Early Developmental Milestones Matter: What to Look for in the First 5 Years
- Taryn van der Westhuizen
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
From the moment your little one wraps their fingers around yours to the day they sprint across the playground with glee — childhood is full of magical early developmental milestones. These first five years are big, beautiful, and busy, filled with growing, learning, and exploring the world around them.
As occupational therapists who adore working with children and families, we know how important it is to understand what these early developmental milestones mean — and what to do if something doesn’t feel quite right. So let’s explore what to look for, when to check in, and how we can help along the way.
What Are Early Developmental Milestones (and Why Do They Matter)?
Early developmental milestones are those small-but-mighty signs that your child’s body, brain, and emotions are developing just as they should. From waving “bye bye” to balancing on one foot, each step builds on the last.
Every child grows at their own pace (and that’s completely okay!), but early developmental milestones give us a gentle guide to follow — and they help us spot when a little extra support might be needed.
Key Early Developmental Milestones in the First 5 Years
Here’s a playful peek into what your little one might be doing as they grow:
Cognitive & Communication
Babies: Coo, smile, respond to voices
Toddlers: Follow simple directions, name familiar people and objects
Preschoolers: Ask “why?”, tell stories, solve simple problems
Motor Skills
Babies: Roll over, sit up, crawl
Toddlers: Walk, climb, feed themselves
Preschoolers: Draw shapes, dress with help, run and hop
Sensory Development
Babies: Explore with hands and mouths, respond to sound and light
Toddlers: Try messy play (hello, finger painting!), enjoy movement
Preschoolers: Manage different textures, join in pretend play
Social-Emotional
Babies: Seek comfort, make eye contact
Toddlers: Show feelings, play alongside others
Preschoolers: Share, take turns, express emotions with words
When to Pause and Check In
It’s natural to wonder, “Is this normal?” Some gentle signs that it might be time to seek support include:
Not sitting by 9 months or walking by 18 months
Limited eye contact or social engagement
No words by 18–24 months
Sensitivity to sounds, textures, or movement
Difficulty using both hands together
Struggles to calm down or follow simple routines
If something feels “off” in your gut — you’re not alone, and you’re not overreacting. You know your child best. Trust that instinct.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
That’s where we come in.
At Nurtured Growth Therapy, we walk alongside you and your child, gently supporting their development through playful, purposeful activities that build confidence and connection.
We can help with:
🌟 Fine and gross motor skills — from pencil grips to playground games
🌟 Sensory regulation — helping little bodies feel safe, calm, and in control
🌟 Emotional development — building resilience, confidence, and expression
🌟 Independence — dressing, feeding, toileting, and all those everyday wins
🌟 School readiness — so they can jump into learning with joy
We believe in early support that’s empowering, not overwhelming. And we do it all with care, creativity, and a sprinkle of fun.
You’re Not Alone — We’re Here to Help
Milestones matter — but what matters even more is the love and support your child receives along the way.
If you have questions, concerns, or just want a friendly chat about how your little one is growing, we’re here. Whether it’s a gentle check-in or ongoing support, we’re always just a call or email away.
Helpful Resources for Tracking Your Child’s Developmental Milestones
As a parent, it’s natural to wonder if your little one is hitting important milestones along the way. Luckily, there are some great, easy-to-use resources out there that can help you understand what to expect at each stage and how to support your child’s growth.
1. Raising Children Network (Australia) Website: raisingchildren.net.au
This site is packed with trustworthy, parent-friendly information created by child development experts. You’ll find handy milestone checklists sorted by your child’s age, videos that show what to look for, and practical tips on how to encourage your child’s development in everyday life.
2. CDC Developmental Milestones (USA)Website: cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones
CDC offers free milestone trackers and checklists that you can download and use to keep an eye on your child’s progress. They even have a milestone app, which is great if you prefer visuals or want a simple way to track milestones on the go. It’s a helpful tool for all kinds of learning styles.
Both of these resources can give you peace of mind and practical ideas to support your child as they grow and learn. Remember, every child develops at their own pace — these tools are here to guide you, not to worry you!
