Developmental Milestones by Age

Track your child’s progress and identify when they might benefit from additional support. Below, you’ll find typical developmental milestones organized by age range. Every child is unique, so these are general guidelines.

1–3 Months
  • Lifts head briefly while on tummy
  • Looks at mobiles and faces
  • Random kicking and waving
  • Smiles responsively
  • Coos and looks at hands
  • Hands are open about 50% of the time

4–6 Months
  • Holds head steady in the center
  • Brings hands together, plays with fingers
  • Shakes rattle, vocalizes in the mirror
  • Bears weight on feet when supported
  • Reaches for and brings toys to mouth
  • Rolls from tummy to back
  • Sits with assistance

7–9 Months
  • Puts feet in mouth
  • Crawls on tummy or knees
  • Rolls from back to tummy
  • Bangs toys together
  • Transfers toys between hands
  • Sits independently for long periods
  • Moves onto tummy and bounces in standing
  • Pulls to stand while holding on
  • Points and pokes at objects with index finger

10–12 Months
  • Pulls to stand and lowers back to floor
  • Says “da-da” and “ma-ma”
  • Understands “no”
  • Walks holding furniture or with one hand held
  • Scribbles with a crayon
  • Picks up small crackers with fingers
  • Pats pictures in books
  • Plays simple ball games
  • Babbles in response to voices

13–15 Months
  • Turns thick book pages
  • Uses a spoon and brings it to mouth
  • Imitates simple actions, like putting objects inside containers
  • Walks and crawls around furniture
  • Climbs onto furniture
  • Begins using true words (“mama,” “dada,” “bye”)

16–18 Months
  • Walks comfortably carrying objects
  • Begins to run
  • Points to make requests
  • Uses about 10 words
  • Turns door knobs, kicks ball with poor balance
  • Eats with spoon and drinks from a cup
  • Removes socks and shoes
  • Helps with undressing

19–22 Months
  • Speaks in two-word sentences
  • Feeds self well and chews food fully
  • Helps with dressing and takes off coat
  • Pushes self on a scooter
  • Jumps with uneven feet
  • Scribbles while holding pencil properly
  • Copies lines and circles
  • Names objects in books
  • Identifies body parts and clothing items

23–27 Months
  • Kicks ball with good balance
  • Puts on simple clothing
  • Hops on one foot
  • Drinks from straw
  • Begins toilet awareness
  • Turns book pages one at a time
  • Dries own hands
  • Jumps with both feet together
  • Helps clean up and eats with a fork

28–32 Months
  • Speaks in 3–4 word sentences clearly
  • Plays interactively with peers
  • Recognizes self in pictures
  • Names and points to most body parts
  • Matches familiar objects
  • Expresses emotions dramatically (clapping, dancing)
  • Begins pretend play and imitates chores
  • Enjoys listening to stories

33–36 Months
  • Walks in a straight line, runs well
  • Jumps with both feet
  • Builds towers of 9+ blocks
  • Manipulates small objects easily
  • Eats independently and pours liquids
  • Takes off shoes and unlaces them
  • Cleans up spills
  • Speaks clearly with adults
  • Can answer simple questions and wait their turn
  • Shares and follows three-step directions
  • Counts to ten
  • Understands size and speed concepts (big/little, fast/slow, up/down)

Why Milestones Matter

Tracking milestones helps families recognize when a child may benefit from extra support. If you have concerns about your child’s development, our ABA therapy team in Queens, NY can provide evaluations, early intervention, and individualized programs designed to help your child reach their full potential.

Early intervention makes a difference. Don’t wait to seek support if you have concerns about your child’s development.

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