Developmental Milestones from Birth to Age 5
Every parent has asked it at some point: “Is this normal?” Whether you’re tracking your baby’s first smile, waiting for those first steps, or wondering why your 3-year-old is still throwing tantrums over socks, understanding developmental milestones is key to knowing when to relax—and when to ask for support.
At Hunny Nanny Agency, we work with families across Cincinnati and Cleveland who want trusted guidance, not just childcare. This blog offers an in-depth look at developmental milestones from birth to age five—and what you can do to support your child’s growth.
Why Developmental Milestones Matter
Milestones are checkpoints in your child’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. While not every child hits them at the exact same age, they offer helpful benchmarks for parents, nannies, and pediatricians.
Understanding these stages can help:
Identify potential delays early
Support your child’s learning and behavior
Guide play, conversation, and daily activities
Create realistic expectations for your child’s capabilities
Milestone Categories
Throughout the first five years of life, children grow in four key areas:
Gross Motor Skills – Walking, jumping, climbing
Fine Motor Skills – Holding crayons, buttoning clothes
Language and Communication – Talking, understanding, following directions
Social-Emotional – Playing with others, expressing emotions, showing empathy
Milestones by Age Group
👶 Birth to 6 Months
Physical
Lifts head while on tummy
Rolls from tummy to back
Pushes down on legs when feet are on a surface
Cognitive & Communication
Coos and babbles
Turns toward sounds
Begins to recognize caregivers’ voices and faces
Social-Emotional
Smiles at people
May calm with familiar voice
Starts to show likes/dislikes
✨ Hunny Tip: In this stage, nannies and caregivers in our agency focus on safe tummy time, face-to-face play, and calming routines to build trust and early learning.
🍼 6 to 12 Months
Physical
Rolls both ways
Sits without support
Crawls or scoots
Pulls to stand
Cognitive & Communication
Understands “no”
Says simple sounds like “ba,” “da,” “ma”
Looks for hidden objects (object permanence)
Social-Emotional
Has favorite toys
Stranger anxiety may emerge
Uses gestures like waving or pointing
🧸 At Hunny Nanny, we coach nannies on this age group’s developmental leap in movement, communication, and emotional needs, especially through play and sensory activities.
🚼 12 to 24 Months
Physical
Walks independently
Begins to run
Stacks blocks and scribbles
Cognitive & Communication
Points to objects when named
Says several single words
Follows simple instructions
Social-Emotional
Imitates others
Shows preferences
May have frequent meltdowns (hello, big feelings!)
📍 Families in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood or Cincinnati’s Oakley area love finding part-time nannies who can support their busy toddlers with patient routines and guided play.
🧒 2 to 3 Years Old
Physical
Climbs well, kicks a ball
Begins potty training
Draws simple lines
Cognitive & Communication
Says 2–4 word phrases
Can identify common objects and pictures
Begins sorting shapes and colors
Social-Emotional
Plays beside other children (parallel play)
Follows routines better
Shows defiance ("no!" stage in full swing)
🛠️ Hunny Nanny nannies know this is when structure + flexibility matters. Our caregivers blend predictability with choice to support growing independence.
🎨 3 to 4 Years Old
Physical
Rides a tricycle
Catches a bounced ball
Uses child-safe scissors
Cognitive & Communication
Tells stories
Can say name, age, and gender
Understands time concepts like “morning” and “soon”
Social-Emotional
Begins cooperative play
Shows affection without prompting
May show empathy and attempt to comfort others
🎓 This is the age many Cincinnati and Cleveland parents begin preschool. If you're not quite ready, our nannies can create a “preschool-at-home” structure built around play-based learning.
🧠 4 to 5 Years Old
Physical
Hops and stands on one foot for 10+ seconds
Dresses and undresses without help
Uses a fork and spoon independently
Cognitive & Communication
Knows more than 1,000 words
Understands rhyming, basic math concepts
Can follow multi-step directions
Social-Emotional
Wants to please friends and be like them
More aware of rules and fairness
Can distinguish real from pretend
🧑🏫 In this stage, kids thrive with caregivers who offer gentle guidance, role modeling, and early kindergarten prep—something Hunny Nanny caregivers in both cities specialize in.
What If My Child Misses a Milestone?
Every child is different, but here are signs it’s time to speak to a pediatrician:
Not sitting up by 9 months
No words by 16–18 months
Frequent, intense meltdowns beyond age 3
Not interested in playing with others by age 4
👩⚕️ If you’re concerned, start by talking to your pediatrician. You can also request evaluations through local programs like Help Me Grow Ohio.
Local Developmental Resources
Cincinnati
Cincinnati Children's Hospital – Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics
cincinnatichildrens.org4C for Children – Early learning resources for families
4cforchildren.org
Cleveland
MetroHealth Pediatric Development Center
metrohealth.orgAchievement Centers for Children – Therapy and early intervention
achievementcenters.org
How Nannies Can Support Developmental Growth
At Hunny Nanny Agency, we believe childcare is more than supervision—it’s intentional developmental support.
Here’s how our Cincinnati and Cleveland nannies foster growth:
Plan age-appropriate sensory and motor activities
Read books aloud daily to build language
Encourage safe risks: stairs, climbing, balancing
Model emotional regulation with simple words and calm energy
Offer social exposure through library programs, parks, or playdates
We also offer nanny onboarding guides that help families track developmental goals and communicate priorities clearly with their caregiver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I worry if my child is behind?
Not necessarily. But track progress, trust your gut, and don’t hesitate to ask your pediatrician for insight.
What if my nanny notices something concerning?
At Hunny Nanny, we train nannies to document and communicate gently. We also coach families on how to receive feedback with curiosity and care.
How can I support my child’s development at home?
Follow their interests during play
Offer open-ended toys (blocks, play dough, art)
Narrate routines and emotions out loud
Keep screens to a minimum under age 5
Final Thoughts
Development isn’t linear. Some kids talk early and walk late. Others seem behind, then leap forward in a month. What matters most is that your child feels safe, supported, and loved—at home and in the care of those you trust.
At Hunny Nanny Agency, our mission is to connect families in Cincinnati and Cleveland with nannies who do more than supervise—they nurture, teach, and grow with your child.
Ready for Childcare That Supports Every Stage?
Let us help you find a nanny who understands development, supports your child’s growth, and becomes a meaningful part of your family team.
📍 Serving Families in Cincinnati & Cleveland
🌐 www.hunnynannyagency.com
📧 katherine@hunnynannyagency.com
