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Milestone Moments: What to Expect in Your Child's First Three Years
The first three years of your child’s life are a time of incredible growth and development. From their first smile to their first steps, every moment is a milestone worth celebrating. Understanding what to expect at each stage can help parents and caregivers support their child’s development with confidence.
Year One: Building the Foundation
In the first year, babies experience rapid physical and cognitive changes. Some key milestones include:
- 0-3 months: Smiling responsively, cooing, and making eye contact.
- 4-6 months: Rolling over, laughing, and reaching for objects.
- 7-9 months: Sitting up unassisted, babbling, and showing stranger anxiety.
- 10-12 months: Crawling, pulling up to stand, and saying simple words like “mama” or “dada”.
Year Two: Exploring the World
As toddlers, children become more mobile and start to express themselves:
- 12-18 months: Walking independently, using basic words, and showing interest in pretend play.
- 18-24 months: Combining words into simple phrases, following simple instructions, and improving hand-eye coordination.
- 24-36 months: Running, jumping, forming simple sentences, and beginning to show independence.
Year Three: Gaining Independence
By age three, children display more confidence and social awareness:
- Speaking in longer sentences and engaging in conversations.
- Playing well with others and demonstrating early problem-solving skills.
- Gaining better control over fine motor skills, such as drawing simple shapes.
- Understanding and following multi-step directions.
Supporting Your Child's Development
Every child develops at their own pace, but parents can encourage growth through play, interaction, and routine. Reading together, engaging in sensory activities, and offering encouragement are all great ways to support development. If concerns arise, early intervention can provide valuable resources and guidance. Click here to learn more about our early intervention services!
Cherish each milestone moment—these early years lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and growth!
If you live in South Carolina and think your infant or child is experiencing developmental delays, we can help.
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