MSD Manual

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Developmental Milestones From Ages 18 Months to 6 Years*

Developmental Milestones From Ages 18 Months to 6 Years*

Age

Gross Motor Skills

Fine Motor Skills

18 months

  • Walks well

  • Can climb stairs holding on

  • Draws vertical stroke

  • Makes a tower of 4 cubes

  • Turns several book pages at a time

  • Speaks about 10 words

  • Pulls toys on strings

  • Partially feeds self

2 years

  • Runs well/with coordination

  • Climbs on furniture

  • Handles a spoon well

  • Turns single book pages

  • Makes a tower of 7 cubes

  • Makes 2- or 3-word sentences

2½ years

  • Jumps

  • Walks upstairs and downstairs without help

  • Scribbles in a circular pattern

  • Opens doors

  • Puts on simple clothing

  • Speaks regarding toilet needs

3 years

  • Mature gait in walking

  • Rides tricycle

  • Favors using one hand over the other

  • Copies a circle

  • Dresses well except for buttons and laces

  • Counts to 10 and uses plurals

  • Recognizes at least 3 colors

  • Asks questions constantly

  • Feeds self well

  • About half of children can take care of toilet needs

4 years

  • Walks up and down stairs, alternating feet

  • Hops on one foot

  • Throws a ball overhand

  • Copies a cross

  • Dresses self

  • Washes hands and face

5 years

  • Skips

  • Catches a bounced ball

  • Copies a triangle

  • Draws a person in 6 parts

  • Knows 4 colors

  • Dresses and undresses without help

6 years

Walks along a straight line from heel to toe

Writes name

* The age at which children meet milestones varies greatly. The age ranges here represent the average age.