Age			Milestones
The first year			A baby begins learning the basics of self-movement and begins to master the skills needed for hand-to-mouth coordination and holding objects.
			Most infants begin to: Raise head slightly when lying on stomach Hold head up for a few seconds, when supported Hold hand in a fist Lift head and chest, while lying on stomach Use sucking, grasping, and rooting (holding tongue to the roof of the mouth) reflexes Touch, pull, and tug own hands with fascination Repeat body movements, and enjoy doing so
			Babies are quickly becoming stronger and more agile. Most begin to: Roll over Push body forward and pull body up by grabbing the edge of a crib Reach for and touch objects Reach, grasp, and put objects in mouth Make discoveries with objects (for example, a rattle makes noise when it is moved)
			"Child-proofing" becomes important as babies get more mobile. During this time most begin to: Crawl Grasp and pull things toward self Transfer objects between hands
			By this time, most babies can: Sit without support Stand unaided Walk with aid Roll a ball Throw objects Pick things up with thumb and one finger Drop and pick up toys
			Walking and self-initiated movement become easier. Most children can: Walk alone Walk backwards Pick up toys from a standing position Push and pull objects Seat self in a child's chair Walk up and down stairs with aid Move to music Paint with whole arm movement Balance improves and eye-hand coordination becomes more precise. Most children can: Put rings on a peg Turn two or three pages at a time Scribble Turn knobs Grasp and hold a small ball; can use in combination with large motor skills to throw the ball Shift marker or any drawing or painting tool from hand to hand and draw strokes
			Children become more comfortable with motion, increasing speed, and coordination. Most begin to: Run forward Jump in place with both feet together Stand on one foot, with aid Walk on tiptoe Kick ball forward Children are able to manipulate small objects with increased control. Most can: String large beads Turn pages one by one Hold crayon with thumb and fingers instead of fist Draw a circle Paint with wrist action, making dots and lines Roll, pound, squeeze, and pull clay
			Movement and balance improve. Most children can: Run around obstacles Walk on a line Balance on one foot Push, pull, and steer toys Ride a tricycle Use a slide without help Throw and catch a ball Children's precision of motion improves significantly. Most are able to: Build a tall tower of blocks Drive pegs into holes Draw crosses and circles Manipulate clay by making balls, snakes, etc.
			Children are now more confident, and most are able to: Walk backwards Jump forward many times without falling Jump on one foot Walk up and down stairs without assistance, alternating feet Turn somersaults Children develop skills that will help them as they enter school and begin writing. Most can: Use safety scissors Cut on a line continuously Copy squares and crosses Print a few capital letters

For more in-depth information on these milestones, visit the following articles:

• Babies are Children, too: Infant Development
• By Leaps and Bounds: Physical Development

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