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Compiled by
Karin A. Bilich for American Baby
Although no two children develop at the same rate, most children
should be able to do certain things at certain ages. Talk with your
pediatrician during your next office visit if you note major differences
between your child's development and his appropriate age milestones. Here
are some general guidelines for judging if your child is developing at a
healthy pace.
2-Year-Olds
A 2-year-old should be able to:
-
Say at least
three specific words, other than "da-da" and "ma-ma"
-
Take off
clothes such as pajamas (tops or bottoms) or pants (diapers, hats, and
socks do not count)
-
Run without
falling
-
Look at
pictures in a picture book
-
Tell you what
she wants
-
Repeat words
others say
-
Point to at
least one named body part
3- and 4-Year-Olds
A 3-year-old should be able to:
-
Name at least
one picture when you look at animal books together
-
Throw a ball
overhand (not sidearm or underhand) toward your stomach or chest from a
distance of five feet
-
Help put
things away
-
Answer simple
questions, such as, "Are you a boy or girl?"
-
Name at least
one color
A 4-year-old
should be able to:
-
Pedal a
tricycle at least 10 feet forward
-
Play
hide-and-seek, cops-and-robbers, or other games where he takes turns and
follows rules
-
Name pictures
in books or magazines
-
Tell you what
action is taking place in a picture
-
Use action
words (verbs)
-
Play pretend
games, such as with toys, dolls, animals, or even an imaginary friend
5- and 6-Year-Olds
A 5-year-old should be able to:
-
Button some of
his clothing or his doll's clothes (snaps don't count)
-
React well
when you leave him with a friend or sitter
-
Name at least
three colors
-
Walk down
stairs, alternating her feet
-
Jump with her
feet apart (broad jump)
-
Point while
counting at least three different objects
-
Name a coin
correctly
A 6-year-old
should be able to:
-
Tie his shoes
-
Dress herself
completely without help
-
Catch a small
bouncing ball, such as a tennis ball, using only her hands
-
Copy a circle
-
Tell his age
correctly
-
Repeat at
least four numbers in the proper sequence
-
Skip with both
feet
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or
care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health
problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family
doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might
have regarding your or your child's condition.
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