Age and Developmental Milestones

Here is a chart outlining developmental milestones organized by age, including social, language, cognitive, and gross motor skills:
Age Language Milestones Gross Motor Milestones Social Milestones Cognitive Milestones
2 * Holds head up when prone
* Vocalizes (cries, coos) * Regards face * Watches you as you move
month * Moves arms and legs
* Alerts to loud sounds * Social smile * Looks at a toy for a few seconds
s * Grasp reflex
* Holds head without support
4 * Holds toy when put in hand
* Coos * Responds verbally * Smiles on own * Chuckles * Opens mouth to breast or bottle
month * Brings hand to mouth
* Turns head to voice * Tries to get attention * Looks at hands with interest
s * Pushes up onto elbows/forearms
* Reaches for object
* Puts things in mouth
* Makes reciprocal sounds * Rolls from tummy to back
6 * Knows familiar people * Reaches to grab something they
* Blows “raspberries” (sticks * Pushes up on arms when prone
month * Looks at self in mirror see
tongue out and blows) * Leans on hands for support when
s * Laughs * Closes lips when does not want
* Squeals sitting
to eat something
* Shy or clingy
* Gets to sitting position
* Stranger danger
9 * Makes different sounds like * Transfers objects from one hand to
* Shows facial expressions * Looks for items that are dropped
month “mamamama” or “bababa” another
* Looks when name called * Bangs two objects together
s * Lifts arms to be picked up * “Rakes” with hand
* Reacts when parent leaves
* Sits without support
* Smiles or laughs with peek-a-boo
* Waves “bye-bye” * Pulls to stand
12
* Uses “mama” or “dada” for a * Walks holding onto furniture * Drinks * Puts something in a container
month * Plays games like pat-a-cake
specific person from cup without lid with help * Looks for things you hide
s
* Understands “no” * Pincer grab
* Tries to say 1-2 words other than
“mama” or “dada”
* Copies other children with playing *
15 * Looks at a familiar object when * Tries to use things properly like a
* Takes a few independent steps Shows object * Claps when excited *
month named phone
* Uses fingers to feed self Hugs dolls * Shows affection with hugs
s * Follows directions when spoken * Stacks 2 blocks
or kisses to caregivers
with gesture
* Points for help
* Walks independently
* Moves away from parents, but
* Can say about 3-5 words other * Scribbles
18 makes sure they are close by * Copies actions (sweeping)
than “mama” or “dada” * Drinks from cup with lid (may spill)
month * Points to objects of interest * Plays with toys in a simple way
* Follows one-step commands * Feeds with fingers
s * Looks at pages in books like pushing a car
without gestures * Tries to use a spoon *
* Helps get dressed
Climbs on furniture without help
24 * Points to things when asked * Kicks a ball * Notices when others are hurt or sad * Holds something in one hand and
month * Says two words together (ex: * Runs * Looks at parent to see how to react to can use the other hand (ex:
s
 “more milk”)
remove lid of a container)
* Knows 2 body parts
* Walks up stairs * Uses switches, turns knobs
* Uses more gestures like blowing a new situation
* Eats with a spoon * Plays with more than one toy at a
kiss
time
* Speech is 50% understandable
* Talks back and forth in
conversation
* Asks “who, what, where,
* Strings items together (macaroni on
36 why” * Calms down in 10 min after parents * Draws a circle when shown
string)
month * Can say what action is leave * Avoids touching hot stove when
* Puts on clothes like loose pants or
s happening in a book (running, * Notices and plays with other children warned
jacket * Uses fork
eating)
* Says first name when asked
* Speech is 75% understandable
* Balances on one foot for 4-8 * Follows 3-step commands
* Uses 300 – 1,000 words
48 seconds * Has a preferred friend * Goes to toilet alone
* 100% understandable speech
month * Hops on one foot * Group play * Can take turns in a game * Brushes teeth alone * Uses fork
* Strings full sentences together
s * Gallops * Magical thinking well * Can use clothing with
to tell stories
* Throws ball overhand ~10 feet buttons