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Early Childhood Development Milestones (0-5)

Introduction

You can see a children’s development by how they play, learn, speak, and act and parents play a critical role in their child’s development. Providing a safe and loving home and spending time together – playing, singing, reading, and even just talking – can make a big difference!

When it comes to childcare, the Sprouts Home-based environment is designed to be engaging and fun for children of different ages and stages of their development. And it’s important to remember every child is different and will develop at different speeds.

Plunket NZ have created a great resource for parents to help them monitor key milestones. We have created a quick summary below but encourage you to read the full article to learn more. 

0 - 3 Months

  • smiles
  • holds head up
  • cries when there’s a loud noise
  • enjoys looking at faces

4 to 6 Months

  • rolls over
  • reaches and grasps
  • chews on hands and toys
  • turns towards sounds and voices
  • responds to sound by making noises
  • reaches out for toys

6 - 12 Months

  • can pull to sit up
  • responds to name
  • plays peek-a-boo
  • turns towards sounds and voices
  • may understand "no"
  • babble and may say mama, dada, bubba
  • wave bye bye

12 - 15 Months

  • will hug you
  • can use a spoon
  • will try and help you dress them
  • can follow simple instructions
  • can drink from a cup

15 - 18 Months

  • understands their own name
  • may be walking on their own
  • can sit in a small chair
  • can pick up very small objects

18 - 24 Months

  • says two or three word sentences
  • copies you
  • can start to feed themselves with a spoon
  • gets into a chair on their own

3 - 5 Years

  • asks lots of "who" and "why" questions
  • uses three to five word sentences more
  • keen to stop wearing nappies and use the toilet/potty
  • can feed themselves
  • can ride a tricycle

Every child can be different in reaching different milestones. At Sprouts we encourage the learning and early development of your children to help nurture these milestones. 

If you would like to read the full Plunket article click here

Contact us if you would like to discuss childcare and your child's development needs.