How young children grow: milestones from birth to five

Growing in many ways

Children grow and learn quickly in their first five years. Experts often talk about four areas of development.

• Physical: using the body, from holding up the head to running and drawing
• Language: understanding words, and learning to speak
• Thinking: learning, remembering and solving problems
• Social and emotional: making friends, sharing and handling feelings

Milestones: a general guide

A milestone is something most children can do by a certain age, such as sitting or saying words. The table below is a general guide only.

Age	What many children start to do
Birth to 6 months	Lift the head, follow faces, smile, coo and react to voices
6 to 12 months	Sit, crawl, babble, wave, and say first words near the first birthday
1 to 2 years	Walk, say more words, scribble, play simple pretend games
2 to 3 years	Run, put two words together, play beside other children
3 to 5 years	Jump, draw, speak in sentences, ask "why", take turns, dress with help

Remember: Every child develops at their own pace. Some walk early, and some talk later. A small difference is usually not a problem.

What to do if you are worried

Most children who are slower will catch up. But sometimes a child needs extra help. Tell the parents kindly if you notice that a child:

• Does not respond to sounds or to people
• Has lost skills that they used to have
• Is much later than other children in walking or speaking
• Seems not to play or to look at faces at all

You are not there to diagnose. Suggest that the parents talk to a doctor or nurse at a clinic. Many parents in Kenya have a child health booklet from the clinic, which lists growth checks and vaccinations. Encourage parents to keep these visits.

How you can help

• Give lots of attention, smiles and gentle touch.
• Talk to the child all day, and describe what you do.
• Let the child try things for themselves, even if it is messy.
• Keep to regular times for meals, sleep and play.

For example, Njeri is a nanny in Nairobi for a 14-month-old. The child is not yet walking. Njeri gives her safe floor time, holds her hands for practice steps and tells the mother, who mentions it at the next clinic visit. The nurse says she is developing normally and gives advice.

Key points

• Children develop in four main areas: physical, language, thinking, and social and emotional.
• Milestones are a general guide, and every child develops at their own pace.
• If you are worried, tell the parents kindly and suggest they see a doctor or nurse. Do not diagnose.
• Attention, talking, safe practice and regular routines help development.