👶 NCLEX Developmental Milestones: Infant Growth by Age

From head control to stranger anxiety, developmental milestones show up all over NCLEX pediatrics.
Knowing what babies can and should be doing at each age helps you spot normal vs abnormal development.

Today’s blog uses a KOTC visual chart and mnemonic to simplify the birth–12 months growth process.

📊 NCLEX Chart: Birth to 12-Month Milestones

Age	Motor Skills	Language	Social Development
2 Months	Lifts head, turns to sound	Cooing	Social smile
4 Months	Rolls front to back	Babbles, laughs	Reaches for objects
6 Months	Sits with support, transfers items	Consonant sounds	Stranger anxiety
9 Months	Crawls, pulls to stand	“Mama/Dada” (nonspecific)	Peek-a-boo, waves
12 Months	Walks with/without help	1–2 words with meaning	Separation anxiety

🧠 NCLEX Tip: Think “2-4-6-9-12”

Many NCLEX milestone questions use a timeline format — knowing what to expect at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months helps you spot the outlier.

🩺 Nursing Implications

• Educate caregivers on normal expectations

• Track missed milestones at wellness checks

• Encourage safe exploration (tummy time, play)

• Know red flags (no sitting by 9 months, no words by 12)

💡 Mnemonic: “2-4-6-9-12 Grow & Thrive”

2 Months	Smile & Lift Head
4 Months	Roll & Laugh
6 Months	Sit & Sound (Babble)
9 Months	Crawl & Clap
12 Months	Walk & Talk

📲 Learn Pediatrics Visually with King of the Curve

• 👶 Pediatric milestone flashcards

• 🩺 Growth charts and timeline trackers

• 📊 Quiz questions for every age group

Master more at kingofthecurve.org/studyscience

🏁 Final Thoughts

Developmental milestones are a pediatric essential for NCLEX.
Know them by heart — especially the motor + communication timelines — and you’ll breeze through milestone scenarios.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How many hours should I study for the MCAT each day?

  Aim for 4-6 focused hours, ensuring you incorporate breaks to avoid burnout.

• What is the best way to handle test anxiety?

  Practice mindfulness techniques, take practice exams under realistic conditions, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

• How can I stay motivated during the long application process?

  Set short-term goals, seek support from mentors, and reward yourself for small achievements.

• What role does exercise play in MCAT preparation?

  Regular exercise improves focus, reduces stress, and enhances overall mental clarity.

• How does King of the Curve help with MCAT preparation?

  KOTC offers personalized learning tools, gamification features, and adaptive question banks to help students stay on track without burnout.