Early Childhood Developmental Milestones
12 MONTHS (1 YEAR)
12 MONTHS (1 YEAR)
12 MONTHS (1 YEAR)
- Uses simple gestures, such as waving "bye" and shaking "no"
- Says "mama" and "dada"
- Responds to own name
- Plays simple games, like "peekaboo"
- Picks up small things using fingers and thumb
- Looks for hidden toys
18 MONTHS
12 MONTHS (1 YEAR)
12 MONTHS (1 YEAR)
- Says several single words
- Points to show others something interesting
- Points to ask for things
- Follows simple directions ("Give me...")
- Starting simple pretend play, such as feeding a doll
- Copies simple actions
- Walks well
2 YEARS
12 MONTHS (1 YEAR)
2 YEARS
- Puts together 2 word phrases
- Combines toys in play
- Takes one thing and pretends it is something else (i.e., a block is food)
- Plays next to other children (parallel play)
- Uses a variety of gestures
- Points to things or pictures when they're named
- Kicks a ball
3 YEARS
3 YEARS
2 YEARS
- Joins other children in play
- Takes turns in games
- Carries on a conversation using 2 to 3 sentences
- Talks well enough for others to understand most of the time
- Asks and answers simple questions
- Separates easily from parents
- Copies a circle and a cross
4 YEARS
3 YEARS
4 YEARS
- Enjoys role play and pretends to play different characters
- Plays cooperatively with peers
- Likes to help
- Answers questions about a story
- Names some colors and shapes
- Holds crayons correctly
- Draws a person with 2 to 4 body parts
5 YEARS
3 YEARS
4 YEARS
- Speaks very clearly
- Counts to 10
- Tells a simple story using full sentences
- Can print some letters and numbers
- Pays attention for 5 to 10 minutes
- Can tell what's real and what's make believe
- Follows rules in games
- Likes to sing, dance, and act
Adapted from cdc.gov/Milestones.
