What are the milestones and ages for typical child development?

While every child develops at his own pace, certain milestones tend happen during what is considered a normal time frame.

Typical developmentHere are those normal milestones, according to the Integrated Care Corporation, which provides therapies in Butler County.• Birth to 3 months old: A child will turn his head toward a sound, recognize the voice of a parent, smile and raise his head and chest when placed on the stomach.• 4 to 7 months old: A child will roll between the stomach and back, be able to support body weight on legs, begin making babbling noises and help hold a bottle.• 8 to 12 months old: A child can typically say words like “mama” or “dada,” respond to his or her name, finger feed himself and crawl.• 12 to 18 months old: This is when a child usually learns how to walk. At this time, a child may also have better grip control, know roughly five to 10 words and possibly use stairs.• 18 to 24 months old: By this time, a child typically begins to talk. Around this time, a child becomes more social and often wants to be around other children, but at this age, a child should be able to play independently.• 24 to 36 months old: A child often is able to run, climb and jump. A child also may become toilet trained, understand small numbers and learn a daily routine.

Issues of concernThere are times when young children may not act normally. This is when parents should begin to be concerned about their child’s development.For a complete list, see www.integratedcare.us/roadmap.• Birth to 3 months old: Children might not be developing on track if they cannot follow an object with their eyes, have no response to loud sounds and have not demonstrated kicking or grabbing motions.• 4 to 7 months old: Children who have tight muscles, refuse being held and are not trying to mimic sounds may have developmental delays.• 8 to 12 months old: Children who are not crawling, standing with support, saying simple words or using simple gestures may be developing slowly.• 12 to 24 months old: If children have not begun walking by 15 months or talking by 2 years old, they may have a delay.• 24 to 36 months old: Children who cannot feed themselves, help dress themselves and do not socially engage may have a developmental delay. Parents also may be concerned if children cannot keep their attention on a specific activity for more than 10 minutes.