Key Developmental Milestones (0-5 years)

The following list provides a summary of important behavioral and sensory skills that most children should achieve at a certain age. However, please keep in mind that no two children develop at the exact same speed. Your child may develop slower or faster than average. Lacking a skill by a certain age does not necessarily indicate a problem.

It is also important to observe your child on different occasions to determine whether or not a certain skill is achieved. Emotions or feelings on a particular day may cause a child to behave differently.

If you notice any major differences in your child's development and the milestones below, or if your child does not possess most of the skills indicated for his/her age, make a note of the problem and discuss it with your child's pediatrician at your next scheduled visit.


Newborn
  • Sees 8-14 inches away
  • Fascinated by human faces, brightness and movement
  • Sees only contrasting colors
  • Cannot hold focus on objects
  • Startled by loud noises
  • Uses crying as a signal for communication
1-3 Months
  • Eye coordination:
    • By 2 months, should be able to follow finger from one side of face to the other
    • By 3 months, should begin reaching for objects within sight
  • Begins making sounds to communicate
  • Responds to voice and sounds
  • Recognition: Smiles when he/she sees your face
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3 Months
  • Moves both arms and legs equally well without jerky or uncoordinated movements
  • Makes sounds or other noises to communicate
  • Responds to your voice
  • Opens and Closes Hands
  • Can support head for a short period of time
6 Months
  • Claps hands together
  • Turns towards sounds outside of immediate area
  • Rolls from back to stomach and vice-versa
  • Tries to stand on feet while you hold him/her under the arms
  • Arches up on hands while on his/her stomach.
  • Sees small objects
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9 Months
  • Responds to quiet sounds or whispers
  • Turns to you if you make a sound behind him/her
  • Sits without supporting body with hands
  • Crawls or creeps
  • Holds bottle
  • Pulls up to stand
  • Makes ma-ma or da-da sounds
  • waves bye-bye
12 Months
  • Plays hide and seek (looks around for you if you disappear and appears happy when you reappear)
  • imitates actions
  • Says at least two words besides ma-ma or da-da
  • Walks holding onto furniture
  • Able to locate sounds by turning head
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18 Months
  • Drinks from a regular cup or glass without assistance and spilling
  • Walks across the room without falling or wobbling
  • Takes off shoes
  • Feeds self
  • Uses an average of 10 words
  • Identifies one or more parts of the body
  • Scribbles
2 Years
  • Takes off clothes
  • Runs without falling
  • Looks at pictures
  • Can communicate what they want
  • Repeats words others say
  • Points to at least one body part when named
  • Use 3 word sentences
  • Uses I, me and you
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3 Years
  • Names 4 pictures
  • Throws a ball overhand toward your chest or stomach from 5 feet away
  • Answers simple questions correctly
  • Helps put things away
  • Answers the question "Are you a boy or a girl?" correctly
  • Names at least one color
  • Rides a tricycle
4 Years
  • Plays simple games, taking turns and following the rules
  • Names pictures in books or magazines
  • Describes what is taking place in a picture
  • Uses verbs
  • Plays pretend games or has an imaginary friend
  • Names 3-4 colors
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5 Years
  • Buttons clothing
  • Reacts well with others (friends) when left with them
  • Names at least three colors
  • Walks down stairs alternating feet
  • Broad jumps with feet apart
  • Counts up to three (can point and count at least three objects)
  • Names coins correctly
  • Skips
 
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Information compiled from Publications of the
American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association & the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.

DISCLAIMER: Information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical treatment or consultation from a licensed physician.