Child Development

Have you ever wondered how your child is growing and developing compared to other children of the same age? How do you know if your child is "on the right track"?

As your child develops, he/she is going through many physical and mental changes. Although no two children grow at the same rate, experts agree there are "normal" signs of development. The information provided will provide you with a checklist of important milestones in your child's development during the first five years of life.

Use this information as a simple tool to become aware of and appreciate the dramatic changes that are occurring in your child.

Watch for these changes in your child.  Remember that even children have "bad days" and that  each child is different and may learn and grow at a different rate. However, if your child cannot do many of the skills listed for his or her age group, you should consult your pediatrician. If your child was born sooner than expected, be sure to deduct the number of months early from his or her age. A 5-month-old born 2 months early would be expected to show the same skills as a 3-month-old who was born on his or her due date.

You are the most important observer of your child's development. If your child has special needs, early help can make a difference.