Development Profile By Age

For the sake of convenience and easy reference, the major areas of development in a child have been grouped according to age.

Turns towards the source of light, tries to fix his gaze on the mother or any object nearby like a toy, and briefly follows a light source.
A sudden sound may cause stiffening, blinking, stretching, and crying. Stops whimpering on hearing a soothing voice.
Cries in hunger or discomfort and gurgles if contented.
Spends most of his time sleeping but begins to smile socially and makes responsive sounds by six weeks.
Ceases crying when picked up and talked to.

Begins to respond better.
While on his back, brings his hands above his chest and seems to study them. Kicks and waves his arms and if put on his stomach, raises head and shoulders.
If he is on your lap, he can support his head and look around.
Can briefly hold a toy; tries to focus on small objects nearby.
Is distressed by sudden noise, but is quietened by a soothing voice.
Vocalises happily when pleased and is excited by the sound of a running tap, footsteps or approaching voice; laughs aloud.
Bath and feeds evoke coos, smiles, and excited gestures. Enjoys being bathed and gurgles happily when picked up or tickled.

Begins to sit unsupported with his back straight and rolls over; bounces when held standing.
Grasp has improved and this encourages continual handling of objects, putting everything in his mouth, and transferring objects from one hand to the other.
Makes sing-song noises and two-syllabled sounds like ‘a-a’, ‘na-na’.
Squeals and chuckles, and screams if annoyed.
Delighted if you play with him.
Cuts his first teeth, usually the lower central incisors.

Can pull himself up and stand by holding on to furniture. Has learnt to crawl.
Holds small objects like buttons, coins, etc., between thumb and finger. Can grasp a cup in both hands; can hold, bite, and chew any food.
Can comprehend ‘no-no’, ‘bye-bye’.
Makes noises constantly and repetitively like ‘ma-ma’, and ‘da-da’.
Plays peek-a-boo.

Begins to stand and walk unaided. Can crawl very fast and can crawl up and down the stairs.
Can hold more than one object in his hands.
Deliberately drops and throws toys, watching them fall.
Can use a cup unaided.
Holds, but cannot use, a spoon.
Recognises people. Understands simple commands.
Turns when called by name.
Uses a lot of jargon. Can speak a few words.
Offers arm or leg for dressing. Enjoys sound-making toys; enjoys playing pat-a-cake. Waves bye-bye.

Runs about, goes upstairs if you hold his hand.
Explores corners; enjoys pulling and pushing boxes and toys; enjoys looking at picture books.
Becomes adept at picking up small objects such as beads; tries to scribble holding the pencil in the palm of his hand.
Carries food to mouth with a spoon, drinks easily from a cup.
Says 15 to 20 words; tries to recite nursery rhymes.
Has bowel control; fidgets and makes agitated sounds when urgently in need of going to the toilet.
Imitates actions like sweeping the floor, dusting, and reading.

Loves to run, chase, and be pursued.
Takes things apart, puts them together again; more adept at using his hands — can hold a pencil between two fingers and the thumb; tries to draw.
Has a fairly large vocabulary.
Has control over bowel and bladder.
Uses his own name to refer to himself; participates in songs and nursery rhymes.
Obeys simple commands; puts on shoes.
Washes hands.
Fiercely possessive about toys; behaves in a jealous manner when parents show interest in another child.
Has all 20 primary teeth.