Overview

Children usually progress in a natural, predictable sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. But each child grows and gains skills at their own pace. Some children may be advanced in one area, such as language and communication. But they may be behind in another area, such as movement and physical development.

Milestones usually are grouped into five major categories: physical growth, cognitive development, emotional and social development, language and communication development, and movement and physical development.

Physical growth

Most children by age 4:

• Have gained about 4 lb (2 kg) and grown about 3 in. (8 cm) since their third birthday.

Go to www.cdc.gov/growthcharts to see the high and low percentiles for normal weight and growth.

Cognitive development (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Most children by age 4:

• Can name some colors.
• Tell what comes next in a story they know well.
• Draw a person with three or more body parts.

Emotional and social development

Most children by age 4:

• Pretend to be something else during play, like a parent, animal, or superhero.
• Ask to go play with children if none are around.
• Comfort others who are hurt or sad.
• Avoid danger, like not jumping off tall equipment at a playground.
• Like to help parents or teachers.
• Change how they act based on where they are. For example, they use a quieter voice at the library.

Language and communication development

Most children by age 4:

• Say sentences with four or more words.
• Say some words from a song, story, or nursery rhyme.
• Talk about at least one thing that happened during their day.
• Answer simple questions.

Movement and physical development

Most children by age 4 can:

• Catch a large ball most of the time.
• Serve themselves food or pour water with adult supervision.
• Unbutton some buttons.
• Hold a crayon or pencil between the fingers and thumb instead of in a fist.