Developmental Milestones

A simple, supportive tool to help you understand your child’s development and how to nurture it, every step of the way.

Use this interactive tool to explore the milestones to watch for during different stages of your child’s early life, and get helpful, research-based resources to support their development along the way. Remember, every child develops at their own pace.

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Talk, Read, Play:
The Foundation of Development

At the Rollins Center, we believe Talk, Read, and Play are essential to building a strong developmental foundation in the early years. These simple, everyday interactions are powerful tools that help children develop language, thinking, and social-emotional skills.

Talk

Everyday conversations help build a baby’s brain.

Read

Books and storytelling spark understanding and connection.

Play

Playtime builds imagination, problem-solving, and relationships.

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Online Tool

Developmental Milestone Tracker

Choose an age or select up to 3 age groups to compare expected milestones between them.

Language / Communication

Language / Communication — developmental milestones by age
2 Months	4 Months	6 Months	9 Months	12 Months	15 Months	18 Months	2 Years	30 Months	3 Years	4 Years	5 Years	(Add Age Range to Compare)	(Add Age Range to Compare)	(Add Age Range to Compare)
Makes sounds other than crying Reacts to loud sounds	Makes sounds like “oooo” and “aahh” (cooing) Makes sounds back when you talk to him Turns head towards the sound of your voice	Takes turns making sounds with you Blows “raspberries” (sticks tongue out and blows) Makes squealing noises	Makes different sounds like “mamama” and “babababa” Lifts arms up to be picked up	Waves “bye-bye” Calls parents “mama” and “dada” or another special name Understands “no” (pauses briefly or stops when you say it)	Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog Looks at a familiar object when you name it Follows directions given with both a gesture and words. For example, he hold out a toy when you gold out your hand and say “Give me the toy.” Points to ask for something or to get help	Tries to say three or more words besides “mama” and “dada” Follows one step directions without any gestures, like giving you the toy when you say, “Give it to me.”	Points to things in a a book when you ask, like “where is the bear?” Says at least two words together, like “More milk.” Points to at least two body parts when you ask him to show you Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes	Says about 50 words Says two or more words together, with one action word, like “Doggie run.” Names things in a book when you point and ask, “What is this?” Says words like, “I,” “me,” or “we”	Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth-exchanges Asks “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions, “Where is mommy/daddy?” Says what is happening in a picture or a book when asked, like “running,” “eating,” or “playing” Says first name, when asked Talks well enough for others to understand, most of the time	Says sentences with four or more words Says some words from a song, story, or nursery rhyme Talks about at least one thing that happened during his day, like “I played soccer.” Answers simple questions like “What is a coat for?” or “What is a crayon for?”	Tells a story she heard or made up with at least two events. For example, a cat was stuck in a tree and a firefighter saved it Answers simple questions about a book or story after you read or tell it to him Keeps a conversation going with more than three back-and-forth exchanges Uses or recognizes simple rhymes (cat-bat, ball-tall)

Social / Emotional

Social / Emotional — developmental milestones by age
2 Months	4 Months	6 Months	9 Months	12 Months	15 Months	18 Months	2 Years	30 Months	3 Years	4 Years	5 Years	(Add Age Range to Compare)	(Add Age Range to Compare)	(Add Age Range to Compare)
Calms down when spoken to or picked up Looks at your face Seems happy to see you when you walk up to her Smiles when you to talk to or smile at her	Smiles on his own to get your attention Chuckles (not yet a full laugh) when your try to make her laugh Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep your attention	Knows familiar people Likes to look at himself in a mirror Laughs	Is shy, clingy, or fearful around strangers Shows several facial expressions, like happy, sad, angry, and surprised Looks when you call her name Reacts when you leave (looks, reaches for you, or cries for you) Smiles or laughs when you play peek-a-boo	Plays games with you, like “pat-a-cake”	Copies other children while playing, taking toys out of a container when another child does Shows you an object she likes Claps when excited Hugs stuffed doll or other toy Shows you affection (hugs, cuddles, kisses you)	Moves away from you, but looks to make sure you are close by Points to show you something interesting Puts hands out for you to wash them Looks at a few pages in a book with you Helps you dress him by pushing arm through sleeves or lifting up foot	Notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone is crying Looks at your face to see how to react in a new situation	Plays next to other children and sometimes plays with them Shows you what she can do by saying, “Look at me!” Follows simple routines when told, like helping to pick up toys when you say, “It’s clean-up time.”	Calms down within 10 minutes after you leave her, like at a childcare drop off Notices other children and joins them to play	Pretends to be something else during play (teacher, superhero, dog) Asks to go play with children if none are around, like “Can I go play with Alex?” Comforts others who are hurt or sad, like hugging a crying friend Avoids danger, like not jumping from tall heights at the playground Likes to be a “helper” Changes behavior based on where she is (place or worship, library, playground)	Follows rules or takes turns when playing games with other children Sings, dances, or acts for you Does simple chores at home, like matching socks or clearing the table after eating

Cognitive

Cognitive — developmental milestones by age
2 Months	4 Months	6 Months	9 Months	12 Months	15 Months	18 Months	2 Years	30 Months	3 Years	4 Years	5 Years	(Add Age Range to Compare)	(Add Age Range to Compare)	(Add Age Range to Compare)
Watches you as you move Looks at a toy for several seconds	If hungry, opens mouth when she sees breast or bottle Looks at his hands with interest	Puts things in mouth to explore them Reaches to grab a toy he wants Closes lips to show she doesn’t want more food	Looks for objects when dropped out of sight (like his spoon or toy) Bangs two things together	Puts something in a container, like a block in a cup Looks for things he sees you hide, like a toy under a blanket	Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or book Stack at least two small objects, like blocks	Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car	Holds something in one hand while using the other hand; for example, holding a container and taking the lid off Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy Plays with more than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plate	Uses things to pretend, like feeding a block to a doll as if it were food Shows simple problem-solving skills, like stepping on a small stool to reach something Follows two step instructions, like “Put the toy down and close the door.” Shows he knows at least one color, like pointing to a red crayon when you ask, “Which one is red?”	Draws a circle, when you show him how Avoids touching hot objects, like a stove, when you warn her	Names a few colors of items Tells what comes next in a well-known story Draws a person with three or more body parts	Counts to 10 Names some numbers between 1 and 5 when you point to them Uses words about time, like “yesterday,” “tomorrow,” “morning,” or “night” Pays attention for five to ten minutes during activities. For example, during story time or making arts and crafts (screen time does not count) Writes some letters in her name Names some letters when you point to them

Movement / Physical

Movement / Physical — developmental milestones by age
2 Months	4 Months	6 Months	9 Months	12 Months	15 Months	18 Months	2 Years	30 Months	3 Years	4 Years	5 Years	(Add Age Range to Compare)	(Add Age Range to Compare)	(Add Age Range to Compare)
Holds head up when on tummy Moves both arms and both legs Opens hands briefly	Holds head steady, without support, when you are holding her Holds a toy when you put it in his hand Uses her arm to swing at toys Brings hands to mouth Pushes up on to elbows/forearms when on tummy	Rolls from tummy to back Pushes up with straight arms when on tummy Leans on hands to support himself when sitting	Gets to a sitting position by herself Moves things from one hand to her other Uses finger to “rake” food towards himself Sits without support	Pulls up to stand Walks, holding on to furniture Drinks from a cup without a lid, as you hold it Picks things up between thumb and pointer finger, like small bits of food	Takes a few steps on his own Uses fingers to feed herself some food	Walks without holding on to anyone or anything Scribbles Drinks from a cup without a lid and may spill sometimes Feeds herself with her fingers Tries to use a spoon Climbs on and off a couch or chair without help	Kicks a ball Runs Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help Eats with a spoon	Uses hands to twist things, like turning door knobs or unscrewing lids Takes some clothes off by himself, like loose pants or an open jacket Jumps off the ground with both feet Turns book pages, one at a time, when you read to her	Strings items together, like large beads or macaroni Puts on some clothes by himself, like loose pants or a jacket Uses a fork	Catches a large ball most of the time Serves himself food or pours water, with adult supervision Unbuttons some buttons Holds a crayon or pencil between fingers and thumb (not a fist)	Buttons some buttons Hops on one foot

When to Talk to a Doctor

When to Talk to a Doctor — developmental milestones by age
2 Months	4 Months	6 Months	9 Months	12 Months	15 Months	18 Months	2 Years	30 Months	3 Years	4 Years	5 Years	(Add Age Range to Compare)	(Add Age Range to Compare)	(Add Age Range to Compare)
You know your baby best – don’t wait! If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. If you or your doctor are still concerned: Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your baby more; and Call your state or territory’s early intervention program to find out if your baby can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI For more on how to help your baby, visit cdc.gov/Concerned	You know your baby best – don’t wait! If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. If you or your doctor are still concerned: Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your baby more; and Call your state or territory’s early intervention program to find out if your baby can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI For more on how to help your baby, visit cdc.gov/Concerned	You know your baby best – don’t wait! If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. If you or your doctor are still concerned: Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your baby more; and Call your state or territory’s early intervention program to find out if your baby can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI For more on how to help your baby, visit cdc.gov/Concerned	You know your baby best – don’t wait! If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. If you or your doctor are still concerned: Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your baby more; and Call your state or territory’s early intervention program to find out if your baby can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI For more on how to help your baby, visit cdc.gov/Concerned	You know your baby best – don’t wait! If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. If you or your doctor are still concerned: Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your baby more; and Call your state or territory’s early intervention program to find out if your baby can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI For more on how to help your baby, visit cdc.gov/Concerned	You know your baby best – don’t wait! If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. If you or your doctor are still concerned: Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your baby more; and Call your state or territory’s early intervention program to find out if your baby can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI For more on how to help your baby, visit cdc.gov/Concerned	You know your baby best – don’t wait! If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. If you or your doctor are still concerned: Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your baby more; and Call your state or territory’s early intervention program to find out if your baby can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI For more on how to help your baby, visit cdc.gov/Concerned	You know your baby best – don’t wait! If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. If you or your doctor are still concerned: Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your baby more; and Call your state or territory’s early intervention program to find out if your baby can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI For more on how to help your baby, visit cdc.gov/Concerned	You know your baby best – don’t wait! If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. If you or your doctor are still concerned: Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your baby more; and Call your state or territory’s early intervention program to find out if your baby can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI For more on how to help your baby, visit cdc.gov/Concerned	You know your baby best – don’t wait! If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. If you or your doctor are still concerned: Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your baby more; and Call your state or territory’s early intervention program to find out if your baby can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI For more on how to help your baby, visit cdc.gov/Concerned	You know your baby best – don’t wait! If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. If you or your doctor are still concerned: Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your baby more; and Call your state or territory’s early intervention program to find out if your baby can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI For more on how to help your baby, visit cdc.gov/Concerned	You know your baby best – don’t wait! If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. If you or your doctor are still concerned: Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your baby more; and Call your state or territory’s early intervention program to find out if your baby can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI For more on how to help your baby, visit cdc.gov/Concerned

Helpful Resources

Helpful Resources — developmental milestones by age
2 Months	4 Months	6 Months	9 Months	12 Months	15 Months	18 Months	2 Years	30 Months	3 Years	4 Years	5 Years	(Add Age Range to Compare)	(Add Age Range to Compare)	(Add Age Range to Compare)
2-months-Milestone-Checklist-2021	4-months-Milestone-Checklist-2021	6-months-Milestone-Checklist-2021	9-months-Milestone-Checklist-2021	12-months-Milestone-Checklist-2021	15-mo.-Milestone-Checklist-2021	18-mo-Milestone-Checklist-2021	2-yrs-Milestone-Checklist-2021	30-mo.-Milestone-Checklist-2021	3-yrs-Milestone-Checklist-2021	4-yrs-Milestone-Checklist-2021	5-yrs-Milestone-Checklist-2021

Reminder:

Every child develops differently. These milestones are a guide, not a checklist. If you have concerns about your child’s development, speak with your pediatrician.

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Developmental Milestones

Talk, Read, Play:
The Foundation of Development

Talk

Read

Play

Developmental Milestone Tracker

Language / Communication

Cognitive

Movement / Physical

When to Talk to a Doctor

Helpful Resources

Reminder:

Explore Free Tools That Grow With Your Child

Ready to transform your classroom?

Expand the standard of care

Want to support your child’s reading?

Join a movement of educators who share your passion for literacy and justice for all.

Practical Tools, Ready Now

Developmental Milestones

Talk, Read, Play:The Foundation of Development

Talk

Read

Play

Developmental Milestone Tracker

Reminder:

Explore Free Tools That Grow With Your Child

Talk, Read, Play:
The Foundation of Development