Developmental milestones are one way of seeing if your child’s development matches that of typically developing peers.
If your child is not showing the following motor and self-help skills, a consultation is recommended with a licensed occupational therapist who can provide you with suggestions which may prevent a problem from developing and determine if a screening test or in-depth diagnostic testing is needed.
Please refer to our Glossary of Terms for an explanation of the terms used throughout the milestone checklists.
Fine Motor
- Tries to pick up tiny objects
- Manipulates toy actively with wrist movements
- Reaches and grasps an object with an extended elbow
- Holds two objects at one time in one hand
- Releases object above surface into large container
Gross Motor
- Rolls from back to stomach
- Lifts head while lying on his or her back
- Holds weight on one hand while on stomach
- Sits independently for long periods of time, sometimes uses hands to steady self
- Uses arms and hands to catch self when falling over while seated
- Creeps for mobility
- Stands at furniture and begins to cruise sideways
Feeding Skills
- Mouths and gums solid foods
- Feeds self crackers
- Holds own bottle
- Opens mouth when spoon is presented
- Drinks from cup held by an adult
Fine Motor
- Bangs two cubes held in hands
- Pokes with index finger
- Uses a neat pincer grasp to pick up objects
- Releases objects into a small container with precision
- Tries to imitate a scribble
Gross Motor
- Stands without support for a few seconds
- Walks with both hands held
- Pivots in sitting – twists to pick up objects
Feeding Skills
- Bites through a soft cookie
- Stirs in imitation
- Holds cup and drinks with some spillage
Fine Motor
- Builds tower using three cubes
- Places one round peg in pegboard
- After a demonstration, turns over a small container to obtain objects inside
- Scribbles spontaneously
- Uses both hands in midline, one holds the other manipulates
Gross Motor
- Walks without support
- Bends over and looks through legs
- Throws ball forward
- Pulls toy behind while walking
- Carries large toy while walking
Feeding Skills
- Brings filled spoon to mouth
- Scoops food
Dressing Skills
- Indicates discomfort over soiled pants verbally or by gestures
- Pulls socks off
- Removes hat
- Places hat on head
Fine Motor
- Imitates circular scribble and horizontal stroke
- Builds tower using 6 cubes
- Holds crayon with thumb and forefinger
- Strings 3 one inch beads
- Snips with scissors
Gross Motor
- Walks up stairs holding rail – both feet on one step
- Picks up toy from floor without falling
- Moves on “ride toys” without pedals
- Kicks ball forward
Feeding Skills
- Gives up bottle
- Bites through a variety of food thicknesses
- Brings spoon or fork to mouth with the palm facing up
- Holds small cup in one hand
Dressing Skills
- Is beginning to pull pants down with assistance
- Is beginning to unbutton large buttons
- Anticipates need to eliminate – uses same word for both functions
Fine Motor
- Puts tiny objects in small container
- Folds paper in half
Gross Motor
- Walks downstairs alone, both feet on one step
- Imitates standing on one foot
- Walks on tip toes a few steps
- Jumps a distance of eight to fourteen inches
- Jumps backwards
- Walks backwards
Feeding Skills
- Pours from a small cup
Dressing Skills
- Undresses with assistance
- Pulls pants up
- Dresses with assistance
Fine Motor
- Builds tower with 9 cubes
- Copies a circle, vertical, and horizontal line
- Turns book pages one at a time
- Holds a pencil in writing position
- Opens rotating door handles
Gross Motor
- Pedals a tricycle
- Walks down stairs with alternating feet
- Climbs jungle gyms and ladders
- Catches an 8-inch ball
Feeding Skills
- Stabs food with a fork
- Holds spoon in fingers with palm up
- Uses napkin
- Serves self at table with little spilling
Dressing Skills
- Uses toilet with assistance – has daytime control
- Buttons large buttons
- Puts on socks, may have difficulty turning the heel
- Zips and unzips jackets (unable to separate or insert shank)
- Puts shoes on, although may be on wrong feet
Fine Motor
- Copies square shapes
- Draws a person with two to four body parts
- Cuts on a line
- Begins to copy some capital letters
Gross Motor
- Hops and stands on one foot up to 5 seconds
- Kicks ball forward
- Throws ball overhand
- Catches a bounced ball
Dressing Skills
- Puts on socks with heel placement
- Puts shoes on with little assistance
- Buckles shoes and belts
Fine Motor
- Copies a triangle and other geometric patterns
- Prints some letters
- Cuts out a circle on a line
Gross Motor
- Does somersaults
- Skips
- Swings
Dressing Skills
- Puts shirt on correctly
- Puts belt in loop
- Unties a tie on an apron (behind self)
Fine Motor
- Draws a diamond
- Cuts with a knife
- Holds writing utensil with three fingers with movement in the fingers
Gross Motor
- Knows right from left
- Can throw and catch a ball
- Jumps rope
Dressing Skills
- Buttons own buttons
- Dresses and undresses without assistance
- Ties own shoes
