Each child is a unique individual that learns and grows in different ways and at varying rates. This early childhood development can be influenced by a number of factors, including individual personality, family background and cultural experiences, among other things. However, there are predictable patterns of growth and a variety of milestones that will occur in almost every child during the first 8 years of life, regardless of outside influences. These stages of development are explored below.

First, from birth to three months babies will begin to smile, follow people and objects with their eyes, discover their hands and feet, lift their head and turn it towards sounds and loud noises. They will cry, but are usually soothed when held. These infants enjoy looking at faces and bright colors. During the ages of four to six months, early childhood development includes laughing, gurgling and other imitated sounds. They will smile often, listen intently and respond when they are spoken to. These babies will explore with their hands and feet, grasp items without using their thumb and often put these items in their mouth. They can usually sit with assistance, roll over, scoot and even bounce. 

At seven to twelve months, infants can identify themselves, parts of their body and familiar voices but they may be upset or shy with strangers. They recognize and understand their name and other frequently used words. They may also speak their first words during this time. Early childhood development milestones also include sitting without assistance and pulling themselves up to a standing position.

When a child is one to two years of age, early childhood development milestones include walking, climbing stairs and running. These toddlers will speak and understand words and phrases. They will imitate adult actions and enjoy helping their parents with daily tasks. They can solve problems, develop friendships with other children and recognize ownership of objects and toys. At two to three years of age, children are learning language at a rapid pace. They enjoy learning new skills and are always on the go. They can seem more independent but also easily frustrated. During playtime, they will act out familiar scenes in their life.

At three to five years of age, children will talk a lot and ask many questions about the world around them. They will enjoy playing with friends and can share and take turns with toys. These children may reveal their feelings through art or playtime. They also have a longer attention span than they did when they were younger. When a child is five to eight years old, early childhood development milestones include a larger interest in numbers, letters, reading and writing. These children are curious about the people and things around them and may start to ask questions about how the world works. At this age, they can use words and phrases to express their feelings and to cope with emotions. They will also become more outgoing, play well with other children and enjoy grown up activities.