This is the first of two articles on important early childhood milestones; the second focuses on gross motor skills development.

The first few years of life offer a unique vantage point from which to watch your child grow — and that includes your baby developing important social, emotional and language skills.

“This is an exciting time where our young children are absorbing incredible amounts from the people and world around them,” said Dr. Aneel Gursahaney, a pediatrician in Steamboat Springs and a member of the medical staff at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center. “Seeing this growth and change is an amazing thing to celebrate.”

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There are many different facets of early development, some of which surround fine and gross motor skills, while others have to do with problem solving, communication and social and emotional development, he said.

Importance of social and emotional skills

The development of these early skills lays the groundwork for how children interact with their world and provides them with the framework to continue to grow in these areas.

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“Being aware of how your child is progressing allows us to support them in the best ways we can to help foster their ongoing development,” said Gursahaney.

Below are a few examples of typical development and milestone progression. However, Gursahaney stressed that not all children will reach these development markers at the same age, and cautioned parents about comparing their children to similar-aged peers.

“It is important to remember that not all children will reach these milestones at the exact same age,” he said. “While every child may not fit into the same box, we like to see each continuing to progress. If you are worried or feel that something may not be on track, please reach out to your child’s pediatrician or someone who specializes in early development.”

Typical language, social and communication developmental skills

Birth-1 month:

• Looks briefly at objects

• Calms to adults

• Cries with discomfort

2 months:

• Smiles responsively (social smile)

• Vocalizes with cooing

4 months: 

• Laughs out loud

• Turns to voices

• More extended cooing

6 months: 

• Pats or smiles at reflection

• Begins to turn to name

• Babbles

9 months: 

• Basic gestures (waves “bye-bye,” holds arms out to be picked up)

• Turns to name being called

• Says “mama” or “dada” nonspecifically

12 months: 

• Imitates new gestures

• Says “mama” or “dada” with meaning

15 months: 

• Points to ask for something or to get help

• Starts to speak additional words

• Speaks in sounds that seem like unknown language

• Starts to follow simple directions

For children needing more help, free early intervention support is available to any child under age 3 who qualifies based on developmental need. A pediatric office is a good place to start for information. Additional developmental resources are also available through the American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Always listen to your instincts and remember that you know your child best,” said Gursahaney. “Following the development of our children provides us with so much insight into the amazing things that are happening inside their tiny bodies and brains.”

Mary Gay Broderick writes for UCHealth. She can be reached at marygaybroderick@comcast.net.