Developmental milestones and recommendations for age-appropriate stimulation
Age 13-24 months
Developmental milestones
18 months At 18 months, children run smoothly, start holding onto stair railings to walk up and down, grasp crayons to scribble irregular lines, and stack two blocks. They begin speaking several single meaningful words beyond just names, recognize objects around them, and follow simple instructions.
2 years old They can jump with both feet, kick a ball, turn pages of a paper book one at a time, and stack four blocks. They speak short phrases, name various animals, follow two-step instructions without gestures, use a spoon to feed themselves, and begin showing interest in playing alongside other children.
Age-appropriate developmental stimulation
This period marks a rapid growth in language skills. Engaging children in play that involves language, such as narrating activities or pretend play, helps them learn language within social contexts. Caregivers can also support fine motor skills through daily routines like using a spoon, lifting a cup, or removing clothes. Children begin expressing a wide range of emotions; responding to their feelings verbally helps them understand their own emotions better.
Precautions
1. Children at this age explore their environment actively, so homes and surroundings should be made safe to prevent falls and drowning. Start teaching children to avoid water sources and other hazards.
2. Avoid screen time such as mobile phones or television, as it may hinder language development and reduce social interactions.
Age 2-3 years
Developmental milestones
2 years 6 months At 2 and a half years, children can throw a small ball overhand, stack eight blocks, speak in short phrases using correct verbs, and understand prepositions. When playing with others, they learn to wait their turn with adult guidance.
At 3 years, they improve self-care like tooth brushing with help, enjoy pretend play with peers following rules, speak in sentences, express needs clearly, ride a tricycle,ride a tricycleand can draw circles copying a model.
Age-appropriate developmental stimulation
Children at this stage understand social contexts and can increasingly care for themselves. Caregivers should encourage self-help skills and maintain consistent daily routines. It is important to provide opportunities for social play with peers under adult supervision, and continue shared reading to develop language skills.
Precautions
1. Children often assert their independence at this age, which may lead to tantrums. Caregivers should model emotional control by avoiding profanity, staying calm, and patiently waiting. When children misbehave, ignoring or temporarily withdrawing privileges is recommended, while avoiding physical punishment or violence.
2. To prevent accidents, caregivers must supervise closely within sight and immediate reach, teach children to avoid water and hazards, and prohibit crossing roads alone.
Age 4-5 years
Developmental milestones
At 4 years, children can hop on one foot, speak nearly all sounds clearly, state their full name, recognize four colors, draw squares, dress themselves, maintain focus while listening to stories, wait patiently, and engage in imaginative role play.
At 5 years, they can walk in a straight line forward, draw a person with six body parts, comprehend stories of about 2-3 minutes, count and recognize numbers 1 to 5, and understand basic reasoning.
Age-appropriate developmental stimulation
Allowing children to help with household tasks by involving them in planning, organizing, and taking responsibility with adult support promotes development. Children should have chances to play with peers under supervision to build social skills. Continued shared reading is recommended to enhance language development.
Precautions
Caregivers must continue close supervision to prevent accidents, stay within sight and immediate reach, teach children to avoid water and hazards, and never let children cross streets alone.
Currently, developmental screening using standardized tools at 9, 18, and 30 months is recommended to quickly detect issues and provide support. However, parents who notice concerns or have questions can always consult pediatricians at child health clinics.
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Sources
Dr. Kanokpan Chuchotithavorn Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Ramathibodi Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mahidol University