Developmental Milestones, Screening & Services
Understanding Your Child’s Development: Milestones, Screenings and Early Support
Watching your child grow and learn is one of the most exciting parts of parenting. Along the way, you may have questions about your child's development, wonder if they are on track or simply want reassurance that they are thriving. Whether you're celebrating new skills, keeping an eye on progress or looking for guidance, there are tools and resources available to support you. Trust your instincts, ask questions and know that early support can help children reach their fullest potential.
Every child has a unique path.
The term “developmental milestones” refers to things most children can do by a certain age like smiling for the first time, taking their first step or waving “bye bye.” You see milestones every day when playing, talking and interacting with your child. Every child is different, and all children develop at their own pace. It is normal for some children to reach milestones slightly late or early. By tracking your child’s development, you are aware of where they are excelling and where they may need additional support.
Developmental Milestones
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are considered the source for developmental milestones and support families in understanding and tracking them every day. On the CDC website, you can learn the developmental milestones as your child grows and view a picture or video of each one. At each stage, the CDC also shares tips for conversations with your doctor and activities to do at home.
*The Developmental Milestones below are from the CDC
What most babies do by 2 months:
Social/Emotional
- Calms down when spoken to or picked up
- Looks at your face
- Seems happy to see you when you walk up to her
- Smiles when you talk to or smile at her
Language & Communication
- Makes sounds other than crying
- Reacts to loud sounds
Cognitive
- Watches you as you move
- Looks at a toy for several seconds
Movement & Physical
- Holds head up when on tummy
- Moves both arms and both legs
- Opens hands briefly
What most babies do by 4 months:
Social/Emotional
- Smiles on his own to get your attention
- Chuckles (not yet a full laugh) when you try to make him laugh
- Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep your attention
Language & Communication
- Makes sounds like “oooo”, “aahh” (cooing)
- Makes sounds back when you talk to him
- Turns head towards the sound of your voice
Cognitive
- If hungry, opens mouth when he sees breast or bottle
- Looks at her hands with interest
Movement & Physical
- Holds head steady without support when you are holding him
- Holds a toy when you put it in his hand
- Uses his arm to swing at toys
- Brings hands to mouth
- Pushes up onto elbows/forearms when on tummy
What most babies do by 6 months:
Social/Emotional
- Knows familiar people
- Likes to look at self in a mirror
- Laughs
Language & Communication
- Takes turns making sounds with you
- Blows “raspberries” (sticks tongue out and blows)
- Makes squealing noises
Cognitive
- Puts things in her mouth to explore them
- Reaches to grab a toy she wants
- Closes lips to show she doesn’t want more food
Movement & Physical
- Rolls from tummy to back
- Pushes up with straight arms when on tummy
- Leans on hands to support herself when sitting
What most babies do by 9 months:
Social/Emotional
- Is shy, clingy, or fearful around strangers
- Shows several facial expressions, like happy, sad, angry, and surprised
- Looks when you call her name
- Reacts when you leave (looks, reaches for you, or cries)
- Smiles or laughs when you play peek-a-boo
Language & Communication
- Makes a lot of different sounds like “mamamama” and “bababababa”
- Lifts arms up to be picked up
Cognitive
- Looks for objects when dropped out of sight (like his spoon or toy)
- Bangs two things together
Movement & Physical
- Gets to a sitting position by herself
- Moves things from one hand to her other hand
- Uses fingers to “rake” food towards himself
- Sits without support
What most babies do by 1 year:
Social/Emotional
- Plays games with you, like pat-a-cake
Language & Communication
- Waves “bye-bye”
- Calls a parent “mama” or “dada” or another special name
- Understands “no” (pauses briefly or stops when you say it)
Cognitive
- Puts something in a container, like a block in a cup
- Looks for things he sees you hide, like a toy under a blanket
Movement & Physical
- Pulls up to stand
- Walks, holding on to furniture
- Drinks from a cup without a lid, as you hold it
- Picks things up between thumb and pointer finger, like small bits of food
What most children do by 15 months:
Social/Emotional
- Copies other children while playing, like taking toys out of a container when another child does
- Shows you an object she likes
- Claps when excited
- Hugs stuffed doll or other toy
- Shows you affection (hugs, cuddles, or kisses you)
Language & Communication
- Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog
- Looks at a familiar object when you name it
- Follows directions given with both a gesture and words. For example, he gives you a toy when you hold out your hand and say, “Give me the toy.”
- Points to ask for something or to get help
Cognitive
- Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or book
- Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks
Movement & Physical
- Takes a few steps on his own
- Uses fingers to feed herself some food
What most children do by 18 months:
Social/Emotional
- Moves away from you, but looks to make sure you are close by
- Points to show you something interesting
- Puts hands out for you to wash them
- Looks at a few pages in a book with you
- Helps you dress him by pushing arm through sleeve or lifting up foot
Language & Communication
- Tries to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”
- Follows one-step directions without any gestures, like giving you the toy when you say, “Give it to me.”
Cognitive
- Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom
- Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car
Movement & Physical
- Walks without holding on to anyone or anything
- Scribbles
- Drinks from a cup without a lid and may spill sometimes
- Feeds himself with his fingers
- Tries to use a spoon
- Climbs on and off a couch or chair without help
What most children do by 2 years:
Social/Emotional
- Notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone is crying
- Looks at your face to see how to react in a new situation
Language & Communication
- Points to things in a book when you ask, like “Where is the bear?”
- Says at least two words together, like “More milk.”
- Points to at least two body parts when you ask him to show you
- Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes
Cognitive
- Holds something in one hand while using the other hand; for example, holding a container and taking the lid off
- Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy
- Plays with more than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plate
Movement & Physical
- Kicks a ball
- Runs
- Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help
- Eats with a spoon
What most children do by 30 months:
Social/Emotional
- Plays next to other children and sometimes plays with them
- Shows you what she can do by saying, “Look at me!”
- Follows simple routines when told, like helping to pick up toys when you say, “It’s clean-up time.”
Language & Communication
- Says about 50 words
- Says two or more words together, with one action word, like “Doggie run”
- Names things in a book when you point and ask, “What is this?”
- Says words like “I,” “me,” or “we”
Cognitive
- Uses things to pretend, like feeding a block to a doll as if it were food
- Shows simple problem-solving skills, like standing on a small stool to reach something
- Follows two-step instructions like “Put the toy down and close the door.”
- Shows he knows at least one color, like pointing to a red crayon when you ask, “Which one is red?”
Movement & Physical
- Uses hands to twist things, like turning doorknobs or unscrewing lids
- Takes some clothes off by himself, like loose pants or an open jacket
- Jumps off the ground with both feet
- Turns book pages, one at a time, when you read to her
What most children do by 3 years:
Social/Emotional
- Calms down within 10 minutes after you leave her, like at a childcare drop off
- Notices other children and joins them to play
Language & Communication
- Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges
- Asks “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions, like “Where is mommy/daddy?”
- Says what action is happening in a picture or book when asked, like “running,” “eating,” or “playing”
- Says first name, when asked
- Talks well enough for others to understand, most of the time
Cognitive
- Draws a circle, when you show him how
- Avoids touching hot objects, like a stove, when you warn her
Movement & Physical
- Strings items together, like large beads or macaroni
- Puts on some clothes by himself, like loose pants or a jacket
- Uses a fork
What most children do by 4 years:
Social/Emotional
- Pretends to be something else during play (teacher, superhero, dog)
- Asks to go play with children if none are around, like “Can I play with Alex?”
- Comforts others who are hurt or sad, like hugging a crying friend
- Avoids danger, like not jumping from tall heights at the playground
- Likes to be a “helper”
- Changes behavior based on where she is (place of worship, library, playground)
Language & Communication
- Says sentences with four or more words
- Says some words from a song, story, or nursery rhyme
- Talks about at least one thing that happened during her day, like “I played soccer.”
- Answers simple questions like “What is a coat for?” or “What is a crayon for?”
Cognitive
- Names a few colors of items
- Tells what comes next in a well-known story
- Draws a person with three or more body parts
Movement & Physical
- Catches a large ball most of the time
- Serves herself food or pours water, with adult supervision
- Unbuttons some buttons
- Holds crayon or pencil between fingers and thumb (not a fist)
What most children do by 5 years:
Social/Emotional
- Follows rules or takes turns when playing games with other children
- Sings, dances, or acts for you
- Does simple chores at home, like matching socks or clearing the table after eating
Language & Communication
- Tells a story she heard or made up with at least two events. For example, a cat was stuck in a tree and a firefighter saved it
- Answers simple questions about a book or story after you read or tell it to him
- Keeps a conversation going with more than three back-and-forth exchanges
- Uses or recognizes simple rhymes (bat-cat, ball-tall)
Cognitive
- Counts to 10
- Names some numbers between 1 and 5 when you point to them
- Uses words about time, like “yesterday,” “tomorrow,” “morning,” or “night”
- Pays attention for 5 to 10 minutes during activities. For example, during story time or making arts and crafts (screen time does not count)
- Writes some letters in her name
- Names some letters when you point to them
Movement & Physical
- Buttons some buttons
- Hops on one foot
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Developmental Monitoring
Track your child’s progress. The CDC Milestone Tracker App is a simple tool you can use at home. This free resource offers illustrated checklists, tips, photos and videos to support you as you monitor your child’s progress.
Just as you are tracking your child’s milestones, your child care provider should be doing the same. Partner with them by sharing notes, asking if your provider is seeing things you’re seeing at home and vice versa. You and your provider are a team in supporting your child’s healthy growth and development.
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Developmental Screening
Many child care programs use formal questionnaires or surveys to monitor children’s progress toward developmental milestones. A common tool is the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3), but several are useful. Ask your child care provider how they use and communicate the information they gain from their preferred screening tool.
You can also use a developmental screening tool with your child. Easterseals recommends Make the First Five Count, a free tool you can complete in 10-15 minutes.
If you're concerned - act early
If you have concerns about your child’s development, help is available. Explore the tips and resources below. For more information, visit the CDC’s “Concerned About Your Child’s Development?” page or call 1.800.CDC.INFO (1.800.232.4636).
Concerned about development?
How to Talk With the Doctor
A first step toward getting help for your child when you are concerned about their development (how your child plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves) is to talk with your child’s doctor.
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1. Prepare for your visit.
- When you make your next well child appointment, tell the doctor’s office you would like to discuss concerns about your child’s development.
- Prepare questions, concerns and examples to bring with you to the appointment. You can do this a few ways:
- Write down what you have seen and what worries you.
- Fill out a milestones checklist for your child’s age.
- Review notes you have taken in the CDC Milestone Tracker App.
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2. Ask all your questions during the visit. You know your child best, and your concerns are important.
- Tell the doctor you have concerns at the start of the visit and share the questions, concerns and examples you prepared.
- If the doctor seems to be in a hurry, ask if you should schedule another visit.
- Ask about the results of your child's most recent developmental screening. If a screening has not been done, ask for one. The CDC offers information about developmental screening.
- Take notes to help you remember what the doctor says and what to do next.
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3. Make sure you understand what your doctor says and what to do next.
- Before you leave, make sure all your questions have been answered.
- If you do not understand something, ask the doctor to explain it again or in a different way.
- Ask the doctor, nurse or office staff for any information you will need to do what the doctor has told you. For example, "What is the phone number for my local early intervention program?"
- When you get home, review your notes and call the doctor's office if you have questions.
- Take the steps you discussed with your doctor and follow up with them about progress and additional questions.
Services and Resources
You have tracked developmental milestones and talked with your childcare provider and pediatrician. If you are concerned about your child’s development and ready to take next steps, check out the services below.
The Arc of Indiana
Family advocates provide information, referral and advocacy around several topics, including early intervention and special education
First Steps
Indiana’s early intervention program offering evaluation for delays and disabilities as well as connections to education, health and social services.
Local school system
The early childhood special education services program offers free evaluations for services and free services, such as developmental preschool, for qualifying children.
Understood.org
Web-based resources for learning and thinking differences with explanations of IFSPs, IEPs and other elements of delays and disabilities.
Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center
Resources for families and teachers regarding early childhood special education and inclusion.
Easterseals
Community resource dedicated to serving children and adults with disabilities to promote growth, independence and dignity.
Family to Family
Family-to-family organization supporting families that have children with health care needs or disabilities.
FINDER Indiana Disability Resource
Indiana’s directory of services, programs and resources for the disability community.
Inclusive Schools Network
Web-based resources for families, schools and communities promoting inclusive educational practices.
IN*SOURCE
Parent-to-parent organization that supports families in navigating disability law and special education services in Indiana.