The first weeks, months and years of a child’s life are full of big changes. In the blink of an eye, that cuddly newborn becomes a talking toddler, constantly on the run. Since development happens rapidly in the early years, knowing what to expect at each stage gives parents and pediatricians insight into whether the child is on track. Milestones track progress in a wide variety of developmental areas, including growth, hearing, vision, balance and coordination, verbal and social skills, and toileting, among others.

If a child misses a milestone, identifying the delay early allows for timely monitoring and interventions if necessary.

Parents and caregivers can support their child’s learning, development and emotional security with lots of positive interaction and age-appropriate activities that practice specific skills.