STEM Milestones

At this age, children are learning though imitation and repetition, just like any good scientist!

• Shows interest in pictures
• Can identify 1-2 body parts when named
• Enjoys imitating people in play
• Tests parental responses to his actions during feedings (What do you do when he refuses a food?)
• Tests parental responses to his behavior (What do you do if he cries after you leave the room?)

Social/Emotional/Play Milestones

By 15 months:

By 15 months, children typically respond to simple directions such as “give me the ball”, participate in back and forth conversations, and combine sounds and gestures.

Key indicators:

• Imitates sounds and simple actions
• Consistently follows simple directions
• Raises hands to be picked up and uses gestures to communicate
• May start to imitate others in simple play
• Shy or anxious with strangers
• May be fearful in some situations
• Prefers mother and/or regular caregiver over all others
• Engages in playful interactions with others
• Enjoys large movements, such as being lifted and swung around

By 18 months:

By 18 months children typically respond to questions and points at familiar people and objects.

Key indicators:

• Continues to produce speech-like babbles
• Understands “in” and “on” and similar concepts

Language/Communication Milestones

Children at this age respond to the word “no”, use their voice to express joy and displeasure, and listen and respond when spoken to.

Key indicators:

• Begins to use increased variety of sounds and syllable combinations in babbling
• Uses simple gestures such as shaking head for “no”
• Begins to say “mama” and “dada” close to 12 months
• Vocalizes p, b, and m sounds
• Says words with a consonant and a vowel (“do” for “dog”)
• Uses approximately 50 words
• Understands more approximately 300 words

Coordination/Movement Milestones

At 15-18 months, children are on the move, typically walking (or running).

Key indicators:

• Walks independently
• Squats to pick up items off the floor
• Picks up small objects with thumb and fingers
• Picks up small items with thumb and finger
• Pulls toys behind while walking
• Stands on tip toe
• Begins to run

Sensory Milestones Milestones

Children are still exploring the world with their senses, using both hands, but exploring with their hands more than their mouth, and constantly seeking out new sensory experiences.

Key indicators:

• High interest in exploring the world
• Hearing is very acute, processes words and voices well
• Enjoys touching different textures
• Enjoys music and singing and dancing
• Enjoys being read to
• Uses both hands equally when playing with toys
• Is able to scan a crowd of people looking for mommy’s face

Cognitive Milestones

Children at this age enjoy social play, are interested in mirror images and love to interact with others.

Key indicators:

• Responds to other people’s expressions of emotion and appears joyful often
• Finds hidden objects easily hidden 2 or 3 levels deep
• Looks at correct picture when the image is named
• Imitates gestures
• Uses objects correctly (drinking from cup, brushing hair)

What Would a Pediatric Occupational Therapist Look For?

Pediatric occupational therapists consider certain important benchmarks when observing children’s development and behavior.

• Walks on flat feet more often then toes
• Uses good eye contact and interactions with care-givers
• Shows interest in other children
• Ability to finger-feed self and use some utensils
• Attends to books when read to
• Able to chew and swallow soft-cooked vegetables, pasta, banana slices, etc.
• Drinks from a variety of different cups
• Not fearful of movement
• Is starting to assist in dressing
• Walks to get desired items
• Uses both hands equally to play with toys
• Is able to throw a ball without losing balance
• Is able to stack 2 or 3 blocks high

Time to Check with Baby’s Healthcare Provider

Mommy and daddy, be vigilant! You are your child’s advocate. If you see any of the following in your baby’s second or third month, it is time to notify your baby’s healthcare provider so your baby gets the proper attention.

• Seems very stiff, with tight muscles
• Seems very floppy, like a rag doll
• Refuses to cuddle
• Shows no affection for the person who cares for him
• Doesn’t seem to enjoy being around people
• One or both eyes consistently turn in or out
• Persistent tearing, eye drainage, or sensitivity to light
• Can’t walk by 16 months
• Poor standing balance
• Falls frequently
• Says no single words (“mama” or “dada”)
• Does not learn to use gestures, such as waving or shaking head
• Does not point to objects or pictures
• Doesn’t make attempt to communicate

Self-Care Milestones for Mommy and Daddy

Just as babies have milestones, new parents need to reach important milestones to stay healthy and happy and have the ability to care for your baby!

• Use proper positioning for breast-feeding (remember, bring baby to you)
• Use proper lifting technique to protect your back
• If you are returning to work, plan ahead, ask your partner for help, try to get sleep on weekends
• Drink plenty of water
• Eat a balanced diet
• When help is offered, take it!
• Get some fresh air (take a walk with your baby when possible)
• Take time to connect with your partner
• Make time to connect with friends. Adult conversation is important!

References:

The American Academy of Pediatrics, Pathways, The American Occupational Therapy Association