www.cdc.gov/milestones 

1-800-CDC-INFO 

Learn the Signs. Act Early. 

Learn the Signs. Act Early. 

Milestone Moments 

Adapted from CARING FOR YOUR BABY AND YOUNG CHILD: BIRTH TO AGE 5, Fifth Edition, edited by Steven 

Shelov and Tanya Remer Altmann © 1991, 1993, 1998, 2004, 2009 by the American Academy of Pediatrics and 

BRIGHT FUTURES: GUIDELINES FOR HEALTH SUPERVISION OF INFANTS, CHILDREN, AND ADOLESCENTS, Third 

Edition, edited by Joseph Hagan, Jr., Judith S. Shaw, and Paula M. Duncan, 2008, Elk Grove Village, IL: American 

Academy of Pediatrics. 

Special acknowledgements to Susan P. Berger, PhD; Jenny Burt, PhD; Margaret Greco, MD; Katie Green, MPH, 

CHES; Georgina Peacock, MD, MPH; Lara Robinson, PhD, MPH; Camille Smith, MS, EdS; Julia Whitney, BS; and 

Rebecca Wolf, MA. 

You can follow your child’s development by watching how he or 

she plays, learns, speaks, and acts. 

Look inside for milestones to watch for in your child and how you 

can help your child learn and grow. 

Centers for Disease Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention Control and Prevention 

www.cdc.gov/milestones www.cdc.gov/milestones 

1-800-CDC-INFO 1-800-CDC-INFO 

220788 
How your child plays, learns, speaks, and acts offers 

important clues about your child’s development. 

Developmental milestones are things most children 

can do by a certain age. 

Milestone Moments 

The lists that follow have milestones to look for when your child is: 

2 Months ............................................................... page 3 – 6


4 Months ............................................................... page 7 –10


6 Months ............................................................... page 11 –14


9 Months ............................................................... page 15 –18


1 Year..................................................................... page 19 –22


18 Months (11⁄2 Years) ........................................... page 23 –26


2 Years................................................................... page 27 –30


3 Years................................................................... page 31 –34


4 Years................................................................... page 35 –38


5 Years................................................................... page 39 –42


Check the milestones your child has reached at each age. 

Take this with you and talk with your child’s doctor at every 

visit about the milestones your child has reached and what to 

expect next. 

For more information,


go to www.cdc.gov/milestones


1 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 2
What babies do 

at this age 

Your Baby at 2 Months Talk with your child’s doctor at every visit about the milestones 

your child has reached and what to expect next. 

Social/Emotional How you can help your baby’s development 

q Can briefly calm himself q Begins to smile at people 

(may bring hands to mouth and q Tries to look at parent suck on hand) 

Language/Communication 

q Coos, makes gurgling sounds q Turns head toward sounds 

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving) 

q Pays attention to faces q Begins to act bored (cries, fussy) 

q Begins to follow things with eyes if activity doesn’t change 

and recognize people at a distance 

➔ Cuddle, talk, and play with your baby during feeding, dressing, and bathing. 

➔ Help your baby learn to calm herself. It’s okay for her to suck on 

her fingers. 

➔ Begin to help your baby get into a routine, such as sleeping at night more 

than in the day, and have regular schedules. 

➔ Getting in tune with your baby’s likes and dislikes can help you feel more 

comfortable and confident. 

➔ Act excited and smile when your baby makes sounds. 

➔ Copy your baby’s sounds sometimes, but also use clear language. 

➔ Pay attention to your baby’s different cries so that you learn to know what 

he wants. 

➔ Talk, read, and sing to your baby. 

➔ Play peek-a-boo. Help your baby play peek-a-boo, too. 

➔ Place a baby-safe mirror in your baby’s crib so she can look at herself. 

3 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 4
Your Baby at 2 Months 

Movement/Physical Development How you can help your baby’s development 

q Can hold head up and begins q Makes smoother movements ➔ Look at pictures with your baby and talk about them. 

to push up when lying on with arms and legs ➔ Lay your baby on his tummy when he is awake and put toys near him. tummy 

➔ Encourage your baby to lift his head by holding toys at eye level in front of him. 

➔ Hold a toy or rattle above your baby’s head and encourage her to reach for it. 

➔ Hold your baby upright with his feet on the floor. Sing or talk to your baby 

as he is upright. 

q Doesn’t respond to loud sounds 

q Doesn’t watch things as they move 

q Doesn’t smile at people 

q Doesn’t bring hands to mouth 

q Can’t hold head up when pushing 

up when on tummy 

Act early by talking to your child’s doctor if your child: 

Tell your child’s doctor or nurse if you notice any of these signs of 

possible developmental delay for this age, and talk with someone in your 

community who is familiar with services for young children in your area, 

such as your state’s public early intervention program. For more information, 

go to www.cdc.gov/concerned. 

5 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 6
Your Baby at 4 Months Talk with your child’s doctor at every visit about the milestones 

your child has reached and what to expect next. 

What babies do 

at this age 

Social/Emotional How you can help your baby’s development 

q Smiles spontaneously, especially 

at people 

q Likes to play with people and 

might cry when playing stops 

q Copies some movements and 

facial expressions, like smiling 

or frowning 

Language/Communication 

q Begins to babble q Cries in different ways to show 

q Babbles with expression and hunger, pain, or being tired 

copies sounds he hears 

➔ Hold and talk to your baby; smile and be cheerful while you do. 

➔ Set steady routines for sleeping and feeding. 

➔ Pay close attention to what your baby likes and doesn’t like; you will 

know how best to meet his needs and what you can do to make your 

baby happy. 

➔ Copy your baby’s sounds. 

➔ Act excited and smile when your baby makes sounds. 

➔ Have quiet play times when you read or sing to your baby. 

➔ Give age-appropriate toys to play with, such as rattles or colorful 

pictures. 

➔ Play games such as peek-a-boo. 

➔ Provide safe opportunities for your baby to reach for toys and explore 

his surroundings. 

➔ Put toys near your baby so that she can reach for them or kick her feet. 

7 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 8
Your Baby at 4 Months 

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving) How you can help your baby’s development 

q Lets you know if she is happy 

or sad 

q Responds to affection 

q Reaches for toy with one hand 

q Uses hands and eyes together, 

such as seeing a toy and 

reaching for it 

q Holds head steady, unsupported q Can hold a toy and shake it and 

q Pushes down on legs when feet swing at dangling toys 

are on a hard surface q Brings hands to mouth 

q May be able to roll over from q When lying on stomach, pushes 

tummy to back up to elbows 

q Follows moving things with eyes ➔ Put toys or rattles in your baby’s hand and help him to hold them. 

from side to side ➔ Hold your baby upright with feet on the floor, and sing or talk to your 

q Watches faces closely baby as she “stands” with support. 

q Recognizes familiar people and 

things at a distance 

Movement/Physical Development 

q Doesn’t watch things as they move 

q Doesn’t smile at people 

q Can’t hold head steady 

q Doesn’t coo or make sounds 

q Doesn’t bring things to mouth 

q Doesn’t push down with legs 

when feet are placed on a 

hard surface 

q Has trouble moving one or both 

eyes in all directions 

Tell your child’s doctor or nurse if you notice any of these signs of 

possible developmental delay for this age, and talk with someone in your 

community who is familiar with services for young children in your area, 

such as your state’s public early intervention program. For more information, 

go to www.cdc.gov/concerned. 

Act early by talking to your child’s doctor if your child: 

9 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 10
Your Baby at 6 Months Talk with your child’s doctor at every visit about the milestones 

your child has reached and what to expect next. 

What babies do 

at this age 

Social/Emotional How you can help your baby’s development 

q Knows familiar faces and begins 

to know if someone is a stranger 

q Likes to play with others, 

especially parents 

q Responds to sounds by making 

sounds 

q Strings vowels together when 

babbling (“ah,” “eh,” “oh”) and 

likes taking turns with parent 

while making sounds 

q Responds to other people’s 

emotions and often seems happy 

q Likes to look at self in a mirror 

q Responds to own name 

q Makes sounds to show joy and 

displeasure 

q Begins to say consonant sounds 

(jabbering with “m,” “b”) 

➔ Play on the floor with your baby every day. 

➔ Learn to read your baby’s moods. If he’s happy, keep doing what you are 

doing. If he’s upset, take a break and comfort your baby. 

➔ Show your baby how to comfort herself when she’s upset. She may suck 

on her fingers to self soothe. 

➔ Use “reciprocal” play—when he smiles, you smile; when he makes 

sounds, you copy them. 

➔ Repeat your child’s sounds and say simple words with those sounds. 

For example, if your child says “bah,” say “bottle” or “book.” 

➔ Read books to your child every day. Praise her when she babbles and 

“reads” too. 

➔ When your baby looks at something, point to it and talk about it. 

➔ When he drops a toy on the floor, pick it up and give it back. This game 

helps him learn cause and effect. 

➔ Read colorful picture books to your baby. 

Language/Communication 

11 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 12
Your Baby at 6 Months 

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving) How you can help your baby’s development 

q Looks around at things nearby 

q Shows curiosity about things 

and tries to get things that are 

out of reach 

q Rolls over in both directions q Begins to sit without support 

(front to back, back to front) q Rocks back and forth, sometimes 

q When standing, supports weight crawling backward before 

on legs and might bounce moving forward 

q Brings things to mouth 

q Begins to pass things from one 

hand to the other 

➔ Point out new things to your baby and name them. 

➔ Show your baby bright pictures in a magazine and name them. 

➔ Hold your baby up while she sits or support her with pillows. Let her look 

around and give her toys to look at while she balances. 

➔ Put your baby on his tummy or back and put toys just out of reach. 

Movement/Physical Development Encourage him to roll over to reach the toys. 

Act early by talking to your child’s doctor if your child: 

q Doesn’t try to get things that are 

in reach 

q Shows no affection for caregivers 

q Doesn’t respond to sounds 

around him 

q Has difficulty getting things to 

mouth 

q Seems very floppy, like a rag doll 

q Doesn’t make vowel sounds 

(“ah”, “eh”, “oh”) 

q Doesn’t roll over in either 

direction 

q Doesn’t laugh or make squealing 

sounds 

q Seems very stiff, with tight 

muscles 

Tell your child’s doctor or nurse if you notice any of these signs of 

possible developmental delay for this age, and talk with someone in your 

community who is familiar with services for young children in your area, 

such as your state’s public early intervention program. For more information, 

go to www.cdc.gov/concerned. 

13 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 14
Your Baby at 9 Months Talk with your child’s doctor at every visit about the milestones 

your child has reached and what to expect next. 

What babies do 

at this age 

Social/Emotional How you can help your baby’s development 

q May be afraid of strangers q Has favorite toys 

q May be clingy with familiar adults 

Language/Communication 

q Understands “no” q Copies sounds and gestures 

q Makes a lot of different sounds of others 

like “mamamama” and q Uses fingers to point at things 

“bababababa” 

➔ Pay attention to the way he reacts to new situations and people; try to 

continue to do things that make your baby happy and comfortable. 

➔ As she moves around more, stay close so she knows that you are near. 

➔ Continue with routines; they are especially important now. 

➔ Play games with “my turn, your turn.” 

➔ Say what you think your baby is feeling. For example, say, “You are so sad, 

let’s see if we can make you feel better.” 

➔ Describe what your baby is looking at; for example, “red, round ball.” 

➔ Talk about what your baby wants when he points at something. 

➔ Copy your baby’s sounds and words. 

➔ Ask for behaviors that you want. For example, instead of saying 

“don’t stand,” say “time to sit.” 

➔ Teach cause-and-effect by rolling balls back and forth, pushing toy cars 

and trucks, and putting blocks in and out of a container. 

15 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 16
Your Baby at 9 Months 

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving) How you can help your baby’s development 

q Watches the path of something q Moves things smoothly from ➔ Play peek-a-boo and hide-and-seek. 

as it falls one hand to the other ➔ Read and talk to your baby. 

q Looks for things he sees you hide q Picks up things like cereal o’s ➔ Provide lots of room for your baby to move and explore in a safe area. 

q Plays peek-a-boo between thumb and index finger 

➔ Put your baby close to things that she can pull up on safely. 

q Puts things in her mouth 

Movement/Physical Development 

q Stands, holding on q Can get into sitting position 

q Sits without support q Pulls to stand 

q Crawls 

Act early by talking to your child’s doctor if your child: 

Tell your child’s doctor or nurse if you notice any of these signs of 

possible developmental delay for this age, and talk with someone in your 

community who is familiar with services for young children in your area, 

such as your state’s public early intervention program. For more information, 

go to www.cdc.gov/concerned. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be 

screened for general development at the 9-month visit. Ask your child’s 

doctor about your child’s developmental screening. 

q Doesn’t bear weight on legs 

with support 

q Doesn’t sit with help 

q Doesn’t babble 

(“mama”, “baba”, “dada”) 

q Doesn’t play any games involving 

back-and-forth play 

q Doesn’t respond to own name 

q Doesn’t seem to recognize 

familiar people 

q Doesn’t look where you point 

q Doesn’t transfer toys from one 

hand to the other 

17 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 18
Your Child at 1 Year Talk with your child’s doctor at every visit about the milestones 

your child has reached and what to expect next. 

What children do 

at this age 

Social/Emotional How you can help your child’s development 

q Is shy or nervous with strangers 

q Cries when mom or dad leaves 

q Has favorite things and people 

q Shows fear in some situations 

q Hands you a book when he wants 

to hear a story 

q Responds to simple spoken 

requests 

q Uses simple gestures, like shaking 

head “no” or waving “bye-bye” 

q Makes sounds with changes in 

tone (sounds more like speech) 

q Repeats sounds or actions to 

get attention 

q Puts out arm or leg to help with 

dressing 

q Plays games such as 

“peek-a-boo” and “pat-a-cake” 

q Says “mama” and “dada” and 

exclamations like “uh-oh!” 

q Tries to say words you say 

➔ Give your child time to get to know a new caregiver. Bring a favorite toy, 

stuffed animal, or blanket to help comfort your child. 

➔ In response to unwanted behaviors, say “no” firmly. Do not yell, spank, 

or give long explanations. A time out for 30 seconds to 1 minute might 

help redirect your child. 

➔ Give your child lots of hugs, kisses, and praise for good behavior. 

➔ Spend a lot more time encouraging wanted behaviors than punishing 

unwanted behaviors (4 times as much encouragement for wanted 

behaviors as redirection for unwanted behaviors). 

➔ Talk to your child about what you’re doing. For example, “Mommy is 

washing your hands with a washcloth.” 

➔ Read with your child every day. Have your child turn the pages. Take turns 

labeling pictures with your child. 

➔ Build on what your child says or tries to say, or what he points to. 

If he points to a truck and says “t” or “truck,” say, “Yes, that’s a big, 

blue truck.” 

Language/Communication 

19 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 20
Your Child at 1 Year 

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving) How you can help your child’s development 

q

q

q

Explores things in different ways, 

like shaking, banging, throwing 

Finds hidden things easily 

Looks at the right picture or thing 

when it’s named 

q

q

q

Bangs two things together 

Starts to use things correctly; 

for example, drinks from a cup, 

brushes hair 

Lets things go without help 

q Copies gestures q Pokes with index (pointer) finger 

q Puts things in a container, takes 

things out of a container 

q Follows simple directions like 

“pick up the toy” 

q Gets to a sitting position 

without help 

q Pulls up to stand, walks holding 

on to furniture (“cruising”) 

q May take a few steps without 

holding on 

q May stand alone 

➔ Give your child crayons and paper, and let your child draw freely. Show your 

child how to draw lines up and down and across the page. Praise your child 

when she tries to copy them. 

➔ Play with blocks, shape sorters, and other toys that encourage your child 

to use his hands. 

➔ Hide small toys and other things and have your child find them. 

➔ Ask your child to label body parts or things you see while driving in the car. 

➔ Sing songs with actions, like “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “Wheels on the 

Bus.” Help your child do the actions with you. 

➔ Give your child pots and pans or a small musical instrument like a drum or 

cymbals. Encourage your child to make noise. 

➔ Provide lots of safe places for your toddler to explore. (Toddler-proof your 

home. Lock away products for cleaning, laundry, lawn care, and car care. 

Use a safety gate and lock doors to the outside and the basement.) 

➔ Give your child push toys like a wagon or “kiddie push car.” 

Movement/Physical Development 

Act early by talking to your child’s doctor if your child: 

q Doesn’t crawl 

q Can’t stand when supported 

q Doesn’t search for things that 

she sees you hide 

q Doesn’t point to things 

q Doesn’t learn gestures like 

waving or shaking head 

q Doesn’t say single words like 

“mama” or “dada” 

q Loses skills he once had 

Tell your child’s doctor or nurse if you notice any of these signs of 

possible developmental delay for this age, and talk with someone in your 

community who is familiar with services for young children in your area, 

such as your state’s public early intervention program. For more information, 

go to www.cdc.gov/concerned. 

21 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 22
Your Child at 18 Months Talk with your child’s doctor at every visit about the milestones 

your child has reached and what to expect next. 

What children do 

at this age 

Social/Emotional How you can help your child’s development 

q Likes to hand things to others 

as play 

q May have temper tantrums 

q May be afraid of strangers 

q Shows affection to familiar people 

q Plays simple pretend, such as 

feeding a doll 

q Says several single words 

q Says and shakes head “no” 

q May cling to caregivers in new 

situations 

q Points to show others something 

interesting 

q Explores alone but with parent 

close by 

q Points to show someone what 

he wants 

➔ Provide a safe, loving environment. It’s important to be consistent and 

predictable. 

➔ Praise good behaviors more than you punish bad behaviors (use only 

very brief time outs). 

➔ Describe her emotions. For example, say, “You are happy when we read 

this book.” 

➔ Encourage pretend play. 

➔ Encourage empathy. For example, when he sees a child who is sad, 

encourage him to hug or pat the other child. 

➔ Read books and talk about the pictures using simple words. 

➔ Copy your child’s words. 

➔ Use words that describe feelings and emotions. 

➔ Use simple, clear phrases. 

➔ Ask simple questions. 

Language/Communication 

23 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 24
Your Child at 18 Months 

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving) How you can help your child’s development 

q Knows what ordinary things are q Points to get the attention of others 

q

q

for; for example, telephone, 

brush, spoon 

Points to one body part 

Shows interest in a doll or stuffed 

animal by pretending to feed 

q

q

Scribbles on his own 

Can follow 1-step verbal 

commands without any gestures; 

for example, sits when you say 

“sit down” 

q Walks alone q Can help undress herself 

q May walk up steps and run q Drinks from a cup 

q Pulls toys while walking q Eats with a spoon 

➔ Hide things under blankets and pillows and encourage him to find them. 

➔ Play with blocks, balls, puzzles, books, and toys that teach cause and 

effect and problem solving. 

➔ Name pictures in books and body parts. 

➔ Provide toys that encourage pretend play; for example, dolls, play 

telephones. 

➔ Provide safe areas for your child to walk and move around in. 

➔ Provide toys that she can push or pull safely. 

➔ Provide balls for her to kick, roll, and throw. 

➔ Encourage him to drink from his cup and use a spoon, no matter 

how messy. 

➔ Blow bubbles and let your child pop them. 

Movement/Physical Development 

Act early by talking to your child’s doctor if your child: 

q Doesn’t point to show things 

to others 

q Can’t walk 

q Doesn’t know what familiar 

things are for 

q Doesn’t copy others 

q Doesn’t gain new words 

q Doesn’t have at least 6 words 

q Doesn’t notice or mind when a 

caregiver leaves or returns 

q Loses skills he once had 

Tell your child’s doctor or nurse if you notice any of these signs of 

possible developmental delay for this age, and talk with someone in your 

community who is familiar with services for young children in your area, 

such as your state’s public early intervention program. For more information, 

go to www.cdc.gov/concerned. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be 

screened for general development and autism at the 18-month visit. Ask 

your child’s doctor about your child’s developmental screening. 

25 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 26
Your Child at 2 Years Talk with your child’s doctor at every visit about the milestones 

your child has reached and what to expect next. 

What children do 

at this age 

Social/Emotional How you can help your child’s development 

q Copies others, especially adults 

and older children 

q Gets excited when with other 

children 

q Shows more and more 

independence 

q Points to things or pictures when 

they are named 

q Knows names of familiar people 

and body parts 

q Says sentences with 2 to 4 words 

q Shows defiant behavior (doing 

what he has been told not to) 

q Plays mainly beside other 

children, but is beginning to 

include other children, such as 

in chase games 

q Follows simple instructions 

q Repeats words overheard in 

conversation 

q Points to things in a book 

➔ Encourage your child to help with simple chores at home, like sweeping 

and making dinner. Praise your child for being a good helper. 

➔ At this age, children still play next to (not with) each other and don’t share 

well. For play dates, give the children lots of toys to play with. Watch the 

children closely and step in if they fight or argue. 

➔ Give your child attention and praise when he follows instructions. Limit 

attention for defiant behavior. Spend a lot more time praising good 

behaviors than punishing bad ones. 

➔ Teach your child to identify and say body parts, animals, and other 

common things. 

➔ Do not correct your child when he says words incorrectly. Rather, say it 

correctly. For example, “That is a ball.” 

➔ Encourage your child to say a word instead of pointing. If your child 

can’t say the whole word (“milk”), give her the first sound (“m”) to help. 

Over time, you can prompt your child to say the whole sentence — 

“I want milk.” 

Language/Communication 

27 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 28
Your Child at 2 Years 

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving) How you can help your child’s development 

q Finds things even when hidden 

under two or three covers 

q Begins to sort shapes and colors 

q Completes sentences and rhymes 

in familiar books 

q Plays simple make-believe games 

q Builds towers of 4 or more blocks 

q Stands on tiptoe 

q Kicks a ball 

q Begins to run 

q Walks up and down stairs holding on 

q Might use one hand more than 

the other 

q Follows two-step instructions such 

as “Pick up your shoes and put 

them in the closet.” 

q Names items in a picture book 

such as a cat, bird, or dog 

q Climbs onto and down from 

furniture without help 

q Throws ball overhand 

q Makes or copies straight lines 

and circles 

➔ Hide your child’s toys around the room and let him find them. 

➔ Help your child do puzzles with shapes, colors, or farm animals. Name 

each piece when your child puts it in place. 

➔ Encourage your child to play with blocks. Take turns building towers and 

knocking them down. 

➔ Do art projects with your child using crayons, paint, and paper. Describe 

what your child makes and hang it on the wall or refrigerator. 

➔ Ask your child to help you open doors and drawers and turn pages in a 

book or magazine. 

➔ Once your child walks well, ask her to carry small things for you. 

➔ Kick a ball back and forth with your child. When your child is good at that, 

encourage him to run and kick. 

➔ Take your child to the park to run and climb on equipment or walk on 

nature trails. Watch your child closely. 

Movement/Physical Development 

Act early by talking to your child’s doctor if your child: 

q Doesn’t know what to do with 

common things, like a brush, 

phone, fork, spoon 

q Doesn’t copy actions and words 

q Doesn’t follow simple instructions 

q Doesn’t use 2-word phrases 

(for example, “drink milk”) 

q Doesn’t walk steadily 

q Loses skills she once had 

Tell your child’s doctor or nurse if you notice any of these signs of 

possible developmental delay for this age, and talk with someone in your 

community who is familiar with services for young children in your area, 

such as your state’s public early intervention program. For more information, 

go to www.cdc.gov/concerned. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened 

for general development and autism at the 24-month visit. Ask your child’s 

doctor about your child’s developmental screening. 

29 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 30
Your Child at 3 Years Talk with your child’s doctor at every visit about the milestones 

your child has reached and what to expect next. 

What children do 

at this age 

Social/Emotional How you can help your child’s development 

q Copies adults and friends 

q Shows affection for friends 

without prompting 

q Takes turns in games 

q Shows concern for a crying friend 

q Dresses and undresses self 

q Follows instructions with 2 or 3 steps q Talks well enough for strangers 

q Can name most familiar things to understand most of the time 

q

q

q

Understands words like “in,” 

“on,” and “under” 

Says first name, age, and sex 

Names a friend 

q

q

Says words like “I,” “me,” “we,” 

and “you” and some plurals 

(cars, dogs, cats) 

Carries on a conversation using 

2 to 3 sentences 

q Understands the idea of “mine” 

and “his” or “hers” 

q Shows a wide range of emotions 

q Separates easily from mom and dad 

q May get upset with major changes 

in routine 

➔ Go to play groups with your child or other places where there are other 

children, to encourage getting along with others. 

➔ Work with your child to solve the problem when he is upset. 

➔ Talk about your child’s emotions. For example, say, “I can tell you feel 

mad because you threw the puzzle piece.” Encourage your child to identify 

feelings in books. 

➔ Set rules and limits for your child, and stick to them. If your child breaks 

a rule, give him a time out for 30 seconds to 1 minute in a chair or in his 

room. Praise your child for following the rules. 

➔ Give your child instructions with 2 or 3 steps. For example, “Go to your 

room and get your shoes and coat.” 

➔ Read to your child every day. Ask your child to point to things in the 

pictures and repeat words after you. 

➔ Give your child an “activity box” with paper, crayons, and coloring books. 

Color and draw lines and shapes with your child. 

Language/Communication 

31 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 32
Your Child at 3 Years 

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving) How you can help your child’s development 

q Can work toys with buttons, levers, q Copies a circle with pencil or crayon 

and moving parts q Turns book pages one at a time 

q Plays make-believe with dolls, 

animals, and people 

q Builds towers of more than 

6 blocks 

q Does puzzles with 3 or 4 pieces q Screws and unscrews jar lids or 

q Understands what “two” means turns door handle 

q Climbs well 

q Runs easily 

q Pedals a tricycle (3-wheel bike) 

q Walks up and down stairs, one 

foot on each step 

➔ Play matching games. Ask your child to find objects in books or around 

the house that are the same. 

➔ Play counting games. Count body parts, stairs, and other things you use 

or see every day. 

➔ Hold your child’s hand going up and down stairs. When she can go up and 

down easily, encourage her to use the railing. 

➔ Play outside with your child. Go to the park or hiking trail. Allow your child 

Movement/Physical Development to play freely and without structured activities.

Act early by talking to your child’s doctor if your child: 

q Falls down a lot or has trouble 

with stairs 

q Drools or has very unclear speech 

q Can’t work simple toys (such as 

peg boards, simple puzzles, 

turning a handle) 

q Doesn’t understand simple 

instructions 

q Doesn’t speak in sentences 

q Doesn’t make eye contact 

q Doesn’t play pretend or 

make-believe 

q Doesn’t want to play with other 

children or with toys 

q Loses skills he once had 

Tell your child’s doctor or nurse if you notice any of these signs of 

possible developmental delay for this age, and talk with someone in 

your community who is familiar with services for young children in your 

area, such as your local public school. For more information, go to 

www.cdc.gov/concerned. 

33 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 34
Your Child at 4 Years Talk with your child’s doctor at every visit about the milestones 

your child has reached and what to expect next. 

What children do 

at this age 

Social/Emotional How you can help your child’s development 

Language/Communication 

q Enjoys doing new things 

q Is more and more creative 

with make-believe play 

q Would rather play with other 

children than by himself 

q Cooperates with other children 

q Tells stories 

q Sings a song or says a poem 

from memory such as the 

“Itsy Bitsy Spider” or the 

“Wheels on the Bus” 

q Plays “Mom” or “Dad” 

q Often can’t tell what’s real and 

what’s make-believe 

q Talks about what she likes and 

what she is interested in 

q Knows some basic rules of 

grammar, such as correctly using 

“he” and “she” 

q Can say first and last name 

➔ Play make-believe with your child. Let her be the leader and copy what 

she is doing. 

➔ Suggest your child pretend play an upcoming event that might make 

him nervous, like going to preschool or staying overnight at a 

grandparent’s house. 

➔ Give your child simple choices whenever you can. Let your child choose 

what to wear, play, or eat for a snack. Limit choices to 2 or 3. 

➔ During play dates, let your child solve her own problems with friends, but 

be nearby to help out if needed. 

➔ Encourage your child to use words, share toys, and take turns playing games 

of one another’s choice. 

➔ Give your child toys to build imagination, like dress-up clothes, kitchen 

sets, and blocks. 

➔ Use good grammar when speaking to your child. Instead of “Mommy 

wants you to come here,” say, “I want you to come here.” 

35 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 36
Your Child at 4 Years 

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving) How you can help your child’s development 

Movement/Physical Development 

q Names some colors and some q Draws a person with 2 to 4 

numbers body parts 

q Understands the idea of counting q Uses scissors 

q Starts to understand time q Starts to copy some capital letters 

q Remembers parts of a story q Plays board or card games 

q Understands the idea of “same” q Tells you what he thinks is going 

and “different” to happen next in a book 

q Hops and stands on one foot up 

to 2 seconds 

q Pours, cuts with supervision, 

and mashes own food 

q Catches a bounced ball most of 

the time 

➔ Use words like “first,” “second,” and “finally” when talking about everyday 

activities. This will help your child learn about sequence of events. 

➔ Take time to answer your child’s “why” questions. If you don’t know the 

answer, say “I don’t know,” or help your child find the answer in a book, 

on the Internet, or from another adult. 

➔ When you read with your child, ask him to tell you what happened in the 

story as you go. 

➔ Say colors in books, pictures, and things at home. Count common items, 

like the number of snack crackers, stairs, or toy trains. 

➔ Teach your child to play outdoor games like tag, follow the leader, and duck, 

duck, goose. 

➔ Play your child’s favorite music and dance with your child. Take turns 

copying each other’s moves. 

Act early by talking to your child’s doctor if your child: 

q Can’t retell a favorite story 

q Speaks unclearly 

q Can’t jump in place q Loses skills he once had

q Has trouble scribbling 

q Shows no interest in interactive 

games or make-believe 

q Ignores other children or 

doesn’t respond to people 

outside the family 

q Resists dressing, sleeping, 

and using the toilet 

q Doesn’t understand “same” 

and “different” 

q Doesn’t use “me” and “you” 

correctly 

q Doesn’t follow 3-part commands 

Tell your child’s doctor or nurse if you notice any of these signs of 

possible developmental delay for this age, and talk with someone in 

your community who is familiar with services for young children in your 

area, such as your local public school. For more information, go to 

www.cdc.gov/concerned. 

37 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 38
Your Child at 5 Years Talk with your child’s doctor at every visit about the milestones 

your child has reached and what to expect next. 

What children do 

at this age 

Social/Emotional How you can help your child’s development 

Language/Communication 

q Wants to please friends 

q Wants to be like friends 

q More likely to agree with rules 

q Likes to sing, dance, and act 

q Is aware of gender 

q Can tell what’s real and what’s 

make-believe 

q Speaks very clearly q Uses future tense; for example, 

q Tells a simple story using full “Grandma will be here.” 

sentences q Says name and address 

q Shows more independence 

(for example, may visit a next-door 

neighbor by himself [adult 

supervision is still needed]) 

q Is sometimes demanding and 

sometimes very cooperative 

➔ Continue to arrange play dates, trips to the park, or play groups. Give 

your child more freedom to choose activities to play with friends, and let 

your child work out problems on her own. 

➔ Your child might start to talk back or use profanity (swear words) as a 

way to feel independent. Do not give a lot of attention to this talk, other 

than a brief time out. Instead, praise your child when he asks for things 

nicely and calmly takes “no” for an answer. 

➔ This is a good time to talk to your child about safe touch. No one should 

touch “private parts” except doctors or nurses during an exam or parents 

when they are trying to keep the child clean. 

➔ Teach your child her address and phone number. 

➔ When reading to your child, ask him to predict what will happen next in 

the story. 

➔ Encourage your child to “read” by looking at the pictures and telling 

the story. 

39 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 40
Your Child at 5 Years 

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving) How you can help your child’s development 

q Counts 10 or more things 

q Can draw a person with at least 

6 body parts 

q Copies a triangle and other shapes 

q Stands on one foot for 10 seconds q Uses a fork and spoon and 

or longer sometimes a table knife 

q Hops; may be able to skip q Can use the toilet on her own 

q Can do a somersault q Swings and climbs 

q Can print some letters or numbers 

q Knows about things used every 

day, like money and food 

➔ Teach your child time concepts like morning, afternoon, evening, today, 

tomorrow, and yesterday. Start teaching the days of the week. 

➔ Explore your child’s interests in your community. For example, if your child 

loves animals, visit the zoo or petting farm. Go to the library or look on the 

Internet to learn about these topics. 

➔ Keep a handy box of crayons, paper, paint, child scissors, and paste. 

Encourage your child to draw and make art projects with different supplies. 

➔ Play with toys that encourage your child to put things together. 

➔ Teach your child how to pump her legs back and forth on a swing. 

➔ Help your child climb on the monkey bars. 

➔ Go on walks with your child, do a scavenger hunt in your neighborhood or 

park, help him ride a bike with training wheels (wearing a helmet). 

Movement/Physical Development 

Act early by talking to your child’s doctor if your child: 

Tell your child’s doctor or nurse if you notice any of these signs of 

possible developmental delay for this age, and talk with someone in 

your community who is familiar with services for young children in your 

area, such as your local public school. For more information, go to 

www.cdc.gov/concerned. 

q Doesn’t show a wide range of 

emotions 

q Shows extreme behavior 

(unusually fearful, aggressive, 

shy, or sad) 

q Unusually withdrawn and not active 

q Is easily distracted, has trouble 

focusing on one activity for more 

than 5 minutes 

q Doesn’t respond to people, or 

responds only superficially 

q Can’t tell what’s real and what’s 

make-believe 

q Doesn’t play a variety of games 

and activities 

q Can’t give first and last name 

q Doesn’t draw pictures 

q Doesn’t talk about daily activities 

or experiences 

q Doesn’t use plurals or past 

tense properly 

q Can’t brush teeth, wash and 

dry hands, or get undressed 

without help 

q Loses skills he once had 

41 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 42
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Questions for my Child’s Doctor 

2 Months 6 Months

4 Months 9 Months 

43 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 44
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Questions for my Child’s Doctor 

1 Year 3 Years 

18 Months 

2 Years 

4 Years 

5 Years 

45 Learn the Signs. Act Early. www.cdc.gov/milestones | 1-800-CDC-INFO 46