# Milestones by Age, 2 Months to 3 Years: What's Typical, When to Check In

> What most children do by each age from 2 months to 3 years, and when to check in.

Stage: baby - Topic: Play and development - Page: https://www.askcladle.com/guides/baby/milestones-by-age

Grounded in: CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestone checklists (2022 revision, developed with the AAP) and AAP developmental screening guidance.

## TLDR

- Each age lists what about 3 in 4 children do by then; use corrected age for preemies until about 2.
- Being a little behind on one item is common. Tell the doctor if your child misses several or you're worried.
- Losing skills they once had, at any age, needs a prompt check. Screening happens at 9, 18 and 30 months.

## How to read this

Each age lists things most children (about 3 in 4) can do by then. Children get there at their own
pace, and being a little behind on one item is common. The lists are a way to notice and to talk
with your child's doctor, not a test. If your baby was born early, use the age from their due date
until about age 2.

## By 2 months

- Calms when spoken to or picked up; looks at your face; smiles when you talk or smile.
- Makes sounds other than crying; reacts to loud sounds.
- Holds head up during tummy time; moves both arms and both legs; opens hands briefly.

## By 4 months

- Smiles on their own to get your attention; chuckles when you try to make them laugh.
- Coos ("oooo", "aahh") and makes sounds back when you talk; turns toward your voice.
- Holds head steady when held; holds a toy put in their hand; brings hands to mouth; pushes up on
  elbows during tummy time.

## By 6 months

- Knows familiar people; laughs; likes looking at themself in a mirror.
- Takes turns making sounds with you; blows raspberries; squeals.
- Reaches to grab a toy; rolls from tummy to back; pushes up on straight arms; leans on hands when
  sitting.

## By 9 months

- May be shy, clingy or fearful with strangers; reacts when you leave; looks when you call their
  name.
- Babbles strings like "mamamama" and "babababa"; lifts arms to be picked up.
- Looks for a toy dropped out of sight; bangs two things together; sits without support and gets
  into sitting on their own.

## By 12 months

- Plays games like pat-a-cake; waves bye-bye; understands "no".
- Calls a parent "mama", "dada" or another special name.
- Pulls up to stand; walks holding on to furniture; picks up small things between thumb and
  pointer finger.

## By 15 months

- Copies other children; shows you a toy they like; claps when excited; shows affection.
- Tries to say one or two words besides "mama" or "dada"; points to ask for something.
- Takes a few steps alone; stacks two small objects; feeds themself with fingers.

## By 18 months

- Moves away from you but checks that you're close; points to show you something interesting.
- Tries to say three or more words besides "mama" or "dada"; follows one-step directions without
  gestures ("Give it to me").
- Walks without holding on; scribbles; climbs on and off a couch; tries to use a spoon.

## By 2 years

- Notices when others are hurt or upset; looks at your face to see how to react to something new.
- Says at least two words together ("more milk"); points to at least two body parts and to
  pictures in a book when asked.
- Kicks a ball; runs; walks up a few stairs; eats with a spoon.

## By 30 months

- Plays next to and sometimes with other children; shows you what they can do ("Look at me!").
- Says about 50 words, and two or more words together with an action word ("doggie run"); uses
  "I", "me" and "we"; follows two-step instructions.
- Pretends (feeding a block to a doll); jumps with both feet; twists lids and doorknobs.

## By 3 years

- Calms down within about 10 minutes after you leave, for example at childcare drop-off; joins
  other children to play.
- Has back-and-forth conversations; asks "who", "what", "where" or "why"; says their first name;
  talks well enough for others to understand most of the time.
- Draws a circle when shown how; puts on some clothes; uses a fork.

## When to check in

- Tell your child's doctor if your child is missing milestones for their age, or if you're worried,
  even if the checklist looks fine. You know your child best.
- Talk to the doctor soon if your child **loses skills they once had**, at any age.
- The AAP recommends developmental screening at the 9, 18 and 30 month checkups, and autism
  screening at 18 and 24 months. You can ask for one sooner.
- In the US, children under 3 can get a free evaluation from the state's Early Intervention
  program. You don't need a doctor's referral to call.

**Milestones by age**

| Age | Feelings and people | Talking and understanding | Learning and thinking | Moving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By 2 months | Calms when held; looks at your face; smiles back | Makes sounds besides crying; reacts to loud sounds | Watches you as you move | Holds head up on tummy; moves arms and legs |
| By 4 months | Smiles to get your attention; chuckles | Coos; makes sounds back when you talk | Looks at their hands; opens mouth for breast or bottle | Holds head steady; holds a toy; pushes up on elbows |
| By 6 months | Knows familiar people; laughs | Takes turns making sounds; blows raspberries; squeals | Puts things in mouth; reaches for toys | Rolls tummy to back; pushes up on straight arms |
| By 9 months | May be shy or clingy with strangers; reacts when you leave | Babbles "mamama", "bababa"; lifts arms to be picked up | Looks for a dropped toy; bangs two things together | Sits without support; moves things hand to hand |
| By 12 months | Plays pat-a-cake; waves bye-bye | Calls a parent "mama" or "dada"; understands "no" | Puts things in a container; finds a hidden toy | Pulls to stand; walks holding furniture; thumb-finger pick-up |
| By 15 months | Copies other children; shows you a favorite toy; claps | Tries one or two words besides "mama"/"dada"; points to ask | Uses things the right way (cup, phone); stacks two objects | Takes a few steps alone; finger-feeds |
| By 18 months | Moves away but checks you're close; points to show you things | Tries three or more words; follows one-step directions | Copies you doing chores; pushes a toy car | Walks alone; scribbles; climbs on and off a couch |
| By 2 years | Notices when others are upset; looks to you in new situations | Puts two words together; points to body parts and pictures | Plays with more than one toy at a time | Kicks a ball; runs; walks up a few stairs; uses a spoon |
| By 30 months | Plays beside and with other children; "Look at me!" | About 50 words; two-word phrases with an action word; follows two steps | Pretend play; simple problem solving; knows one color | Jumps with both feet; twists lids; takes off some clothes |
| By 3 years | Settles within about 10 minutes after you leave; joins others to play | Back-and-forth conversation; "why" questions; mostly understood by others | Draws a circle when shown; avoids hot things when warned | Strings beads; puts on some clothes; uses a fork |

Things most children (about 3 in 4) do by each age, from CDC's 2022 checklists. Children vary. Talk to the doctor if your child misses milestones or loses a skill they had.

Sources: {'name': 'CDC: Milestones by age (Learn the Signs. Act Early., 2022)', 'url': 'https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/index.html'}; {'name': 'AAP HealthyChildren: Developmental milestones', 'url': 'https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/Pages/default.aspx'}