Developmental milestones

Developmental milestones are tasks most children learn, or physical developments, that commonly appear in certain age ranges. For example:


 * Ability to lift and control the orientation of the head (Neck control) is attained at about 3 months
 * Crawling begins at about 7 months
 * Walking unsupported is attained at about 12 months
 * Speech begins
 * Voice lowers in pitch (especially noticeable in boys)
 * Pubic hair appears
 * Genitals and reproductive organs mature
 * Menses begin (females)
 * Body hair and facial hair appears

"Normal" age ranges for many milestones are broad (a factor of 1.5 - 2 from bottom to top is possible). For this and other reasons, a single delayed milestone, especially task-related, is rarely in itself a basis for diagnosing a problem.

Note: the Tanner stages can be used to approximately judge a child's age based on physical development.