Infants (0–1 Year)
Developmental Milestones. Infants reach key milestones in how they interact, learn, speak, and move. During the first year, they begin to focus their vision, explore with their hands and mouths, and develop social bonds with caregivers. Language development includes both making sounds and beginning to understand spoken words.
Parenting Guidance:
- Talk and sing to your baby to support language and emotional development.
- Respond to your baby’s sounds by adding words.
- Read daily to foster communication skills.
- Cuddle and play regularly to build trust.
- Praise and provide loving attention.
- Create a safe, nurturing environment for exploration.
- Look for signs of fatigue or overstimulation and allow rest.
Safety First:
- Never shake your baby.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
- Avoid exposing your baby to secondhand smoke.
- Use a rear-facing car seat in the back seat.
- Keep small or sharp objects out of reach.
- Avoid carrying hot liquids near your baby.
- Ensure vaccinations are up to date by consulting your child’s doctor.
Healthy Habits:
- Breast milk provides all nutrition needs for the first 6 months.
- Introduce solids between 6–12 months alongside continued breastfeeding.
- Encourage physical activity with tummy time.
- Avoid extended time in swings or strollers.
- Minimize screen time (none recommended except video chats).
- Ensure 12–16 hours of sleep per day (including naps).
Toddlers (1–2 Years)
Developmental Milestones. Toddlers become more mobile and curious. They begin showing independence, imitating adults, and forming basic language skills and simple sentences.
Parenting Guidance:
- Read and name objects together.
- Play simple matching and sorting games.
- Encourage exploration and participation in daily tasks.
- Support language by expanding on toddler speech.
- Reinforce positive behavior and provide clear alternatives to misbehavior.
- Take short trips to new environments like parks.
Safety First:
- Never leave toddlers near water unattended.
- Use safety gates and childproof dangerous areas.
- Store sharp or toxic items out of reach.
- Keep your child in a rear-facing car seat until they exceed size limits.
Healthy Habits:
- Offer water and milk instead of sugary drinks.
- Accept picky eating as normal; offer healthy options consistently.
- Support active play and limit screen use.
- Provide 11–14 hours of sleep per 24 hours (including naps).
Toddlers (2–3 Years)
Developmental Milestones. Children at this age show increased independence and emotional development. They begin to sort by color and shape, follow multi-step directions, and express a range of feelings.
Parenting Guidance:
- Read regularly and teach songs or rhymes.
- Engage in imaginative play and active games.
- Give simple choices to foster autonomy.
- Encourage positive expression of emotions.
Safety First:
- Prevent choking by ensuring safe eating habits.
- Keep dangerous items out of reach.
- Avoid hot liquids while holding your child.
- Use a harnessed car seat in the back seat.
Healthy Habits:
- Promote physical activity and free play.
- Limit screen use to quality content.
- Offer new foods without pressure.
- Ensure 11–14 hours of sleep daily (including naps).
Preschoolers (3–5 Years)
Developmental Milestones. Preschoolers become more social, independent, and curious. They develop motor skills, form peer relationships, and enjoy structured and pretend play.
Parenting Guidance:
- Encourage group play and help solve conflicts.
- Use complete sentences and support proper word use.
- Let children make small choices.
- Read together and visit the library or bookstore.
Safety First:
- Keep children away from traffic and supervise tricycle use.
- Check playgrounds for hazards.
- Teach basic water safety.
- Keep using a car seat or booster as recommended.
Healthy Habits:
- Eat together and model healthy food choices.
- Limit screen time to 1 hour daily.
- Provide age-appropriate play equipment.
- Ensure 10–13 hours of sleep each day (including naps).
Middle Childhood (6–8 Years)
Developmental Milestones. Children become more confident, capable, and socially aware. They develop stronger friendships and start forming values and work habits.
Parenting Guidance:
- Show affection and celebrate accomplishments.
- Teach responsibility through chores.
- Stay engaged with school and community events.
- Set consistent rules and provide praise and structure.
Safety First:
- Use appropriate car seats or booster seats.
- Teach road, bike, and water safety.
- Supervise during physical play and risky activities.
- Store harmful items securely.
Healthy Habits:
- Support nutritious eating and daily activity.
- Limit screens and remove TVs from bedrooms.
- Model healthy lifestyles.
- Ensure 9–12 hours of sleep each night.
Middle Childhood (9–11 Years)
Developmental Milestones. Children seek more independence and navigate peer pressure. Many begin puberty. They face more school challenges and develop empathy and critical thinking.
Parenting Guidance:
- Talk openly about puberty and emotions.
- Encourage group activities and volunteering.
- Promote self-confidence and responsibility.
- Support friendships and discuss peer pressure.
- Set clear behavioral expectations.
Safety First:
- Use seat belts and booster seats as needed.
- Set guidelines for being home alone or outdoors.
- Teach helmet use and safety precautions.
Healthy Habits:
- Limit high-fat/sugar foods and encourage daily exercise.
- Keep screens out of bedrooms.
- Promote a variety of physical activities.
- Ensure 9–12 hours of sleep per night.
Young Teens (12–14 Years)
Developmental Milestones. Teens experience major physical, social, and emotional changes. Puberty begins, peer influence increases, and identity forms. Teens become more independent but still need parental guidance.
Parenting Guidance:
- Talk about drugs, sex, and emotional wellbeing.
- Know your teen’s friends and school activities.
- Respect their feelings and encourage decision-making.
- Be honest and set clear goals.
Safety First:
- Emphasize seatbelt and helmet use.
- Discuss risks of substances and peer pressure.
- Establish rules for time at home and online safety.
Healthy Habits:
- Encourage physical activity and regular family meals.
- Set screen time limits.
- Ensure 8–10 hours of sleep each night.
Teenagers (15–17 Years)
Developmental Milestones. Teens further define their identity and develop closer relationships. Many face decisions about careers and post-high school plans.
Parenting Guidance:
- Talk about future goals and listen to concerns.
- Support healthy friendships and community involvement.
- Respect privacy and foster independent decision-making.
- Discuss how to handle difficult social situations.
Safety First:
- Reinforce safe driving and discuss mental health.
- Talk about peer influence, sex, and substance use.
- Make sure your teen knows emergency safety plans.
Healthy Habits:
- Prioritize sleep, activity, and healthy meals.
- Encourage shared family meals.
- Ensure 8–10 hours of sleep per night.