Developmental Milestones
Track your child's development through key milestones from early infancy through the preschool years. These guidelines are based on the CDC's 2022 updated recommendations and reflect what 75% of children can do by each age.
Early Infancy (0-6 months)
Key developmental milestones in the first six months of life
2-Month Milestones
Key Skills
- Social smiling
- Head control
- Tracking objects
Signs to Look For
- Makes cooing sounds
- Holds head up briefly
- Watches faces intently
4-Month Milestones
Key Skills
- Laughing
- Rolling
- Reaching for toys
Signs to Look For
- Babbles with expression
- Pushes up to elbows
- Brings hands to mouth
6-Month Milestones
Key Skills
- Sitting briefly
- Object transfer
- Stranger awareness
Signs to Look For
- Responds to own name
- Rolls both ways
- Shows curiosity
Late Infancy (6-12 months)
Important developments in the second half of the first year
9-Month Milestones
Key Skills
- Crawling
- Object permanence
- First words
Signs to Look For
- Gets to sitting position
- Understands 'no'
- Plays peek-a-boo
12-Month Milestones
Key Skills
- First steps
- Simple gestures
- Word understanding
Signs to Look For
- Pulls to stand
- Says mama/dada
- Follows simple directions
Toddler (1-3 years)
Major developments during the toddler years
15-Month Milestones
Key Skills
- Walking well
- Scribbling
- Growing vocabulary
Signs to Look For
- Points to show interest
- Feeds self
- Says several words
18-Month Milestones
Key Skills
- Running
- Pretend play
- Two-word phrases
Signs to Look For
- Walks up stairs
- Helps undress
- Points to body parts
2-Year Milestones
Key Skills
- Sentence use
- Complex play
- Following instructions
Signs to Look For
- Kicks ball
- Names items
- Shows independence
30-Month Milestones
Key Skills
- Jumping
- Imaginative play
- Conversation skills
Signs to Look For
- Uses pronouns
- Climbs well
- Plays with others
Preschool (3-5 years)
Key developments in the preschool years
3-Year Milestones
Key Skills
- Riding tricycle
- Complex sentences
- Turn-taking
Signs to Look For
- Dresses self
- Follows 3-step commands
- Shows empathy
4-Year Milestones
Key Skills
- Hopping
- Storytelling
- Problem-solving
Signs to Look For
- Draws people
- Plays cooperatively
- Names colors
5-Year Milestones
Key Skills
- Skipping
- Writing letters
- Complex reasoning
Signs to Look For
- Counts to 10
- Uses future tense
- Shows independence
Important Note About Milestones
Every child develops at their own pace. These milestones are general guidelines, and slight variations are normal. The ages listed reflect when most children (75%) have achieved these skills.
If you have concerns about your child's development, trust your instincts and consult with your pediatrician. Early intervention, when needed, can make a significant difference.
Click on each milestone to learn more about what to expect, how to support development, and when to seek professional guidance.