Self-Care Milestones

While all children develop at their own pace, here are some general self-care skills that are expected for kids to reach during the specified age range.

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• 4-6 months

  • if bottle fed, child can hold bottle independently

• 8-9 months

  • grasps small items with pincer grasp

  • finger feeds self

• 9-12 months

  • holds a spoon

• 12-18 months

  • shares with caregiver when diapers are soiled

  • cooperates with dressing

  • removes socks

• 18-24 months

  • able to fill spoon and bring to mouth

  • holds and drinks from a cup with minimal spilling

• 2-3 years

  • unzips zippers and unbuttons large buttons

  • requires assistance to manage pullover clothing

  • able to take off bottoms, coat, and shoes without fasteners

  • has few accidents during the day and indicates need to use bathroom

  • able to feed self

• 3-4 years

  • independently dresses self, may need help with fasteners

  • bathes self, except for hair

  • independent with toilet control and notification

• 5-6 years

  • independent with all dressing

  • can tie shoes

• 7-9 years

  • independent with all dressing tasks including selecting appropriate clothing