Why the Number of Stages Varies
Experts differ in how they divide child development into stages — some describe four stages, some five, some six. Although the number of stages differs between sources, what stays essentially the same is the pattern of changes that happen at a particular age or age range. Because most developmental disorders are diagnosed by the time a child reaches adolescence, this topic describes child development across five stages: newborn, infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age.
Newborn (First 2 Months)
Newborns react automatically to external stimuli. They can move their head from side to side, see close-up objects, turn toward sounds, and cry to signal a need. By the third month of life, newborns start to smile at people.
Infant (Up to 1 Year)
| Age | Milestones |
| 3–6 months | Recognise familiar faces, begin to babble, control head movements, bring hands together. |
| 6 months | Sit without support, may bounce when held standing, respond to their name, begin communicating with gestures. |
| 9–12 months | Point at things, pick up objects, crawl, stand with support, imitate sounds and gestures. |
Toddler (1–3 Years)
Toddlers can stand alone, learn to walk without help, begin to run, and climb stairs with short steps. They can wave bye-bye, hold a pencil or crayon, draw a circle, say several words and even short sentences, and follow simple instructions.
Preschool (3–5 Years): Physical Development
Motor skills become refined during this stage. The typical 3- to 6-year-old gains about 4–5 pounds (1.8–2.25 kg) and grows about 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) per year. Children can throw and catch a ball, skip and hop, learn to dress themselves, draw proper structures (like a flower), and speak in complete, long sentences — even stringing 2–3 sentences together easily. With toilet training, most children can use the bathroom independently by age 4.
Preschool: Language Development
Preschoolers enjoy rhymes and word play, show an early understanding of time concepts, may know their telephone number, and respond to ‘why’ questions. Stuttering can occur normally in children aged 3–6, since ideas often come to mind faster than the child can express them — especially under stress or excitement. The right response is to give full, prompt attention without commenting on the stutter; a speech pathologist evaluation is worth considering if stuttering appears alongside other signs like tics or extreme self-consciousness.
Preschool: Behaviour
Preschoolers learn the social skills needed to play and work with others, gradually cooperating with a larger number of peers. A dominant child often emerges within a small peer group, sometimes bossing others with little resistance. It’s normal for preschoolers to test physical, behavioural, and emotional limits — which is exactly why a safe, structured environment with well-defined limits matters. Early morality develops as children want to please parents and important adults — commonly called the ‘good boy/good girl’ stage — and elaborate storytelling can progress into lying if not addressed during these years.
Preschool: Emotional Development
This is an important period for emotional development — children start to genuinely understand that their body, mind, and emotions belong to them. They can tell the difference between feeling happy, sad, afraid, or angry; show fear of imaginary things; care how others act; and show affection toward familiar people. As children grow more confident, they also get better at managing their emotions.
School-Age (6–17 Years)
During this long stage, children learn to become independent and form their own opinions. Learning, speaking, and writing become well established. Children develop a fuller range of emotions — jealousy, love, and more — and can express them through words and gestures. They form friendships, usually make best friends during this stage, and sexual development around and after puberty brings an interest in dating.
