CHILD DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES

 CDC
January 2007

Every baby is unique and they all develop different skills at different rates, some walk faster than others, some speak earlier than others but a delay is when a child does not reach his/her milestones by the upper end of the normal range.  Below is a general guideline of what is expected at each age. If you have concerns about your child's development, speak with your pediatrician.

By the end of 7 months:

• turn head when name is called
• smile back at another person
• respond to sound with sounds
• enjoy social play (such as peek-a-boo)

By the end of 1 year (12 months):

• use simple gestures (waving "bye-bye")
• make sounds such as "ma" and "da"
• imitate actions in their play (clap when you clap)
• respond when told "no"

By the end of 1.5 years (18 months):

• do simple pretend play ("talk" on a toy phone)
• point to interesting objects
• look at object when you point at it and tell them to "look!"
• use several single words unprompted

By the end of 2 years (24 months):

• use 2- to 4-word phrases
• follow simple instructions
• become more interested in other children
• point to object or picture when named

By the end of 3 years (36 months):

• show affection for playmates
• use 4- to 5-word sentences
• imitate adults and playmates (run when other children run)
• play make-believe with dolls, animals, and people ("feed" a teddy bear)

By the end of 4 years (48 months):

• use 5- to 6-word sentences
• follow 3-step commands ("Get dressed. Comb your hair, and wash your face.")
• cooperate with other children

By the end of 5 years (60 months):

• say own name and address
• attempt to please and be like friends
• count out 10 or more objects
• understand the difference in fantasy and reality

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)