For parents, watching a child grow and develop is a source of immense joy and, sometimes, a few questions. While every child progresses at their own speed, understanding common developmental milestones can help parents feel more confident in their child’s journey.

It’s crucial to remember that each child is unique. Keeping track of your baby’s development isn’t about comparing them to other kids, but rather about getting to know your own child’s path. This can help you spot potential delays early on and provide the right support to help them thrive. Here are some common developmental milestones to give you an idea of what to expect as your child grows.

From 2 to 6 months, a baby’s communication and motor skills begin to take shape. You can expect to hear “cooing” sounds, see smiles and laughter, and watch them
try to roll over. They’ll also begin to grab toys and bring them to their mouth, and they’ll likely enjoy looking at their reflection in a mirror.

From 1 to 2 years, your toddler becomes more independent and interactive. You might notice them waving “bye-bye,” pulling themselves up to a standing position, and starting to scribble with a crayon. They’ll also begin to feed themselves and notice the emotions of others.

If you have concerns that your child might not be meeting certain milestones, talk to your child’s healthcare provider, or call your local health department and ask if they have a nurse who specializes in helping assess children with developmental delays. In Davis County, nurses with the Davis County Health Department can help check a child’s development from 2 months to 5 years. Nurses do these screenings as part of a “connection visit” and also provide parents with free and confidential education and one-on-one support.

The childhood screenings cover several key areas of development, including communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, personal-social, and social-emotional skills. The screenings can not only help identify potential delays, but also provide specific activities you can do with your child to help them in areas where they may need extra support.

Discussing any concerns with a professional is the best way to get the resources you need to support your child’s growth. Visit earlychildhood.utah.gov for a list of resources, providers, and organizations in your community that can help.

If you live in Davis County, call (801) 525-4960, or visit daviscountyutah.gov to talk with one of our Connection Visit Program nurses. It’s free!