As parents, we all celebrate our child’s first smile, step, and word. But as a McKinney parent, you may also wonder: “Is my child’s development on track?” At Happy Bun Pediatrics, Dr. Jennie Chung and our team are here to help you with important milestones for young kids. We focus on speech, motor skills, and social interactions. We will help you know what to watch for and when to get professional support. Let’s dive into the key milestones and how we partner with you to support your child’s growth.

Key Developmental Milestones: What to Watch For

Every child’s journey is unique, but there are typical milestones that can serve as a roadmap for development. Below, we break down key milestones by age group:

Infants (0-12 Months): The Building Blocks of Development

In these early months, babies develop essential skills:

  • 3 months: Babies begin to coo and lift their heads during tummy time (motor skills).
  • 6 months: Expect babbling and the ability to grasp toys (speech and motor skills).
  • 12 months: Your baby will likely say “mama” or “dada” and begin pulling themselves up to stand.

To stimulate your baby’s development, engage them with colorful toys, soft songs, and tummy time exercises. For breastfeeding parents: How long is fresh breast milk good for? Fresh breast milk can remain at room temperature for up to 4 hours, so keep it within reach for your baby’s next feeding!

Toddlers (1-3 Years): Rapid Growth and Exploration

By this age, children’s skills develop quickly:

  • 18 months: Most toddlers walk and say 10-20 words.
  • 2 years: They begin running and stringing words together (e.g., “more milk”).
  • Socially, toddlers start imitating adults by pretending to cook, clean, or play pretend games.

Be aware of baby dry skin from outdoor play, apply a gentle moisturizer to keep their skin hydrated. We’ve got recommendations for gentle, non-toxic lotions that are safe for sensitive skin.

Young Children (3-5 Years): Refining Skills and Social Interactions

At this stage, preschoolers refine their motor skills and engage more socially:

  • 3 years: Jumping, speaking in sentences, and playing pretend games.
  • 5 years: Hopping on one foot, drawing shapes, and playing with peers.

Social growth is important here. Sharing toys with others is part of their interactions. However, it can sometimes be a challenge!

When to Seek Support: Red Flags and Next Steps

Although developmental milestones are not strict deadlines, certain signs can indicate a need for further evaluation:

  • Infants: No babbling by 12 months or inability to sit by 9 months.
  • Toddlers: No walking by 18 months or fewer than 6 words by age 2.
  • Young Children: Difficulty balancing by 4 years or no peer play by age 5.

Trust your instincts. If you notice anything that feels off, reach out to your pediatrician immediately. At Happy Bun Pediatrics, we conduct regular developmental screenings and track growth at every well-child checkup. We’re also ready to refer you to specialists, such as speech therapists or occupational therapists, if needed.

How We Partner with You for Early Intervention and Growth

Dr. Chung’s holistic approach makes us more than a medical clinic. We are a supportive partner in your child’s growth. We have tips to help your baby explore textures with toys. We also offer advice on using a humidifier for dry skin. Need breast milk storage tips? Freshly pumped milk lasts up to 4 days in the fridge, and it stays 24 hours unrefrigerated.

From McKinney to Frisco, we’re here to ensure your child’s progress every step of the way. Book an appointment online or call us at (214) 326-0095. Let’s keep those milestones rolling!