Physical Development Milestones

  • Birth

  • 1 Month

    Head sags when not supported. Raises head slightly when lying on stomach. Wraps fingers around objects when placed in palm. Average weekly weight gain is 5 to 6 ounces until 6 months. Average monthly height growth is 1 inch until 6 months.
  • 3 Months

    Switches from reflexes to voluntary body movements. Sits when supported with minimal head bobbing. Can make fists with both hands. Turns head towards bright colors. Visually follows moving objects.
  • 6 Months

    Can chew and bite. Can reach for objects and pick them up. Rolls from stomach to back. Average weekly weight gain is 3 to 5 ounces for next 6 months.
  • 9 Months

    Crawls with one hand full. Crawls up stairs. Builds a tower of two blocks. Gets down from standing. Clasps hands or bangs objects together.
  • 12 Months (HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY MAY!!)

    Crawls on hands and knees. Birth weight is tripled. Walks with help. Drinks from a cup and eats from spoon with help. Sits without support.
  • 18 Months

    Soft spot on top of head closes. Abdomen protrudes. Imitates housework. Needs 10 to 12 hours of sleep each night. Walks without help.
  • 24 Months

    Average yearly weight gain is 4 to 6 pounds. Gait is steadier and more like an adult.
  • 2 1/2 Years

    Primary teeth complete. Can build tower of 8 blocks. Copies circle from model. Throws ball about 4-5 feet.
  • 3 Years

    Average yearly weight gain is 4 to 6 pounds. Begins to use scissors. Balances on one foot for 5 seconds. Runs easily. Rides a tricycle. Uses a toilet.
  • 4 Years

    Balances on one foot for 4-8 seconds. Jumps from step. Cuts straight with scissors. Copies a circle.
  • 5 Years

    Skips using alternate feet. Catches large balls. Bathes self. Walks backwards toe to heel.
  • 6 Years

    Climbs, skips, hops, and gallops. Learning to ride bikes.
  • Period: to

    7-12 Years

    Dexterity increases. Skates, rides bikes. Agility and coordination improves. Motor skills improve. Girls have sudden growth spurts.