Developmental Milestones Guide
Understanding your child's development from birth to age 3
About Developmental Milestones
Developmental milestones are behaviors or skills that most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age. They include how your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves. Every child develops at their own pace, but these milestones help identify if your child might benefit from additional support.
Source: CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." Program
Milestones by Age
2 Months
Social/Emotional
- Calms down when spoken to or picked up
- Looks at your face
- Seems happy to see you when you walk up
- Smiles when you talk to or smile at them
Language/Communication
- Makes sounds other than crying
- Reacts to loud sounds
Cognitive
- Watches you as you move
- Looks at a toy for several seconds
Movement/Physical
- Holds head up when on tummy
- Moves both arms and both legs
- Opens hands briefly
6 Months
Social/Emotional
- Knows familiar people
- Likes to look at self in mirror
- Laughs
Language/Communication
- Takes turns making sounds with you
- Blows "raspberries"
- Makes squealing noises
Cognitive
- Puts things in mouth to explore
- Reaches to grab a toy they want
- Closes lips to show doesn't want more food
Movement/Physical
- Rolls from tummy to back
- Pushes up with straight arms when on tummy
- Leans on hands to support self when sitting
12 Months (1 Year)
Social/Emotional
- Plays games with you like pat-a-cake
- Waves "bye-bye"
- Calls parent "mama" or "dada" or similar
Language/Communication
- Understands "no" (pauses or stops briefly)
- Uses a few words besides "mama" and "dada"
- Raises arms up to be picked up
Cognitive
- Puts something in a container
- Looks for things hidden (like a toy under blanket)
Movement/Physical
- Pulls up to stand
- Walks holding onto furniture
- Drinks from a cup without a lid with help
- Picks things up with thumb and pointer finger
18 Months
Social/Emotional
- Moves away from you but looks to make sure you're close
- Points to show you something interesting
- Puts hands out for you to wash
- Looks at pages of a book with you
Language/Communication
- Tries to say 3 or more words besides "mama" or "dada"
- Follows 1-step directions without gestures
Cognitive
- Copies you doing chores (sweeping with broom)
- Plays with toys in a simple way (pushing toy car)
Movement/Physical
- Walks without holding on
- Scribbles
- Drinks from cup without lid and may spill sometimes
- Feeds self with fingers
- Tries to use spoon
24 Months (2 Years)
Social/Emotional
- Notices when others are hurt or upset
- Looks at your face to see how to react in new situations
Language/Communication
- Points to things in a book when asked
- Uses at least 2 words together ("more milk")
- Points to at least 2 body parts when asked
- Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing
Cognitive
- Holds something in one hand while using the other
- Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on toys
- Plays with more than one toy at a time
Movement/Physical
- Kicks a ball
- Runs
- Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help
- Eats with a spoon
36 Months (3 Years)
Social/Emotional
- Calms down within 10 minutes after you leave
- Notices other children and joins them to play
Language/Communication
- Talks with you in conversation using at least 2 back-and-forth exchanges
- Asks "who," "what," "where," or "why" questions
- Says what action is happening in a picture
- Says first name when asked
- Talks well enough for others to understand most of the time
Cognitive
- Draws a circle when you show them how
- Avoids touching hot objects when warned
Movement/Physical
- Strings items together (large beads)
- Puts on some clothes by self (loose pants, jacket)
- Uses a fork
Track Your Child's Milestones
Use the CDC's free Milestone Tracker app to track your child's development:
Concerned About Your Child's Development?
Early intervention can make a big difference. Contact us to discuss your concerns.