CHILD DEVELOPMENT

The early years of a child’s life are very important for his or her healthy development.

Parents, health professionals, educators, and others can work together as partners to help children grow up to reach their full potential.

Milford Thrives Child Development website helps parents and caregivers learn more about developmental milestones and provides tips on how to best support each stage of development.

How a child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about how they are developing. Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age. Every child is different, of course, but health experts have a clear idea about the range of typical development.  

Click on your child’s age below to view typical milestones for communications, social and emotional, cognitive and physical development by age and stage.  (Sources: CDC; AAP).

 

If you have questions about your child’s development, talk to your child’s pediatrician. You can also reach out to schedule free developmental screenings with Gateways Community Services, our local developmental agency: 603-459-2775. Milford Thrives is happy to be a resources as well.  We have many speech and language specialists, along with PTs/OTs in the Milford community.  Feel free to reach out with any questions. 

Tracking A Child’s Development

Birth-3 mos* 3-6 mos

  • The first 3 months are all about babies learning to feel comfortable, safe, and secure in the world.
  • Most babies 3-6 months are eating and sleeping more regularly. They are also responding more actively to parents and caregivers.

6-9 mos * 9-12 mos

  • 6-9 months is a time of great fun for parents as they watch their babies become eager explorers who are thrilled to discover that they can make things happen.
  • Between 9 and 12 months , babies take action with a goal in mind. These purposeful actions also show that babies have developed a better memory.

18 mos  *  2 years

  • 12-18 months is a really fun time for parents. Young toddlers begin to explore the world in new ways and are eager to do things “all by myself!”
  • At 18 months – two years , toddlers are also starting to pretend and use their imagination.

3 years

  • At   30-36 months, older toddlers are full of personality and energy. They want to know the reason for everything. You will probably hear your child ask “Why?” a lot!

 

Questions about your child’s development?  Milford Thrives is happy to provide resources on child development and age-appropriate games and activities; we can also refer you to free developmental screening.  Feel free to reach out with any questions.   Or, call Gateways Community Services directly 603-459-2775 to schedule your child’s free developmental screening.

 

 

 

 

There are several child development apps available for parents: