Written by Mia.
From the first flutter of a newborn’s eyelids to the confident strides of a school-going pre-teen, each stage of childhood unfolds with its unique set of milestones.
Understanding these phases lets you appreciate your child’s growth and equips you to support their journey with greater insight and confidence. Many new parents wonder when the "newborn" stage age is over or how old a "toddler" is.
Let's dive into the key stages of childhood development to better understand what’s happening as your child grows and learn how you can actively support their evolving needs.
NEWBORN: 0-2 MONTHS
The newborn phase is a period of rapid but limited growth as the baby adjusts to life outside the womb. Newborn age is considered to be 0-2 months of age.
Physically, their range of motion is restricted. Your baby will begin to exhibit reflexes like sucking and grasping — skills that are essential for early interactions with their environment.
Cognitively, newly born children begin recognizing familiar voices, particularly their primary caregiver. They start tracking objects with their eyes and are intrigued by moving faces, sounds, and lights. This is an early sign of developing visual and cognitive skills.
At this point, babies' emotional and social skills are still undeveloped. They express their needs primarily through crying. Building a strong bond with parents and caregivers sets the foundation for emotional security and social development.
INFANT: 2-12 MONTHS
You'll notice significant physical growth as your baby transitions from newborn to infant. Babies will start hitting milestones like rolling over, sitting up, and crawling, which are key markers of their developing motor skills. They reflect their growing strength and improving coordination, which lays the foundation for walking in the toddler stage.
Infants are more active and sleep less, allowing them to explore their environment more actively. They learn through sensory experiences involving touching, tasting, and listening, which helps them understand the world around them.
Emotionally and socially, smiling and responding to social stimuli become common. Infants start to recognize and prefer familiar faces, indicating the beginning of social relationships and attachment.
It is important to remember that each baby is different and will reach baby milestones at various times. If you're concerned about your little one's development, be sure to contact your healthcare provider or pediatrician.
TODDLER: 1-3 YEARS
The toddler stage is marked by increased physical activity. Toddler age is defined as 1-3 years of age. Your child begins learning to walk, run, and climb, signifying proper development of their gross motor skills. Fine motor skills also improve as they learn to pick up small objects and use utensils. The toddler years are characterized by a growing sense of independence and physical exploration.
At this stage, toddlers also make great leaps in language development. They start forming simple sentences and using language to express their needs and curiosity. Expect a lot of questions and curious endeavors from kids this age.
Toddlers are prone to tantrums as they test boundaries and assert their independence. They are learning to navigate emotions and develop social skills, including sharing and cooperating with others.
PRESCHOOL AGE: 3-5 YEARS
As children enter the preschool years, their physical coordination improves immensely. They engage in more complex play activities, including running, jumping, and climbing, with greater skill.
Encouraging social development in preschoolers boosts cognitive abilities, positively impacting their academics and future success. Playgrounds turn into social education centers for preschoolers. Here, they learn how to communicate with peers, solve problems and resolve conflict, share, and develop emotional intelligence by empathizing with others.
CHILDHOOD: 6-12 YEARS
Growth is steady, and motor skills are refined for more engaging activities during childhood. Kids this age are more physically capable and active, participating in sports and hobbies. This period allows for the development of strength, coordination, and endurance.
Cognitive functionalities grow more complex as school-age children master reading, writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving. They begin grasping abstract concepts and applying logic to everyday situations. School is a huge part of their life, and their expanding learning agility makes it so.
Socially and emotionally, children develop a sense of responsibility and teamwork through educational activities. They build self-esteem through accomplishments, which helps them navigate peer relationships. This stage is important for fostering self-identity, enabling them to understand their role in various social contexts.
