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Difficulty: HardNormal Growth and Development

A pediatrician is reviewing normal child development principles to prepare for upcoming well-child examinations. To properly screen for developmental delays, clinicians must understand the normal sequencing of skills across various domains. Arrange the following pediatric developmental milestones in chronological order from earliest to latest based on the typical age of acquisition in a healthy, full-term child.

  1. 1Transfers an object from one hand to the other
  2. 2Demonstrates object permanence
  3. 3Uses a mature pincer grasp
  4. 4Combines vocabulary to form two-word phrases
  5. 5Walks up stairs using alternating feet

Answer

The correct chronological sequence is: Transfers an object from one hand to the other (6 months) → Demonstrates object permanence (9 months) → Uses a mature pincer grasp (12 months) → Combines vocabulary to form two-word phrases (24 months) → Walks up stairs using alternating feet (36 months).
Normal childhood development follows a predictable chronological progression across multiple domains. Fine motor skills advance from simple hand-to-hand transfer at 6 months to a highly coordinated mature pincer grasp by 12 months. Cognitive milestones like object permanence emerge around 9 months as the infant's memory capacity grows. Expressive language expands significantly in the second year, culminating in two-word phrases by 24 months. Advanced gross motor balance, such as ascending stairs with alternating feet, is typically achieved by 36 months.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the typical age for transferring an object between hands.
6 months of age.
At 6 months, infants typically develop the bilateral coordination required to pass a small object from one hand to the other.
2
Identify the typical age for demonstrating object permanence.
9 months of age.
Object permanence, the cognitive understanding that an object continues to exist even when hidden from view, classically develops around 9 months. This coincides with the onset of stranger anxiety.
3
Identify the typical age for utilizing a mature pincer grasp.
12 months of age.
An infant progresses from an immature pincer grasp (using the pads of the thumb and side of the index finger) at 9 months to a mature pincer grasp (using the fingertips) by 12 months.
4
Identify the typical age for combining words into phrases.
24 months of age.
By 2 years (24 months), toddlers typically have a vocabulary of at least 50 words and begin combining them into simple two-word phrases (e.g., 'want milk').
5
Identify the typical age for walking up stairs with alternating feet.
36 months of age.
By 3 years (36 months), children develop sufficient balance and coordination to walk up stairs using alternating feet. (Note: walking down stairs with alternating feet typically occurs later, at 48 months).
6
Sequence the identified milestones in chronological order.
6 months → 9 months → 12 months → 24 months → 36 months.
This establishes the proper timeline of normal neurodevelopmental progression.

Key Concept

Chronological acquisition of normal pediatric developmental milestones
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Normal Growth and Development

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