Developmental milestones

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Developmental milestones are tasks most children learn, or physical developments, that commonly appear in certain age ranges. For example:

• Ability to lift and control the orientation of the head (Neck control) is attained at about 3 months
• Crawling begins at about 7 months
• Walking unsupported is attained at about 12 months
• Speech begins
• Voice lowers in pitch (especially noticeable in boys)
• Pubic hair appears
• Genitals and reproductive organs mature
• Menses begin (females)
• Body hair and facial hair appears

“Normal” age ranges for many milestones are broad (a factor of 1.5 – 2 from bottom to top is possible). For this and other reasons, a single delayed milestone, especially task-related, is rarely in itself a basis for diagnosing a problem.

Note: the Tanner stages can be used to approximately judge a child’s age based on physical development.