Developmental Milestones and Toy Guide6 months to 6 years, with a toy matched to every milestone
A free 19-page printable covering nine age bands from 6 months to 6 years. Every band lists what children are typically working on across six skill areas, with toys and activities sitting right beside each one.
It is for parents who have read a milestone list, thought "right, but what do I actually do with that," and found no answer.
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The nine age bands
The bands are deliberately narrow at the start. There is more distance between a 6 month old and a 9 month old than most charts allow for.
The six areas, and what each one means
Every age band is broken into the same six, each with a plain definition so you are not guessing at the jargon.
Gross motor. Big movements using large muscle groups, like crawling, walking or jumping.
Fine motor. Smaller movements, usually with the hands and fingers, like picking up small objects or holding a pencil.
Language. Understanding and using words, sentences and gestures to communicate.
Cognitive. How children learn, think, problem-solve and understand the world around them.
Social and emotional. Understanding and managing emotions, interacting with others, and forming relationships.
Self-care. Dressing, feeding and toileting independently.
What a page actually looks like
Take 6 to 9 months. Under gross motor you will find sitting without support for short periods, rolling tummy to back and back again, beginning to crawl or drag themselves along, and taking weight on hands and knees during play. Beside that sit a water sensory play mat, a crawl-and-learn ball, and a crawl toy.
Under self-care at the same age: grabbing at food or a spoon at mealtimes, mimicking brushing during bath time, reaching for their own bottle or cup, and sucking a thumb to self-settle. Beside that, a sippy cup with handles and a baby-safe toothbrush.
Every toy title is a live hyperlink, so you are not searching blind. By 5 to 6 years the same six areas are still there, just with memory games and longer instructions instead of crawl toys.
How to use it without spiralling
The guide says this on every single page, and I meant it:
Remember that every child is unique and may reach milestones at their own pace. If you have any concerns about your child's development, discuss this with a health professional.
FROM THE GUIDE
The most common way I see a milestone chart used badly is panicking. It is a rough guideline, not a report card, and not a schedule your child has agreed to.
If you do spot a gap, that is exactly what the third column is for. Find the milestone, look at the toy or activity beside it, and build in more chances for your child to practise that skill. That is the whole reason I laid it out this way.
Noticing something and doing something about it is useful. Noticing something and reading it forty times at 11pm is not.
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Frequently asked questions
What ages does the milestones guide cover?+
Six months to six years, split into nine bands so you can go straight to the one you need.
What areas does it cover?+
Six: gross motor, fine motor, language, cognitive, social and emotional, and self-care. Each has a plain-English definition at every age band.
Is it really free?+
Yes. Put in your email and it arrives with the rest of the library. It stays free.
Do I need to buy the toys listed?+
No. Plenty of the activities use things you already have. The links are there so you can find something specific if you want to, not because supporting your child's development requires spending money.
My child is not doing something on the list. Should I worry?+
Milestones describe a range rather than a deadline, and children reach them in different orders. If you are concerned, speak with your GP, child health nurse, or a paediatric therapist who can assess your child directly.
Keep going
Paediatric OT with 9 years of experience working with children and families. Kidera exists to make OT-informed tools accessible to every parent, not just those in clinic.
These are general, evidence-informed resources. They are not a diagnosis and not a substitute for assessment by a registered health practitioner. If you have concerns about your child's development, speak with your GP, child health nurse, or a paediatric therapist.