In just five years, your baby—who once relied on you for everything—will grow into a child with their own thoughts, ideas, and opinions. A lot happens in these early years, and many experts agree that the first five years are critical in setting the foundation for lifelong learning, social skills, and overall success.
Here’s a guide to developmental milestones from birth to 5 years to watch for as your child grows.
Birth to 2 Months
- Reacts and alerts to sounds and noises
- Notices objects in line of sight
- Lifts head briefly when on tummy
- Moves arms and legs
- Social smiles start to emerge closer to 2 months
- Cooing and other early sounds
2–4 Months
- Rolls from back to side
- Produces more purposeful cooing sounds
- Expresses excitement by squealing and increased activity
- Tolerates tummy time for longer periods; lifts head and pushes up on forearms
- Holds small toys briefly
- May start rolling from tummy to back
4–6 Months
- Sits independently (closer to 6 months)
- Reaches for objects
- Transfers objects from one hand to another
- Responds to own name
- Turns head toward environmental sounds
- Bangs and shakes toys
6–9 Months
- Transitions from sitting to floor and vice versa
- May rock on hands and knees and begin crawling forwards
- Puts toys in containers and empties them
- Looks toward familiar people and objects when named
- Very vocal: long strings of babbling like “babababa” or “mamamama”
- Seeks comfort from familiar people when upset
- Begins responding to “no”
9–12 Months
- Fully crawling on hands and knees
- Pulls up to stand and may take steps holding furniture
- May take steps with hands held
- Shyness around strangers may appear
- Points to objects
- Plays social games like peek-a-boo
- Follows simple directions (e.g., “Give me the ball”)
- May say first words: “mama,” “dada,” “hi,” or “bye”
12–18 Months
- Standing alone; walking independently by 18 months
- Points to what they want
- Identifies one or more body parts
- Increasing vocabulary; follows one-step directions
- Begins simple puzzle play
- Imitates adult actions (talking on the phone, wiping table)
- May engage in pretend play (feeding a doll)
- Picks up small items using thumb and index finger
- Begins self-feeding with fingers and showing interest in utensils
- Holds a cup while drinking
- Tantrums typically start
18–24 Months
- Vocabulary of 20–100+ words
- Begins using two-word phrases
- Follows two-step directions (e.g., “Get the ball and put it in the bin”)
- Parallel play (playing alongside other children)
- Beginning problem-solving skills
- May start sorting items by color
- Scribbles with crayon
- Points to several body parts
- Begins running, climbing, and navigating playground equipment
- Walks up stairs with support
- Feeds self with utensils and drinks from an open cup
2–3 Years
- Speaks in 3–4 word sentences; familiar listeners understand most speech
- Begins asking questions
- Explains simple reasons (e.g., “I need to wash my hands because they are dirty”)
- Shows interest in potty training
- Can remove most clothing independently
- Begins interactive play with other children
- Sorts items by color, size, and shape
- Matches familiar pictures and objects
- Kicks and throws a ball; jumps with both feet
3–4 Years
- Fully potty trained
- Engages in make-believe play
- Puts on some clothing independently
- Pedals and steers a tricycle
- Uses child scissors to cut
- Tells stories from books, TV, or movies
- Holds conversations with others
- Shows empathy
- Recognizes some letters and numbers
4–5 Years
- Speaks in complete sentences
- Understands and follows multi-step directions
- Answers “why” and “how” questions
- Uses time-related words: yesterday, today, tomorrow
- Begins to understand sharing
- Follows rules in games
- Begins tracing shapes and letters
- Hops on one foot
- Catches and throws balls accurately
Resources
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
Important Notes:
This information is not an exhaustive list of all the skills expected at each developmental age. It is important to keep in mind that some children may reach milestones earlier or later than others and a variation in timing does not necessarily indicate a developmental delay. Developmental milestones are general guidelines. The information in this post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or professional advice. If you have concerns about your child’s development, health, or behavior, please consult your pediatrician or a qualified healthcare or developmental professional.
