👶 Developmental Milestones by Age: NCLEX Pediatrics Visual Guide

Pediatric developmental milestones are a high-yield NCLEX favorite — especially for ages 2 months to 5 years.

Knowing what's expected vs concerning helps you:

• Identify delays

• Recognize red flags

• Educate parents

This blog features an at-a-glance KOTC visual and tables that organize it by age and domain.

📊 Developmental Milestones by Age Group

Age	Gross Motor	Fine Motor	Language	Social
2 months	Lifts head	Follows to midline	Coos	Social smile
6 months	Sits with support	Transfers objects	Babbles	Recognizes strangers
9 months	Pulls to stand	Pincer grasp	“Mama”/“Dada” (nonspecific)	Plays peek-a-boo
12 months	Cruises, walks with support	2-block tower	1–3 words	Stranger anxiety
18 months	Runs, climbs	Scribbles, uses spoon	10–25 words	Imitates activities
2 years	Stairs (2 feet per step)	Circular strokes	2-word phrases	Parallel play
3 years	Tricycle, jumps	Copies a circle	3-word sentences	Group play
4 years	Hops on one foot	Copies a cross	Tells stories	Imaginary play
5 years	Skips, balances	Draws person, ties shoes	Fluent speech	Follows rules

🧠 NCLEX Tip: Know Red Flags

Red flags include:

• No big smiles by 6 months

• No words by 18 months

• No 2-word phrases by 2 years

• Regression at any age

🩺 Nursing Actions

• Assess milestone progression during well-child visits

• Educate parents about normal ranges

• Refer for evaluation if red flags or delays persist

• Use Denver II screening for standard milestone evaluation

💡 Mnemonic: “Do Little People Grow Fast Like Smart Bears?”

• D – Developmental domains

• L – Language

• P – Play (social)

• G – Gross motor

• F – Fine motor

• L – Learn what’s delayed

• S – Screen appropriately

• B – Big changes = possible concern

📲 Master Peds with King of the Curve

• 👶 Pediatric flashcards by age

• 🎯 Growth & development NCLEX Qs

• 📊 Visual milestone timeline

Get full access at kingofthecurve.org/studyscience

🏁 Final Thoughts

NCLEX loves asking about expected vs delayed development — and now you’re ready to nail it. Stick with our visuals and keep these tables in your prep rotation.

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