What are developmental milestones?

Developmental milestones refer to key skills and behaviors that children typically acquire at various stages of their growth. These milestones serve as benchmarks for tracking a child’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. They encompass a wide range of skills, such as walking, talking, and socializing, which vary according to age and provide insight into whether a child is developing appropriately for their stage of life.

By recognizing these milestones, parents and caregivers can better understand normal growth patterns and identify any potential concerns early on. For example, if a child is not meeting expected milestones, further evaluation may be warranted to ensure appropriate interventions can be implemented.

The other choices do not encapsulate the concept of developmental milestones in the same way. Stage-specific toys might support development but do not define the skills themselves. Life events related to maturity focus on broader adolescent experiences rather than specific developmental skills. Medical examinations can assess growth but do not directly describe milestones related to the acquisition of skills and behaviors.