Physical Developmental Milestones CDC

Summary

Dr. Cate Crowley, along with her co-authors and graduate assistants, presents a webinar series on developmental milestones from birth to three years old, based on CDC guidelines and New York State clinical practice standards. The script discusses motor development milestones at various stages, from head control at two months to tricycle riding at three years, highlighting the range of typical development and cultural considerations. The presentation emphasizes the importance of understanding developmental milestones in a broad context, offering insights for both parents and professionals working with young children.

Takeaways

• 😀 Developmental milestones from birth to three years vary widely, and clinical opinions about typical development depend on observing individual children.
• 😀 The CDC provides specific guidelines for developmental milestones, but these can vary, and it's important to consider a range of normal development.
• 😀 New York State's clinical practice guidelines offer additional motor milestones, such as holding the head erect by 6 weeks and rolling from back to stomach by 4-6 months.
• 😀 By 2 months, babies can hold their head up, begin to push up when lying on their tummy, and make smoother movements with their arms and legs.
• 😀 By 4 months, babies may begin to roll over from tummy to back, sit with support, and bring hands to their mouths.
• 😀 From 4 to 8 months, babies should be able to sit unassisted, roll in both directions, and grasp toys using the thumb and forefinger.
• 😀 Between 8 to 12 months, babies begin crawling, standing with support, and walking with help. They also start using a pincer grasp and can stack cubes.
• 😀 From 12 to 18 months, babies may begin walking holding onto furniture and standing independently, with some children walking as early as 8 months.
• 😀 By 18 to 24 months, toddlers can stand up from stooping, climb onto chairs, and start to walk independently. Fine motor skills include scribbling with crayons and completing simple puzzles.
• 😀 From 24 to 36 months, children refine their gross motor skills, like walking up and down stairs, jumping in place, and riding a tricycle. Fine motor skills include using scissors and making controlled scribbles.

Q & A

What are the developmental milestones covered in the webinar?

The webinar covers developmental milestones for children from birth through three years of age, focusing on motor, fine motor, and gross motor development. It uses both CDC and New York State Department of Health guidelines.

How does the New York State Department of Health contribute to understanding developmental milestones?

The New York State Department of Health provides clinical practice guidelines for motor milestones, including a range of expected behaviors for different age groups, helping clinicians understand the typical development of infants and toddlers.

What motor skills are expected for infants between six weeks and four months?

Between six weeks and four months, infants are expected to hold their head erect, turn from back to side, hold a rattle, and reach for dangling objects with both hands.

At what age do babies typically begin to roll over and sit unsupported?

Babies generally begin to roll over from tummy to back around four to six months and can sit unsupported by about six months.

What are the key motor milestones for children aged 12 to 18 months?

Between 12 and 18 months, children can start to walk with assistance, climb, throw a ball, crawl or climb stairs, and perform simple fine motor tasks such as turning knobs and turning pages in a book.

How do the CDC and New York State guidelines differ in their approach to developmental milestones?

The CDC guidelines are more specific about individual milestones, while the New York State guidelines offer a broader approach, often describing a wider range of typical behaviors.

What motor milestones are expected for children between 18 to 24 months?

Between 18 and 24 months, children are expected to walk independently, climb onto chairs, scribble with crayons, and engage in self-help tasks like helping to undress and drinking from a cup.

Why is it important to consider cultural differences when assessing developmental milestones?

Cultural differences can affect when children are exposed to certain activities, such as using scissors. It's important to recognize that children from different cultural backgrounds may show developmental behaviors at different times.

What activities are included in the CDC guidelines for children between 24 and 36 months?

Children between 24 and 36 months are expected to jump in place, ride a tricycle, use scissors, run easily, and climb well. They also begin to perform more controlled movements with scribbling and can start making copies of shapes like straight lines and circles.

What role does clinical practice play in understanding developmental milestones?

Clinical practice provides a framework for professionals to assess children's development using guidelines like those from the New York State Department of Health, ensuring that children's growth is monitored accurately and appropriately.