The best way for an infant or toddler to prepare for the next step in physical development is to master the one they are currently working on. Below are milestones of physical development you can expect during the first three years.

Young infants (birth to 8 months) — during this time, most infants are learning through exploring and observing what is close to them:

• Holds head up when on tummy
• Kicks both arms and legs while on back
• Briefly relaxes hands from fists for short periods
• Grasps adult finger
• Raises head and chest while lying on stomach
• Primitive reflexes present, including the rooting and sucking reflex
• Holds head steady without support
• Maintains hold of a toy placed in their hands
• Swings arm at objects
• Brings hands to mouth
• Pushes up from ground onto elbows when lying on tummy
• Rolls from tummy to back and may roll from back to tummy
• Pushes arms straight when on tummy
• Uses hands to support when sitting
• Supports weight equally on legs when standing with support

Mobile Infants (8 to 18 months) — during this time, most infants will begin to learn through exploring and moving throughout their environment:

• Moves into the sitting position without support
• Transfers items from one hand to the other
• Uses fingers as a “rake” to pull food and objects towards self
• Sits without support
• Lowers body with control while using support
• Pulls up to stand
• Walks or “cruises” along furniture for support
• Drinks from a cup without a lid with adult support
• Uses thumb and finger “pincer grasp” to pick up small items
• Takes a few steps independently
• Feeds themself finger foods
• Squats to pick up an object from the floor and then stands up without support
• Makes marks on paper using crayon

Toddlers (18 to 36 months) — during this time, most toddlers will continue to build on and perfect their earlier skills:

• Walks independently
• Drinks from a cup
• Tries to use a spoon
• Climbs on and off furniture independently
• Tries to kick a ball after observing an adult
• Kicks a ball
• Runs
• Walks up and down the stairs while holding on for support
• Eats with a spoon
• Turns doorknobs
• Uses hands to twist and unscrew objects
• Takes off loose clothing alone
• Jumps off the ground with both feet
• Can turn book pages one at a time
• Strings items onto a string such as large beads or macaroni
• Dresses self in loose clothing
• Uses a fork
• Pedals a tricycle