Occupational Therapy Developmental Milestones


Kids Playing With DoughDevelopmental Checklist Birth to Five Years

 

Motor and Play Self-Care
Birth to 3 months

  • Lifts head during tummy time
  • Turns head from side to side while on back
  • Swipes/bats at toys
Birth to 3 months

  • Dependent on caregiver

 

4-6 months

  • Rolls from back to side
  • Rolls from tummy to back
  • Sits momentarily by leaning on hands for support
  • Brings hands together at midline
  • Reaches and grasps objects
  • Bangs and shakes toys
4-6 months

  • Attempts to hold bottle
  • Begins to take baby food or rice cereal from a spoon

 

7-9 months

  • Crawls independently
  • Pulls to stand at furniture
  • Explores toys by pulling, poking, turning, etc.
7-9 months

  • Holds bottle independently
  • Eats a variety of pureed foods
10 months-1 year

  • Uses pincer grasp (tips of thumb and index fingers) to pick up small objects
  • Puts objects into container
  • Uses simple toys correctly with demonstration
10 months-1 year

  • Uses fingers to eat soft foods (fruit, cereal, etc.)
  • Drinks from a cup
  • Begins to cooperate with dressing by holding out arms and feet
1-2 years

  • Walks (12-15 months)
  • Points with index finger
  • Marks on paper with crayon using a fisted grasp
  • Plays “make believe” by pretending to eat, talk on phone, putting doll to bed, etc.
1-2 years

  • Scoops food and brings spoon to mouth
  • Removes shoes and socks
  • Pushes arms through sleeves while dressing
  • Indicates discomfort when diaper is soiled

 

2-3 years

  • Imitates drawing horizontal and vertical lines
  • Holds scissors and snips paper
  • Builds small block towers
  • Goes up and down small slide
2-3 years

  • Stabs food with fork
  • Removes clothing with some assistance
  • Unbuttons large buttons
  • Potty-trained but needs some assistance and reminders
3-4 years

  • Imitates drawing a cross and a circle
  • Cuts straight lines and simple shapes with scissors
3-4 years

  • Uses fork well
  • Buttons large buttons
  • Uses bathroom independently, but might need help with wiping
4-5 years

  • Uses adult-like pencil grasp
  • Draws circles, squares, and a person
  • Begins copying some capital letters
  • Cuts complex shapes with scissors
4-5 years

  • Independent with toileting
  • Dresses with supervision

Check the interactive Developmental Checklist here to find out more about your child’s progress.

Do you have concerns or questions about your child’s development? Please call Capital Area Speech and ask to speak to one of our occupational therapists. We are here to help!

Call 512-250-8706
or Email admin@capitalareaspeech.com