Child development stages are the theoretical milestones of child development, some of which are asserted in nativist theories. This article discusses the most widely accepted developmental stages in children. There exists a wide variation in terms of what is considered "normal", caused by variations in genetic, cognitive, physical, family, cultural, nutritional, educational, and environmental factors. Many children reach some or most of these milestones at different times from the norm. Holistic development sees the child in the round, as a whole person – physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially, morally, culturally and spiritually. Learning about child development involves studying patterns of growth and development, from which guidelines for 'normal' development are construed. Developmental norms are sometimes called milestones – they define the recognized development pattern that children are expected to follow. Each child develops in a unique way; however, using norms helps in understanding these general patterns of development while recognizing the wide variation between individuals. One way to identify pervasive developmental disorders is if infants fail to meet the development milestones in time or at all.

Table of milestones

Infancy

Newborn

Physical development Motor development Communication skills Emotional development Cognitive skills

One month old

Physical development Motor development Communication skills Social development Emotional development Cognitive skills Sensory development

Two months old

Physical development Motor development Communication skills Social development Emotional development Cognitive skills

Three months old

Physical development Social development

Four months old

Physical development Motor development Communication skills Social development Language development Emotional development Cognitive skills

Six months old

Physical development Motor development Communication skills Social development Language development Emotional development Cognitive skills

Seven months old

Physical development Motor development Sensory development Language development Cognitive skills

8–12 months

Physical Motor development

Early childhood

Toddler (12–24 months)

Physical Motor development Cognitive development Language Social Walking development

Two-year-old

Physical Motor development Cognitive ** Language** Social and emotional

Three-year-old

Physical Motor development Cognitive development

Four-year-old

Physical development Motor development Cognitive Language Social development

Middle childhood

Five-year-old

Physical Motor development Cognitive Language development Social development

Six-year-old

Physical Motor development Language Social and emotional

Seven-year-old

Motor development Writing grips Language Social and emotional

Eight-year-old

Motor development Language skills Social and emotional

Preteen/late childhood years

Nine-year-old

Motor skills Language skills Social skills

Ten-year-old

Motor skills Language skills Social skills

Eleven-year-old

Motor skills Language skills Social and emotional development

Adolescence

Twelve years old

Language skills

Capable of categorizing information to make better sense of it. Reads adult books and magazines on subjects of interest. Capable of proofreading homework for spelling, grammar, and logic.

Social skills

Overall disposition is pleasant and upbeat. Can become extremely excited over subjects of interest or accomplishments. Strongly prone to peer pressure and following trends. More stable friendships with fewer melodramatics than at 11. May begin to have sexual attraction to/interest in peers.

Thirteen years old

Fourteen years old

Fifteen years old

Sixteen years old

Seventeen years old