Milestones
Your child is learning new ways to play, speak and move every day! It’s exciting to watch your baby grow up. Sometimes, though, you may have questions about what to expect at each stage of your child’s development.
On this page, you’ll find information about some of the important milestones for your child’s age, how you can help your baby grow, and what to do if you have questions about your child’s development.
What are some key milestones?
While each child has their own special way of growing up, the milestones listed here are ones that your child should be doing at each age. If your child isn’t doing these things, be sure to ask a doctor or nurse for more information. Also, let them know if your child has stopped doing things that they were doing before.
2
months
-
Coos, makes sounds
-
Reacts to noises
-
Smiles
4
months
-
Watches things as they move
-
On tummy, turns head and looks forward
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Brings hands to mouth
6
months
-
Rolls over back to tummy and tummy to back
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Tries to reach for toys or moves their body to get things
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Laughs and squeals
9
months
-
Passes things from one hand to the other
-
Points to objects using pointer finger
-
Responds to name
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Picks things up between pointer finger and thumb
1
year
-
Says single words like ‘mama’ or ‘dada’
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Shows interest in other children
-
Crawls
-
Shakes head ‘no’ and waves goodbye
18
months
-
Says at least 6 words
-
Scribbles on own
-
Notices when a caregiver leaves
2
years
-
Uses two-word phrases like ‘no go’
-
Knows what familiar things are used for (phone, spoon, toothbrush)
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Points to objects or pictures when they’re named
3
years
-
Understands words like ‘in’ or ‘under’
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Uses sentences in conversations, such as ‘I want water’
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Copies a circle when drawing
-
Shows concern for a crying friend
4
years
-
Counts to five
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Uses words like ‘happy’ or ‘big’ correctly
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Sorts by color
-
Sings along to rhymes and songs
5
years
-
Tells a simple story
-
Able to cut, paste, and color
Questions or concerns about your child's development?
Call us. We will help!
If your child is 3 or under:
Baltimore Infants & Toddlers Program
410-396-1666
If your child is 3-21:
As a new, young mom, I honestly didn’t know what my son should be doing at each step of his life. It helps to know the milestones so I know if I should be concerned.
Baltimore City Public Schools
443-984-1011
Milestones Media Center
Milestones
Milestones
6 Month Milestone: Responds to other people’s emotions and often seems happy
1 Year Milestone: Uses simple gestures, like shaking head “no” or waving “bye-bye”
2 Year Milestone: Points to things or pictures when they are named
3 Year Milestone: Understands words like in on and under
Questions or concerns about your baby’s development? Call us -- we can help!
Milestones Support Resources
Baltimore Infants & Toddlers Program
Call us if you have a question or concern about your child's development.
For children under 3 years.
410-396-1666
Baltimore City Public Schools Child Find
Call us if you need an assessment or special education services for your child.
For children 3-21 years old.
410-984-1011