13 Developmental Milestones: Birth to Age 5
From physical skills to social development to cognitive understanding, they sure do grow up fast! Learn what to expect during your child's first several years.
Click on an item in the set below to see more info.
One Month
Lift head a little when lying on stomach. Watch objects for a short time. Make "noise in throat" sounds. Stay away from annoying sensations such as cloth or blanket on the face.
Two Months
Hold their head up (bobbing when supported in sitting position). Sometimes copy or respond to a smiling person. Roll part way to side. Make sounds of discomfort.
Three Months
"Lift head and chest when lying on stomach. Recognize bottle or breast. Smile when spoken to. Show active body movement. Follow moving things with their eyes.
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Four Months
Hold head up for a long time without bobbing. Laugh out loud. Roll from front to back. Like to play. Grab an object held near their hand. Make sounds when talked to.
Six Months
Hold head up for a long time without bobbing. Laugh out loud. Roll from front to back. Like to play. Grab an object held near their hand. Make sounds when talked to.
Nine Months
"Sit alone and change position. Say ""mama"" and ""dada."" Crawl. Respond to people they know. Respond to their name."
12 Months
Pull themselves to stand and may step with support. Can nod their head to signal "yes." Give love. Pick things up with thumb and one finger. Say two or three words.
15 Months
"Walk without support. Do some self-feeding. Speak and make their voice go up and down. Drink from a cup held by someone. Use four or five words."
18 Months
"Walk (may run a bit). Use five to ten words. Climb up or down one stair. Pull toys that have wheels. Mark on paper with crayons. Understand easy directions."
Two Years
"Give toys when asked. Recognize a familiar picture and know if it is upside down. Kick large ball. Turn pages in a book (two or three at a time). Use two or three words together, such as ""more juice.""
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Three Years
Walk up stairs holding railing. Unbutton large buttons. Stand for a moment on one foot. Talk of toilet needs. Open doors. Stack objects by size. Ask and answer simple questions. Speak clearly and are understood by family members.
Four Years
"Can hop in place. Throw a ball above their head. Wash hands without help. Copy a circle. Begin to play with other children. Know their own sex, age, last name. Answer out loud to ""Hi"" and ""How are you?."" Point to six basic colors when asked.
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Five Years
"Run on tiptoe. Understand ""yesterday"" and ""tomorrow."" Print a few capital letters. Know their name in print. Use sentences with correct grammar, such as, ""May I go to the store?"" or ""I want a big cookie."" Play together with others. Put their shoes on the correct feet.
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