Child Development Milestones From Birth to Age 5

Do you know how to properly assess your child’s development? Most parents usually focus on weight and height. However, from birth to age five, a child should acquire essential skills in play, learning, communication, and daily activities.

A delay in achieving any of these skills may be an early sign of developmental disorders, including autism spectrum conditions. The reassuring fact is that the earlier potential difficulties are identified, the more effectively parents and specialists can support a child’s full developmental potential.

3 Months — Social and Emotional Development

At this age, a baby:

• begins to smile at people
• enjoys playing with others and may cry when play stops
• expresses more emotions through facial expressions and body movements
• imitates some movements and facial expressions

7 Months — Social and Emotional Development

At this age, a baby:

• enjoys interacting and playing with people
• shows interest in mirror reflections
• responds to other people’s emotions and often reacts with joy

1 Year — Social and Emotional Development

At this age, a child:

• may feel shy or anxious around unfamiliar people
• cries when parents or caregivers leave
• enjoys imitating people during play
• shows preference for certain people and toys
• tests parents’ reactions during feeding and daily routines
• may experience fear in certain situations
• clearly recognizes the mother or primary caregiver
• repeats sounds or gestures to attract attention
• sucks fingers
• extends arms or legs while being dressed

2 Years — Social Development

At this age, a child:

• imitates the behavior of others, especially adults and older children
• becomes more aware of themselves as an individual
• enjoys being around other children

3 Years — Social Development

At this age, a child:

• imitates adults and peers during play
• shows affection toward familiar children
• participates in group play
• understands the concepts of “mine” and “his/her”

4 Years — Social Development

At this age, a child:

• shows curiosity and interest in new experiences
• communicates and plays with other children
• enjoys role-playing games
• uses imagination more actively
• can dress and undress independently
• participates in resolving simple conflicts
• becomes increasingly independent

5 Years — Social Development

At this age, a child:

• wants to please friends
• seeks to be like peers
• follows rules more willingly
• enjoys singing, dancing, and role-playing
• shows greater independence and may visit nearby neighbors independently

About the author

Halyna Lun

Deputy Director of the Elita Rehabilitation Center, pediatrician, and mentor with over 30 years of practice. She leads the medical department, consults families, and trains future doctors.