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Developmental Milestones for Babies and Toddlers -North Platte Physical Therapy


May 30, 2018

Whether you are a new parent or have other children, their growth and development is your top priority. Every child grows and advances differently, some faster or slower than others. It is important to work with your doctor and local physical therapist in Cheyenne, WY to ensure your child is hitting the important milestones. If they aren’t, they will delve in to see if it is normal, otherwise, a plan can be created to further explore. This will help ease your mind and help your child as they grow!  

Infants and Babies (Through Six Months)


In the first couple months after your child is born, they begin to pick up on various emotional, communication, and problem-solving skills. They learn and experience happiness, often smiling and expressing themselves. They also stretch and kick, have hand motions including grabbing, pick up on sounds, focus on people or objects, and can hold their head up when laying on their stomach.

When your baby is three to six months old, they love to play and focus on people—often remembering the people they interact with. They also express emotions both verbally or through laughing or crying. At this age, they can also hold their head up, roll over, hold objects, and other movements.

Babies (Six Months through One Year)


Once a baby is six months old, they are really starting to become mobile. They will be sitting up on their own, as well as crawling and pulling themselves up. Their emotions and communication skills are really blossoming as they really enjoy things, experience sadness, develop relationships, and respond to various actions. Babies at this age are also very interested in learning about things, will identify objects, and use their hands or emotions to convey how they feel.

As they near that one-year mark, babies will handle various tasks on their own such as putting a pacifier in or drinking. They can also follow instructions and begin to use words to communicate. One-year-olds also react more emotionally to various feelings. This is also the common time when they begin walking on their own. One of the go-to things you can do as a parent to help your child learn is through exploring these 14 great educational baby toys.

Toddlers (One to Three Years)


Upon becoming a toddler, the quality of a child’s problem-solving skills take off. They are learning, finding objects, playing games, build things on their own, and follow instructions. They are also very mobile. They run, climb, throw, and kick. Emotionally, they express themselves more and are more apt to express when they do or do not want to do something. Toddlers use words to communicate and can tie things together.

If your child is not hitting every single milestone, it is okay! You do not need to be overly worried. One of the best ways you can ensure your child is growing on-schedule is working with North Platte Physical Therapy. Our premier pediatric therapy options will help you understand your child’s milestones and build a plan for anything that needs improvement. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.