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For babies aged birth to 1, you'll first notice remarkable developments in their gross motor skills. Your baby's journey begins with lifting their head briefly while on their belly, turning side to side, and gradually bearing weight on their forearms. They'll progress to rolling from back to side, then belly to back and back to belly. Around 5 to 6 months, they'll develop the ability to bring their feet to their mouth and sit independently for short periods. By 8 to 10 months, they may crawl on hands and knees, pull themselves to stand with support, and even stand alone briefly. Walking while holding onto furniture and with some assistance usually starts around 10 to 14 months.

Simultaneously, you'll also witness significant developments in fine motor skills. Initially, babies involuntarily grasp objects with all fingers. Gradually, they'll become more adept at reaching for and holding toys, often bringing them to their mouths.  As they grow, they'll start playing with toys while sitting, handling blocks, and attempting to imitate scribbles. By the time they're around 9 to 10 months old, they'll refine their grasp with a pincer grip and their visual tracking skills will improve as they track objects horizontally, vertically, and in circular motions.

As your baby grows, expect to see more independence emerge during mealtimes. They'll become more self-sufficient with feeding, holding their own bottle and playfully banging spoons.  Between 6 to 12 months, they'll drink from an open cup with some assistance and gradually finger-feed themselves with a pincer grasp by 8 to 11 months. Their growing independence will become even more apparent as they learn to drink from a straw between 9 to 18 months, marking a significant milestone in their independence during activities of daily living.

During the exciting ages of 1 to 2, your child is on a journey of discovery and growth. In terms of fine motor skills, they'll start playing with toys closer to their body, point with their index finger, and use a refined pincer grasp to pick up tiny objects. They may scribble on paper and transition from a fisted grasp to holding writing utensils with their fingers. Their play becomes more coordinated as they use both hands, turn cardboard pages in books, and imitate vertical, horizontal, and circular marks drawn on a piece of paper. They can even complete 3-piece inset puzzles and demonstrate emerging scissor skills.

On the gross motor front, these young children gradually enhance their mobility. They typically start climbing stairs on hands and knees between 10 and 15 months and begin walking independently around 12 to 15 months. As they grow, they develop the ability to climb downstairs backward, squat to retrieve toys, and engage in basic ball play. Around 18 to 24 months, they may run stiffly, navigate stairs while holding onto support, and explore playground equipment or climb on furniture in the house. By age 2 to 2.5, they can jump down from low steps, ascend and descend stairs without assistance, and catch a large ball against their chest. Riding a tricycle often becomes an achievable goal between the ages of 2 to 4.

In terms of self-care, they'll get messy but learn to use a spoon for feeding and drink from an open cup between 12 and 18 months. As they get closer to 2, they'll refine their spoon skills with less spillage and start using a fork. Dressing becomes a cooperative effort, with them helping to put on socks, pants, and taking off their shoes and socks. Bath time and grooming might come with some resistance, but they'll gradually participate in brushing teeth and other self-care activities. Additionally, you may notice signs of readiness for toilet training, such as expressing discomfort when their diaper is soiled and showing interest in toileting. These milestones signify your child's growing independence and development during this important stage of their early years.

As your child reaches the ages of 2 to 3 years, you'll notice significant developments in their self-care, gross motor, and fine motor skills. In terms of self-care, they're becoming more independent. They can use a fork proficiently and are learning to dress themselves, including putting on shirts, socks, and shoes with less assistance. They can also manage tasks like washing their hands and indicating when they need to use the bathroom.

Gross motor skills are also progressing. They're able to walk up stairs while alternating their feet, jump, climb, and run. They can even jump over objects and stand on one leg for a few seconds. As they get closer to 3.5 to 4 years old, they'll start walking down stairs with alternating feet, throwing a ball with better accuracy, and hopping on one foot.

In terms of fine motor skills, they're becoming more dexterous. They can cut across a 6-inch piece of paper, string beads, and successfully copy vertical lines, horizontal lines, and circles. They're also beginning to use scissors to make small snips. These milestones represent important steps in their development, showing increased independence and capability in various areas.