In 2019, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) (2019) recommended these developmental milestones:
| Age | Gross Motor Skills | Fine Motor Skills | Feeding Skills |
|---|
| 0-3 months | - Lifts head briefly when on tummy - Turns head to track objects - Begins head righting reactions |
- Opens and closes fists - Grasps reflexively - Tracks objects visually |
- Sucks and swallows effectively - Begins rooting reflex - Tongue thrust reflex present |
| 4-6 months | - Rolls from tummy to back - Holds head steady when supported - Pushes up on arms in prone position |
- Reaches for toys with both hands - Transfers objects between hands |
- Begins to eat pureed foods - Opens mouth for spoon - Practices munching movements |
| 7-9 months | - Sits without support - Begins crawling or pivoting - Develops trunk righting reactions |
- Uses a raking grasp - Explores objects by mouthing - Begins to bang objects |
- Bites and chews soft solids - Learns cup drinking with assistance - Tongue lateralization starts |
| 10-12 months | - Pulls to stand - Cruises along furniture - May take first independent steps |
- Uses pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger) - Points with index finger - Releases objects intentionally |
- Feeds self with fingers - Drinks from a sippy cup - Handles small soft foods (e.g., Cheerios) |
| 12-18 months | - Walks independently - Squats to pick up objects - Climbs onto furniture |
- Stacks 2-3 blocks - Scribbles with a crayon - Turns pages in a board book |
- Chews a variety of textures - Begins to use a spoon - Drinks from an open cup with assistance |
| 18-24 months | - Runs with improved coordination - Kicks a ball - Throws a small ball overhead |
- Builds a tower of 4-6 blocks - Starts using both hands together for tasks - Begins circular scribbles |
- Scoops food with a spoon - Drinks from an open cup independently - Learns to manage sticky textures |
| 2-3 years | - Jumps with both feet - Walks up and down stairs with assistance - Begins to pedal a tricycle |
- Strings beads - Snips paper with scissors - Imitates simple shapes during drawing |
- Uses fork with increasing accuracy - Bites through harder textures (e.g., crackers) - Begins to clean hands and mouth after meals |
| 3-4 years | - Balances on one foot briefly - Hops on one foot - Catches a large ball with both hands |
- Copies a circle and cross - Uses scissors to cut straight lines - Builds complex block structures |
- Serves self at meals with supervision - Eats a wide variety of textures - Manages utensils with less spilling |
| 4-5 years | - Gallops and skips - Hops forward on one foot - Walks backward heel-to-toe |
- Writes some letters of their name - Uses a tripod grasp for writing tools - Completes simple puzzles |
- Eats independently using utensils - Drinks from a straw - Begins to spread butter or jam with a knife |
| 5-6 years | - Masters skipping - Rides a bike with training wheels - Participates in organized sports |
- Ties shoes - Cuts out complex shapes - Draws a person with 6+ parts |
- Cuts food with a child-safe knife - Drinks from open cups without spilling - Demonstrates refined chewing patterns |
Always inform your child’s pediatrician if you notice developmental concerns, as early intervention is key to fostering growth and progress. Never hesitate to advocate for occupational therapy services to address motor, sensory, or feeding challenges—your child’s well-being and potential deserve the best support possible.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2019). Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. Bantam Books.
