Developmental Milestones for Young Children
The changes that a baby, toddler, or child go through are made up of many different skills, like walking, talking, and playing. These skills are also called DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES, and usually happen at a certain age for children.
Each child develops at his or her own pace, but by watching these milestones, you can know how your child is developing. If your child is late in doing several activities listed, or your have concerns that your child is not reaching some of these milestones, then you should speak to your child’s doctor.
Your child’s doctor may recommend therapy to improve your child’s developmental skills. Therapy can include speech, language, occupational or physical therapy services.
Milestones Checklist Birth to 3 Months
Follows moving toys or faces with their eyes Able to lift or raise head from surface when lying on tummy Responds to loud noises Makes sounds like cooing, gurgling, sighing, and grunting Cries differently for different needs Reaches or grasps toys, rattles, or hair
3 Months to 6 Months
Turns head and moves eyes to voices or sounds Rolls over front-to-back and back-to-front Babbles, squeals, and makes speech like sounds such as “p”, “b”, and “m” Pays attention to music, notices toys that make sounds Holds toys, puts toys in mouth, and can help hold the bottle during feedings
6 Months to 9 Months
Moves toys from one hand to the other hand Can sit unassisted for five minutes Copies sounds or gestures Responds to name Likes to play peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake Starts to crawl by pulling self up and kicking legs
9 Months to 12 Months
Recognizes common words (cup, juice, shoe) Can say one or two words (bye-bye, mama, dada) Grabs small objects with thumb and index finger Removes socks and cooperates with dressing activities Able to crawl, pull up on furniture, and take some steps without assistance Responds to simple requests (come here) Can drink from a cup with Help
12 Months to 24 Months
Uses some 2-word questions (Where kitty?, Go bye-bye?, What’s that?) Can point to some body parts when asked, points to pictures in a book when named Follows simple commands (roll the ball, kiss the baby, where’s your shoe?) Walks alone without assistance, can keep balance when stepping off objects Says “no” often Likes to pretend play Can throw a small ball, scribbles on paper, and uses spoon with some success
2 Years to 3 Years
Walking, jumping with both feet, and better at running Able to kick and throw a ball Able to walk up and down steps with alternate feet while holding someone’s hand Uses 2-3 word sentences to talk about or ask for things Speech is understood by familiar listeners most of the time Can follow 2 step direction (Get the book and put it on the table) Answers simple questions Repeats simple rhymes and songs Puts their clothes on by themselves (3 yrs.)
3 Years to 5 Years
Hears you when you call from another room Understands simple questions (who, what, where, why) Talks about activities at school or at friends’ homes Uses sentences that have 4 or more words Talks easily without repeating sounds and outside people understand Able to cut paper into 2 pieces, traces lines, can unbutton buttons Can pedal and steer tricycle Bathes self (4-5 yrs.)
5 Years and Up
Can pay attention to short story and answer question about it Hears and understands most of what is said at home and at school Uses sentences that give more detail (I like to read my books) Tells stories and sticks to topic Communicates easily with other children and adults Learning to ride a two-wheeled bicycle Able to skip, run, gallop, and stop Able to engage in tumbling, swimming, swinging, and ball games Has friends and a social group at school, neighborhood, outside activities Chooses own clothing, can make a sandwich, can assist with household chores