsupported
- Raking to grasp object in fist
- Transfers toy from one hand to another
9 months
- Pincer grasp (thumb & index finger) to pick up small object
- Begins creeping then crawling
- Clapping & waves “bye”
- Pulls to stand
12 months
- Finger feeds self
- Imitates gestures and words
- Stands unsupported
- Cruises and takes first steps
2 years
- Begins to run
- Climbs up & down steps holding onto support
- Scribbles spontaneously
- Builds a block tower of at least four blocks
3 years
- Kicks and throws a small ball
- Hops and stands on one foot
- Draws a circle
- Recites numbers to ten
4 years
- Dresses with minimal help
- Draws cross and square using tripod grasp
- Pedals a bike/tricycle
- Uses scissors purposefully
5 years
- Copies a triangle
- Walks on tip toe
- Uses a fork and spoon
- Laces (but cannot tie) shoes
5 favorite developmental toys
- Fisher Price 3-in-1 Musical Activity Mat
- Vtech Sit to Stand Learning Walker
- Leap Frog Learn and Groove Musical Table
- Melissa and Doug Shape Sorter
- Melissa and Doug Standing Easel
If you have any concerns about your child’s development, use the contact form to schedule a free screening.
For a listing of our pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT) services, please visit our Services page.
Until next time,
