Two Months

  • Hold head erect, bobbing when supported in sitting position
  • Imitate or respond with occasional smile to smiling person
  • Follow moving person with eyes
  • Vocalize
  • Move both legs and arms equally well


One Month

  •  Raise head slightly off floor or bed, when lying on stomach
  • Hold head up momentarily when supported
  • Briefly watch and follow objects with eyes
  • Avoid mildly annoying sensations (placement of cloth on face)
  • Make some “noise in throat” sounds

 Three Months

  • Lift head and chest when lying on stomach
  • Show vigorous body movement
  • Show improved head control
  • Recognize breast or bottle
  • Coo – chuckle

Four Months

  • Have good head control
  • Roll from side to side
  • Begin reaching
  • Laugh aloud
  • Take object, such as a rattle, when held near hand
  • Follow moving object when held in sitting position
  •  Enjoy play
  • Use comforting when distressed

Six Months

  •  Sit with a little help
  • Roll from back to stomach
  • Support weight; bounce activity
  • Babble – more than two sounds
  • Hold one toy and reach for another
Six Months

Six Months

Nine Months

  •  Sit alone – change position without falling
  • Creep or crawl on all fours
  • Express affection
  • Hold 2 objects at the same time
  • Say Mama – Dada
  • Show fear of strangers

Twelve Months

  •  Pull self to standing – may step with support
  • Pick things up with thumb and one finger
  • Put one toy in another
  • Give toy on request
  • Give affection
  • Follow simple directions accompanied by gestures
  • Say 2 or 3 words

Fifteen Months

  •  Walk without support
  • Stack 3 blocks
  • Use 5 or 6 words
  • Vocalize – voice up and down like conversation (jargon)
  • Partially feed self with a spoon or fingers
  • Find a hidden toy under a cover

Eighteen Months

  • Walk well
  • Climb up or down one stair
  • Walk backwards pulling a toy
  • Make marks with crayon on paper
  •  Partially feed self with a spoon
  • Use 5 to 10 words

2 years

  •  Kick large ball
  • Turn pages of a book
  • Imitate housework
  • Ask for items by name
  • Recognize familiar pictures – know if it is upside down
  • Use 2 or 3 words together, such as “more juice”

3 years

  • Walk up stairs
  • Stand momentarily on one foot
  • Jump up with both feet
  • Feed self
  • Put on a coat with help
  • Verbalize toilet needs

4 years

  • Hop in place
  • Throw ball over hand
  • Catch ball when bounced to him or her
  • Copy circles
  • Know own sex, age, last name
  •  Point to 5 basic colors
  • Play with other children
  • Use sentences with correct grammar, such as “Can I go to the store?” “I want a big cookie.”
  • Wash and dry hands unassisted

5 years

  • Walk backward toe to heel
  • Walk on tiptoe
  • Print a few capital letters
  • Recognize own printed name
  • Play with others
  • Identify a penny, nickel, and/or dime
  • Answer verbally to “Hi” and “How are you?”
  • Laces shoes