Understanding Milestones:Your Child’s First 2 Years of Life

Whether this is your first baby or your sixth, the first five years of life are full of constant change. One moment your child is working hard to lift their head, and before you know it they’re running, climbing, and jumping everywhere. It’s an exciting time—but it can also come with a lot of questions.Parents often ask, “Is this normal?” or “Should I be worried?” That’s where developmental milestones can be helpful.

Developmental Milestones: A General Roadmap

I like to think of developmental milestones as a general timeline or roadmap of what we expect children to be working toward within a certain age range. The key word here is range. Every child is different, but milestones give us a reference point for what we typically expect in:

• Gross motor development

• Fine motor development

• Speech and language

• Social and emotional development

Milestones can be viewed based on your child’s chronological age or age-corrected age (for children under 2 years old who were born prematurely). They also allow you and your child’s care team:  pediatrician, physical therapist (PT), occupational therapist (OT), and speech-language pathologist (SLP), to screen or flag concerns that may benefit from support.

What Are Milestones?

Milestones are developmental skills most children achieve within a certain age range, such as rolling, sitting independently, standing, or walking. They are commonly grouped into:

• Gross motor

• Fine motor

• Speech and language

• Social and emotional development

• As a pediatric physical therapist, I primarily address gross motor skills. Things like rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. However, development is interconnected. When a child struggles in one area, it can impact others, which is why it’s important to look at the whole child rather than one skill in isolation.

Why Do Milestones Matter?

Milestones matter because they are the building blocks for how we move, function, and participate throughout life. They form the foundation for coordination, strength, balance, and confidence.

An example I often share with parents:

Those planks you do at the gym? The shoulder stability and core strength needed for that exercise actually start developing in infancy…with tummy time and crawling.

While some children do “catch up” without intervention, being proactive can make a big difference. Helping your baby tolerate tummy time or encouraging crawling now can support smoother movement patterns later on. Early support isn’t necessarily about labeling, it’s about setting your child up for success.

A General Roadmap of Gross Motor Milestones

Milestones have been adjusted over time as research evolves, but below is a general guide of gross motor skills that I often look for as a pediatric physical therapist. Remember, this is not a checklist or deadline, just a guide.

When Should You Consider a Pediatric PT Assessment?

These milestones are meant for educational purposes, but I always tell parents: it’s never a bad idea to ask questions. Knowledge gives us power and it allows us to create a plan and gives peace of mind.

You might consider reaching out for a pediatric PT assessment if your child:

• Is delayed in milestones

• Shows a strong preference for one side

• Avoids movement or seems fearful of physical play

• Falls frequently or appears less coordinated than peers

• Was born prematurely or has a diagnosis that may impact development

• And sometimes, parents just have a gut feeling. That matters. If something doesn’t feel quite right, that’s reason enough to ask.

Supporting Your Child Every Step of the Way

There is no “perfect” timeline for development. In pediatric physical therapy, our goal is to support your child’s movement, growth, and confidence, while also supporting you as a parent or caregiver.

We’re here to celebrate the wins, navigate the challenges, and cheer your child on every step of the way!

If you have questions about your child’s motor development or want to learn more about pediatric physical therapy services, we’d love to connect.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice or evaluation. If you have concerns about your child’s development, please consult your pediatrician or a licensed healthcare provider.

Sincerely,

Dr. Maddie Pessel, PT, DPT, CSCS