Milestones Matter: Tracking Your Child’s Development

When your baby first arrives, it seems that all he does is eat, sleep, and wet more diapers than you think possible.  But before you know it, he’ll begin to smile, reach for objects held in front of him, and sit on his own.

As your baby ages, he’ll develop physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. These little “stepping stones” are referred to as developmental milestones.

According to Dr. Jeff Kile, pediatrician with Pediatric Associates of Kingston, “About 90% of human brain development occurs by the age of five. So, it’s important that parents and caregivers are in tune with how their child is progressing as he ages.”

Dr. Kile recommends that parents watch for and record changes in their children. One way to do this is by going to our Milestones Matter section and downloading easy-to-use developmental checklists. “Parents should follow their child’s development and share any concerns they may have with his doctor.”

Parents may also contact an Early Intervention Agency for a free evaluation.  Early Intervention agencies in Luzerne, Wyoming, Lackawanna, and other counties offer support and services to help families with children who exhibit developmental delays (see side box with contact information). A physician referral and health insurance are not necessary, and services are free, regardless of income.

While developmental checklists serve as a guideline, not all children progress at the same rate.  However, “If you sense that your child isn’t doing what he should be doing for his age, it is important to have your child evaluated,” Dr. Kile recommends. “Early detection and therapy can help children develop to their full potential and be the best they can be.”

Selected milestones include:

By the age of 4 months:
Smiles when spoken to or smiled at
Turns head to look at people and objects
Follows moving objects with eyes
Makes a variety of sounds
Grasps and shakes rattles

By the age of 9 months:
Enjoys social play (peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake)
Sits on own
Recognizes and responds to different facial expressions
Responds to name
Reaches for and holds toys with one hand

By the age of 12 months:
Repeats sounds and/or gestures for attention
Stands briefly
Explores the shapes and forms of toys
Imitates simple words
Takes toys out of and puts them back into containers

By the age of 2 years:
Eats with a fork and spoon
Walks and runs
Puts two words together
Builds a tower with blocks

By the age of 3 years:
Shows affection
Goes up stairs alternating feet
Recognizes and identifies almost all common objects
Counts to five

By the age of 4 years:
Dresses and undresses self
Throws a small ball overhand
Strangers understand most words
Can name at least nine colors

By the age of 5 years:
Cooperates with other children
Runs to kick a rolled ball
Answers questions about a story
Draws a person with a body

If you think you’re child may have a developmental delay, contact your county’s Early Intervention Agency for guidance.

Luzerne/Wyoming Counties Early Intervention
800-816-1880

Scranton Counseling Center (Lower Lackawanna County)
348-6100 ext. 3308

Tri County Human Services Center (Upper Lackawanna & Susquehanna Counties)
800-982-4344 ext. 385

Wayne County Early Intervention
866-558-0735

Carbon/Monroe/Pike Counties Early Intervention
420-1900


Milestones Matter is a public service campaign spearheaded by the United Way of Wyoming Valley’s Success By 6 initiative with the support of NEPA Family Magazine. The goal of the campaign is to raise public awareness about the importance of early identification of critical childhood milestones.