8 Infant and Toddler Developmental Milestones You May Not Have Noticed

Child development is exciting! Watching your child grow and do new things is one of the best parts of parenting.  We all know to look for the big stuff: crawling, walking, talking, and going potty. But have you ever stopped to think about just how many exciting developments your little one will have?  Kids learn new things every single day. Their young brains are making more new connections than we can imagine. It’s easy to miss new developmental milestones if you don’t know what to look for. I’m going to share a few milestones I’ve seen in kids that may not be as obvious.

1. Babbling back and forth

Babies babble and it’s so cute! Babbling is an exciting step because it’s one of the first noticeable signs of language development. When I talk to babies and they “talk back,” it shows they are learning the “back and forth” of conversation.

2. Holding bottle or other objects to mouth

The first time my daughter held her own bottle to her mouth, I got so excited. I took pictures and told my husband to come see. The reason I lost my mind over this is because holding a bottle is kind of a big deal. This shows a child has the muscle strength to hold a dense object like a bottle. It also displays a baby’s hand-to-mouth coordination, a very important skill for down the road. Many children do not use a bottle because they are breastfed or other factors. I believe the same idea can be applied to a child holding another object to their mouth, such as a binky or toy. 

3. First sign

I know not all children learn sign language. If you do decide to teach your child some signs, it can be effective in early communication. Kids usually use sign earlier than verbal speech. Seeing your little one use that first sign is so fun. Plus, I’ve observed when babies know a few signs, they won’t always go straight to crying, since they can let you know what they want through sign language. 

4. Pincer grasp

Pincer grasp is when a child is able to hold a small object between their thumb and index finger. This ability often forms when a child starts to eat solid foods, like puffs or Cheerios. Pincer grasp is subtle, but watch for it. It’s a key fine motor skill, meaning the smaller, more precise movements. Pincer grasp will lead to self-feeding, coloring, and eventually writing.    

5. Recognizing his/her own reflection

I enjoy noticing babies look in a mirror and see a certain spark in their eye and a big smile come across their face. Not only is this an adorable moment, it’s also an important one. A baby looking at themselves in the mirror in this way is a sign they have developed a sense of self. Small infants don’t have a true concept of “self.” However, as the baby grows, their brains make the connection that, “Yes, I am a person.” When a baby recognizes their own reflection, it means they’ve crossed the threshold into self-identity. 

6. Scaling

Scaling is when a child uses furniture or other objects to pull themselves along while in a standing position. The child will move their feet with their hands in a coordinated effort. It seems like many parents find scaling exciting because it is a sign that walking will come next. Scaling is a thrilling development on its own, as well. It takes some major coordination and muscle strength to pull it off. So, when you see your child scaling, praise the heck out of it. It’s awesome! 

7. Looking back at parent/caregiver during play

Older infants and toddlers tend to have a pretty established secure attachment by this age. When your child is playing or in a new environment, you may notice he or she look back at you or come over to you briefly, then go back to their activity. This is a big one because it shows the child has a pretty good balance. They are “feeling out” their independence, but still turn to you for safety and love. So, if you see this, high five to you! You’re doing great and your child likely has a healthy attachment. If you do not see this, don’t panic. There could be a number of reasons why. Just keep giving your love.

8. Tantrums

You may be rolling your eyes at this one, but hear me out. As frustrating and difficult as tantrums can be, they are an important developmental milestone. Remember when I talked about self-identity? Tantrums are an extension of that. It means the child is not only learning they have an identity, but they have a will. A child wants to express their own desires, thoughts, feelings, and make decisions. The problem is a child this young does not have the life experience or complex communication skills to handle this new sense of will. Now I’m not saying you have to cheer or praise your child when they throw a tantrum. Just keep in mind tantrums are a normal part of development. 

I hope this gives you a better understanding of the lesser known developmental milestones. Now I’d love to hear from you. Are there any other developments in babies and toddlers you’ve seen that I haven’t pointed out? Let me know in the comments.