Child Development Milestones: 1-2 Years

Study Notes

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the New York State Department of Health provide guidelines for developmental milestones from birth to 3 years.
These guidelines cover gross motor, fine motor, and other developmental skills.

Infants can hold their head erect, turn from back to side, hold a rattle, and reach for dangling objects with both hands (CDC).
By 4 months, they can hold their head up unsupported, push down hard on their legs and feet when on a hard surface, and may be able to roll over from tummy to back.

Infants can hold a toy and shake it, bring their hands to their mouths, and start to expect to roll over in both directions.
They can sit unassisted with their fine motor, pick up a cube, bang toys together, and use the thumb and forefinger grasp.

Infants can roll over in both directions, sit without support, and start to crawl on their hands and knees (CDC).
They can stand and support their weight on their legs, bounce, and rock back and forth.

Infants start to crawl on their hands and knees, stand alone, walk with help, stack two cubes, and release their hold on objects (CDC).
They can stand with support, sit without support, and start to climb stairs.

Toddlers can throw a ball, climb up and down stairs, turn knobs, push, pull, and poke toys, and turn pages in a hardbound book (New York State Department of Health).
They can walk alone, stand on one foot, and start to walk up and down stairs.

Toddlers can stand up from stooping, climb onto chairs, stand on one foot, and scribble with a crayon (New York State Department of Health).
They can walk alone, pull toys while walking, and help undress themselves.

Toddlers can walk down steps with both feet, run and jump with both feet, and string beads (New York State Department of Health).
They can scribble more controlled lines and circles.

Toddlers can jump in place, ride a tricycle, and use scissors (New York State Department of Health).
They can climb onto and down from furniture without help and walk up and down stairs holding on.

Prenatal care is critical in ensuring the health of both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy.
Genetics and environmental influences, such as diet and exposure to pollutants, shape a person's growth and developmental outcomes.
Meeting basic needs, such as safe housing, nutritious food, and emotional support, is essential for proper physical and cognitive development.
Cultural influences, learning styles, and temperament affect how children perceive their abilities and shape their developmental progress.
Children with disabilities or ongoing health concerns require adaptive strategies and tools to facilitate their participation in physical activities.