Early Child Development | Bradley Hospital
Source: http://www.bradleyhospital.org/parents-guide/early-child-development
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:29
Early Child Development | Bradley Hospital
Skip to main content
Search for Resources & Information
Early Child Development
URL COPIED!
Early Child Development
Accomplishments, Difficulties, and Concerns in the Early Years
As a parent, it may be helpful to know what types of accomplishments and difficulties are expected as part of normal child development. This can help you determine when you may need to be concerned about your child’s mental health.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children get a developmental screening. A developmental screening tells if a child is learning basic skills when they should be. When a developmental problem is recognized early, children can get the help they need to grow, learn, and reach their full potential.
During the developmental screening, your child’s pediatrician carefully watches as your child plays, talks, moves, and interacts with others.
Although every child is different, the information below explains what can generally be expected for your child from birth to age five.
Birth to Six Months
Children are working hard to observe and interact with their world. They are learning to comfort themselves, sleep at regular times, let their caregivers know when they need something and adjust to family routines.
Accomplishments
By six months, most children:
Sleep through the night
Have regular daily schedules
Roll over
Sit with help
Reach for items out of reach
Babble and coo
Support themselves on their legs with help
Look for dropped objects
Eat cereals and strained foods
Show strong interest in others, particularly their caregivers
Expected Difficulties
Common illnesses, such as colds or fevers that upset sleep schedules
Crying
Irregularities in development in different areas
Sibling jealousy
Possible Concerns
Medical illnesses
Infant colic
Not growing or gaining weight as expected
Not making any sounds or babbling
Significant delays in motor development
Six to Twelve Months
Children are exploring their world through movement, while still paying close attention to their caregivers’ whereabouts. Children have established sleeping, eating, and play time routines, and have begun to show their personalities.
Accomplishments
By twelve months, most children:
Walk holding on to furniture
Pull to a standing position
Play simple games (for example, peek-a-boo or patty-cake)
Wave bye-bye
Say small words (for example, mamma, dada, juice, or baba)
Show interest in books
Scribble with a crayon
Respond to simple commands or requests
Can sip from a cup with a lid
Can pick up small objects easily
Expected Difficulties
Minor interruptions in sleep schedules due to common illnesses or teething
Minor bumps and bruises because of greater activity
More separation fears, particularly separation from primary caregivers
More interested in activity than food
Fussiness related to food choices
Messy eating
Acting out when objects are taken away
Possible Concerns
Accidents that cause serious injury
Significant delays in development, such as:
Lack of verbal activity
Inability to sit without help
Inability to support themselves on their legs with help
Extreme disinterest in social interactions
Lots of feeding problems, resulting in poor growth
Twelve Months to Three Years
Children’s language, movement, and independence are growing rapidly during this time. They are typically very knowledgeable and demanding of their wants and needs.
Accomplishments
By three years, most children:
Speak and are understood most of the time
Can carry on a simple conversation
Help dress themselves (for example, pull up their own pants or put on their own shirt)
Feed themselves without help
Show their preferences for friends and activities
Can throw a ball and participate in simple games
Jump, run, and climb on play equipment
Participate in activities with other children for short periods of time
Draw simple shapes
Play by themselves for short periods of time
Have begun toilet training
Expected Difficulties
Interruptions in sleep schedules, due to common illnesses, teething, vacations, etc.
Tantrums that occur at embarrassing times for parents (for example, when in public or when with in-laws)
Occasional hyperactivity and distractibility
Minor aggressive behavior, particularly when the child is frustrated
Minor disrespect to parents or other adults
Messy eating
Picky eating
Occasional irritability and arguing, particularly when tired or hungry
Not wanting to use the toilet
Occasional toileting accidents
Stuttering
Possible Concerns
Significant delays in development, such as:
Limited verbal ability
Excessive tantrums involving self-injurious behaviors
Extreme disinterest in social interactions
Excessive activity placing the child at risk for injury
Three to Five Years
Children are moving away from being completely focused on themselves and moving more towards playing with others. As they show their independence and explore their surroundings, they are also dependent and rely on the safety of a “home base.” Their sometimes-challenging behavior is a result of exploring boundaries and developing relationships with other children.
Accomplishments
By five years, most children:
Have begun some form of formal education
Show interest in academic skills (for example, writing their own name, recognizing letters, or counting)
Speak fluently
Have some friends
Participate in family routines
Become occupied with imaginary play
Can run, jump, throw a ball, and climb play equipment easily
Use words to control their own behaviors and the behaviors of others
Show concerns about issues related to injury, loss, or death
Show that they care about others' feelings
Expected Difficulties
Arguing in an effort to influence parents and others
Bedtime struggles
Minor fears
Times of high energy and activity level
Not paying attention, particularly during activities that they do not like to do
Sibling arguments
Not listening to parents
Lying from time to time, particularly to get out of trouble
Occasional crying or angry outbursts associated with frustration or disappointment
Possible Concerns
Significant delays in development, such as:
Delayed language development
Persistently poor peer relationships
Poor coordination
Inability to form friendships
Persistent aggression
Self-injurious behaviors
Persistent disobedience and rebelliousness
Fears that result in the avoidance of age-appropriate activities (for example, school or friendships)
Bradley Hospital
About Bradley Hospital
Our History
Bradley Hospital Executive Leadership
Nursing at Bradley Hospital
Educational Partnerships
Nurse Residency Programs
Nursing Leadership
Psychiatric Nursing
The DAISY Award
Commitment to the Community
Bradley Hospital Facts and Statistics
Map, Directions, Parking and Volunteer Information
Bradley Hospital in the News
For Parents and Caregivers
Planning Your Visit
Your Child's Stay
Support Services
MyChart Patient Portal
Rights and Responsibilities
Rhode Island Mental Health Law: Patient Rights
Confidentiality Policy
For Families and Friends
While You're Here
Family Advisory Council
Support and Therapy Groups
Family Liaison Program
Nutrition: What We Offer
Making Connections
Animal Therapy at Bradley Hospital
Parenting Resources
Online Parent Support Groups
Resources for Parents
Resources for Veteran and Military Families
Children's Behavioral Health Resources
Insurance and Billing
Cost of Care
Programs and Levels of Care
Mindcast: Healthy Mind, Healthy Child Podcast
Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
Defining Mental Health
Getting Help for Your Child
How to Find Help for Your Child
Crisis Situations with Children and Teens
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
Early Child Development Issues
Overactivity and Inattentiveness
Extreme Anger or Irritability
Extreme Defiance
Learning Problems
Speech and Language Problems
Drug or Alchohol Use
Extreme Anxiety or Fear
Extreme Sadness and Despair
Eating and Body Image Concerns
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Child Abuse
Psychosis
Early Child Development
Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician
Mental Health Evaluations
ADHD Evaluation
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
Developmental Evaluation
Educational Evaluation
Feeding Evaluation
Neuro-Psychological Evaluation
Psychological Evaluation
Psychotherapy Evaluation
Speech-Language Evaluation
Common Mental Health Diagnoses
Paying for Mental Healthcare
Mental Health Support
You and Your Support Team
Advocacy Organizations
Health Insurance Care Managers
Mental Health Specialists
Mental Health Hospitals and Community Mental Health Centers
Medical Hospitals and Health Centers
Early Childhood Services
The School System
Accessing Special Education
Preparing for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Meeting
State Agencies
Community and Non-Profit Organizations
Coordinating Your Child's Care
Transitioning to Adulthood
Talking to Your Employer
Maternal Depression
Mental Health Treatment
Levels of Care: Explained
Psychotherapy
Trainings
Medications
Parenting Articles and Tips
Knowing When to Seek Help for Your Child
Understanding Your Child's Temperament
Building Your Child's Self-Esteem
Peer Relations
Getting Your Child to Sleep
Problems After a Traumatic Event
Talking With Your Child After a Traumatic Event
Bradley Hospital Social Work and Counseling
Patient Stories
Meet Alex
Meet Jordan
Patient Story: Meet Jack
Resources for Families
Giving to Bradley Hospital
Ways to Give
Trustees & Governors
Development Team
Philanthropy & Grant News
Bravo Bradley
Planned Giving
2025 Honor Roll of Supporters
Christopher Benedick Adopt a Family Program
With Gratitude: Patient Stories
AJ's Story
Lucas's story
Izzy's Story
Nathan's story
Profiles in Giving
Publications & Videos
reCAPTCHA
Skip to main content
Search for Resources & Information
Early Child Development
URL COPIED!
Early Child Development
Accomplishments, Difficulties, and Concerns in the Early Years
As a parent, it may be helpful to know what types of accomplishments and difficulties are expected as part of normal child development. This can help you determine when you may need to be concerned about your child’s mental health.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children get a developmental screening. A developmental screening tells if a child is learning basic skills when they should be. When a developmental problem is recognized early, children can get the help they need to grow, learn, and reach their full potential.
During the developmental screening, your child’s pediatrician carefully watches as your child plays, talks, moves, and interacts with others.
Although every child is different, the information below explains what can generally be expected for your child from birth to age five.
Birth to Six Months
Children are working hard to observe and interact with their world. They are learning to comfort themselves, sleep at regular times, let their caregivers know when they need something and adjust to family routines.
Accomplishments
By six months, most children:
Sleep through the night
Have regular daily schedules
Roll over
Sit with help
Reach for items out of reach
Babble and coo
Support themselves on their legs with help
Look for dropped objects
Eat cereals and strained foods
Show strong interest in others, particularly their caregivers
Expected Difficulties
Common illnesses, such as colds or fevers that upset sleep schedules
Crying
Irregularities in development in different areas
Sibling jealousy
Possible Concerns
Medical illnesses
Infant colic
Not growing or gaining weight as expected
Not making any sounds or babbling
Significant delays in motor development
Six to Twelve Months
Children are exploring their world through movement, while still paying close attention to their caregivers’ whereabouts. Children have established sleeping, eating, and play time routines, and have begun to show their personalities.
Accomplishments
By twelve months, most children:
Walk holding on to furniture
Pull to a standing position
Play simple games (for example, peek-a-boo or patty-cake)
Wave bye-bye
Say small words (for example, mamma, dada, juice, or baba)
Show interest in books
Scribble with a crayon
Respond to simple commands or requests
Can sip from a cup with a lid
Can pick up small objects easily
Expected Difficulties
Minor interruptions in sleep schedules due to common illnesses or teething
Minor bumps and bruises because of greater activity
More separation fears, particularly separation from primary caregivers
More interested in activity than food
Fussiness related to food choices
Messy eating
Acting out when objects are taken away
Possible Concerns
Accidents that cause serious injury
Significant delays in development, such as:
Lack of verbal activity
Inability to sit without help
Inability to support themselves on their legs with help
Extreme disinterest in social interactions
Lots of feeding problems, resulting in poor growth
Twelve Months to Three Years
Children’s language, movement, and independence are growing rapidly during this time. They are typically very knowledgeable and demanding of their wants and needs.
Accomplishments
By three years, most children:
Speak and are understood most of the time
Can carry on a simple conversation
Help dress themselves (for example, pull up their own pants or put on their own shirt)
Feed themselves without help
Show their preferences for friends and activities
Can throw a ball and participate in simple games
Jump, run, and climb on play equipment
Participate in activities with other children for short periods of time
Draw simple shapes
Play by themselves for short periods of time
Have begun toilet training
Expected Difficulties
Interruptions in sleep schedules, due to common illnesses, teething, vacations, etc.
Tantrums that occur at embarrassing times for parents (for example, when in public or when with in-laws)
Occasional hyperactivity and distractibility
Minor aggressive behavior, particularly when the child is frustrated
Minor disrespect to parents or other adults
Messy eating
Picky eating
Occasional irritability and arguing, particularly when tired or hungry
Not wanting to use the toilet
Occasional toileting accidents
Stuttering
Possible Concerns
Significant delays in development, such as:
Limited verbal ability
Excessive tantrums involving self-injurious behaviors
Extreme disinterest in social interactions
Excessive activity placing the child at risk for injury
Three to Five Years
Children are moving away from being completely focused on themselves and moving more towards playing with others. As they show their independence and explore their surroundings, they are also dependent and rely on the safety of a “home base.” Their sometimes-challenging behavior is a result of exploring boundaries and developing relationships with other children.
Accomplishments
By five years, most children:
Have begun some form of formal education
Show interest in academic skills (for example, writing their own name, recognizing letters, or counting)
Speak fluently
Have some friends
Participate in family routines
Become occupied with imaginary play
Can run, jump, throw a ball, and climb play equipment easily
Use words to control their own behaviors and the behaviors of others
Show concerns about issues related to injury, loss, or death
Show that they care about others' feelings
Expected Difficulties
Arguing in an effort to influence parents and others
Bedtime struggles
Minor fears
Times of high energy and activity level
Not paying attention, particularly during activities that they do not like to do
Sibling arguments
Not listening to parents
Lying from time to time, particularly to get out of trouble
Occasional crying or angry outbursts associated with frustration or disappointment
Possible Concerns
Significant delays in development, such as:
Delayed language development
Persistently poor peer relationships
Poor coordination
Inability to form friendships
Persistent aggression
Self-injurious behaviors
Persistent disobedience and rebelliousness
Fears that result in the avoidance of age-appropriate activities (for example, school or friendships)
Bradley Hospital
About Bradley Hospital
Our History
Bradley Hospital Executive Leadership
Nursing at Bradley Hospital
Educational Partnerships
Nurse Residency Programs
Nursing Leadership
Psychiatric Nursing
The DAISY Award
Commitment to the Community
Bradley Hospital Facts and Statistics
Map, Directions, Parking and Volunteer Information
Bradley Hospital in the News
For Parents and Caregivers
Planning Your Visit
Your Child's Stay
Support Services
MyChart Patient Portal
Rights and Responsibilities
Rhode Island Mental Health Law: Patient Rights
Confidentiality Policy
For Families and Friends
While You're Here
Family Advisory Council
Support and Therapy Groups
Family Liaison Program
Nutrition: What We Offer
Making Connections
Animal Therapy at Bradley Hospital
Parenting Resources
Online Parent Support Groups
Resources for Parents
Resources for Veteran and Military Families
Children's Behavioral Health Resources
Insurance and Billing
Cost of Care
Programs and Levels of Care
Mindcast: Healthy Mind, Healthy Child Podcast
Parents Guide to Children's Mental Health
Defining Mental Health
Getting Help for Your Child
How to Find Help for Your Child
Crisis Situations with Children and Teens
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues
Early Child Development Issues
Overactivity and Inattentiveness
Extreme Anger or Irritability
Extreme Defiance
Learning Problems
Speech and Language Problems
Drug or Alchohol Use
Extreme Anxiety or Fear
Extreme Sadness and Despair
Eating and Body Image Concerns
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Child Abuse
Psychosis
Early Child Development
Talking to Your Child's Pediatrician
Mental Health Evaluations
ADHD Evaluation
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
Developmental Evaluation
Educational Evaluation
Feeding Evaluation
Neuro-Psychological Evaluation
Psychological Evaluation
Psychotherapy Evaluation
Speech-Language Evaluation
Common Mental Health Diagnoses
Paying for Mental Healthcare
Mental Health Support
You and Your Support Team
Advocacy Organizations
Health Insurance Care Managers
Mental Health Specialists
Mental Health Hospitals and Community Mental Health Centers
Medical Hospitals and Health Centers
Early Childhood Services
The School System
Accessing Special Education
Preparing for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Meeting
State Agencies
Community and Non-Profit Organizations
Coordinating Your Child's Care
Transitioning to Adulthood
Talking to Your Employer
Maternal Depression
Mental Health Treatment
Levels of Care: Explained
Psychotherapy
Trainings
Medications
Parenting Articles and Tips
Knowing When to Seek Help for Your Child
Understanding Your Child's Temperament
Building Your Child's Self-Esteem
Peer Relations
Getting Your Child to Sleep
Problems After a Traumatic Event
Talking With Your Child After a Traumatic Event
Bradley Hospital Social Work and Counseling
Patient Stories
Meet Alex
Meet Jordan
Patient Story: Meet Jack
Resources for Families
Giving to Bradley Hospital
Ways to Give
Trustees & Governors
Development Team
Philanthropy & Grant News
Bravo Bradley
Planned Giving
2025 Honor Roll of Supporters
Christopher Benedick Adopt a Family Program
With Gratitude: Patient Stories
AJ's Story
Lucas's story
Izzy's Story
Nathan's story
Profiles in Giving
Publications & Videos
reCAPTCHA