Fall Into Fun & Learning

What Stage Is Your Child?

Schedule a tour today and see how we support your child through different developmental stages.
Birth to 6 Months
In the first six months of life, your baby is rapidly growing and discovering the world around them. You’ll notice big changes, from lifting their head and following sounds to smiling and showing early signs of connection. Babies this age spend most of their time sleeping—typically 14 to 17 hours a day in short stretches. Always place your baby on their back to sleep in a safe, flat crib with no pillows, toys, or blankets. During this stage, safety is all about supervision: support your baby’s neck, avoid propped bottles, and never leave them unattended on changing tables or couches.
Nutrition
  • Breastmilk or formula only—no solids or water needed
  • Feed on demand every 2–4 hours, watching for hunger cues
  • No juice, cow’s milk, or honey at this age
  • Consult your pediatrician if your baby shows signs of reflux or feeding trouble
Illness Prevention
  • Keep baby away from crowded places and sick individuals
  • Ensure caregivers are up to date on vaccines (flu, Tdap)
  • Wash hands thoroughly before touching baby
  • Monitor for fever, fussiness, or changes in eating/sleeping
6 to 12 Months
Between six and twelve months, your baby becomes more active and social—sitting independently, crawling, and possibly pulling to stand. They’re exploring through touch, sound, and movement, and may begin to understand simple words like "no" or their own name. Sleep patterns shift to more consolidated nighttime sleep (about 12–14 hours total daily), with 1–2 naps. This is a prime time to baby-proof your home: cover outlets, secure furniture, and keep cords and small items out of reach. Always use a properly installed, rear-facing car seat.
Nutrition
  • Introduce iron-rich purees (single-ingredient fruits, veggies, grains)
  • Continue breastmilk/formula as the main source of nutrition
  • Offer soft finger foods by 9–10 months (banana slices, cooked veggies)
  • Avoid choking hazards like whole grapes, nuts, and popcorn
Illness Prevention
  • Clean teething toys and pacifiers daily
  • Flu vaccination is recommended for babies over 6 months
  • Use a cool mist humidifier during dry seasons
  • Limit exposure to large indoor play areas in peak cold/flu season
12 to 24 Months
Your toddler is now walking, pointing, stacking objects, and saying several words. They may begin showing signs of independence and preferences. Most children this age sleep 11–14 hours total, often with one mid-day nap. Use gates for stairs, secure furniture to walls, and continue using a rear- or forward-facing car seat with a harness depending on your child’s size.
Nutrition
  • Transition to whole milk (2–3 servings/day)
  • Provide 3 meals + 2 snacks with soft fruits, veggies, proteins, and grains
  • Limit juice to 4 oz/day (if any), and encourage water between meals
  • Introduce utensils and allow self-feeding
Illness Prevention
  • Keep up with well-child visits and routine vaccinations
  • Teach basic handwashing with soap and water
  • Use disinfecting wipes for toys, tables, and high-touch items
  • Watch for food sensitivities or emerging allergy signs
2 to 3 Years
At this age, your child is talking in phrases, running, climbing, and asking lots of questions! Tantrums may emerge as emotional development picks up. Children sleep around 11–13 hours per day, usually with one nap. Keep sharp objects and chemicals out of reach, and always supervise during outdoor activities. Children should remain in a forward-facing car seat with a 5-point harness until they outgrow it.
Nutrition
  • Balanced meals from all food groups: grains, protein, veggies, fruit, dairy
  • Avoid added sugars and limit salty snacks
  • Encourage structured meals and snacks, not grazing
  • Model healthy eating and involve children in meal prep
Illness Prevention
  • Continue yearly flu shots and checkups
  • Use tissues to teach proper sneeze/blow techniques
  • Begin allergy awareness (pollen, dust, pet dander)
  • Provide adequate hydration, especially in warmer months
3 to 5 Years
Preschoolers can dress themselves, express complex emotions, and follow simple multi-step instructions. They enjoy pretend play, drawing, and social interaction. Sleep needs range from 10–13 hours per night, often with no naps by age 5. Continue booster seat use in the car and teach safety skills like street awareness, stranger danger, and bike safety.
Nutrition
  • Offer a variety of whole foods across all meals
  • Avoid sugary drinks and processed snacks
  • Encourage family meals and reduce screen time during eating
  • Teach basic nutrition (e.g., “milk helps our bones grow strong”)
Illness Prevention
  • Reinforce regular handwashing and tooth brushing routines
  • Keep children home if they have a fever or contagious symptoms
  • Schedule yearly physical and dental visits
  • Support a strong immune system with outdoor play and adequate rest

Health & Safety

Oral Health
A lot of parents wonder when oral care should begin for their child. Click on this link for further information.
Wellness Visits
Staying on top of your child's wellness visit's are very important. Seeing your pediatrician regularly will help you determine if your child is hitting all their milestones. If not, intervention is key. Here are some links below that are helpful if you are concerned with your child's development. Maryland Family Network Kennedy Krieger Institute Elavates
From seasonal allergies to flu prevention, we stay ahead of common childhood illnesses and follow strict safety protocols every day.
Learn more
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