Child Developmental Milestones Checklist in Redwood City, California

Developmental Milestones for Young Children

The changes that a baby, toddler, or child goes through are made up of many different skills, like walking, talking, and playing. These skills are also called DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES and usually happen at a certain age for children.

Each child develops at his or her own pace, but by watching these milestones, you can know how your child is developing. If your child is late in doing several activities listed, or you have concerns that your child is not reaching some of these milestones, then you should speak to your child’s doctor.

Your child’s doctor may recommend pediatric therapy in California to improve your child’s developmental skills. Therapy can include speech, language, occupational, or physical therapy services.

Milestones Checklist Birth to 3 Months

Follows moving toys or faces with their eyes. Able to lift or raise the head from a surface when lying on the tummy. Responds to loud noises. Makes sounds like cooing, gurgling, sighing, and grunting. Cries differently for different needs. Reaches or grasps toys, rattles, or hair.

3 Months to 6 Months

Turns head and moves eyes to voices or sounds. Rolls over front-to-back and back-to-front. Babbles, squeals, and makes speech-like sounds such as “p”, “b”, and “m”. Pays attention to music, and notices toys that make sounds. Holds toys, puts toys in mouth, and can help hold the bottle during feedings.

6 Months to 9 Months

Moves toys from one hand to the other hand. Can sit unassisted for five minutes. Copies sounds or gestures. Responds to names. Likes to play peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake. Starts to crawl by pulling themselves up and kicking their legs.

9 Months to 12 Months

Recognizes common words (cup, juice, shoe). Can say one or two words (bye-bye, mama, dada). Grabs small objects with thumb and index finger. Removes socks and cooperates with dressing activities. Able to crawl, pull up on furniture, and take some steps without assistance. Respond to simple requests (come here). Can drink from a cup with help.

12 Months to 24 Months

Uses some 2-word questions (Where kitty?, Go bye-bye?, What’s that?). Can point to some body parts when asked, and point to pictures in a book when named. Follows simple commands (roll the ball, kiss the baby, where’s your shoe?). Walks alone without assistance, and can keep balance when stepping off objects. Says “no” and often likes to pretend to play. Can throw a small ball, scribble on paper, and use a spoon with some success.

2 Years to 3 Years

Walking, jumping with both feet, and better at running. Able to kick and throw a ball. Able to walk up and down steps with alternate feet while holding someone’s hand. Uses 2-3 word sentences to talk about or ask for things. Speech is understood by familiar listeners most of the time. Can follow 2-step directions (Get the book and put it on the table). Answer simple questions. Repeats simple rhymes and songs. Put their clothes on by themselves (3 yrs).

3 Years to 5 Years

Hears you when you call from another room. Understands simple questions (who, what, where, why). Talks about activities at school or at friends’ homes. Uses sentences that have 4 or more words. Talks easily without repeating sounds and outside people understand. Able to cut paper into 2 pieces, trace lines, can unbutton buttons. Can pedal and steer tricycle Bathes self (4-5 yrs).

5 Years and Up

Can pay attention to short stories and answer questions about them. Hears and understands most of what is said at home and at school. Uses sentences that give more detail (I like to read my books). Tells stories and sticks to the topic. Communicates easily with other children and adults. Learning to ride a two-wheeled bicycle. Able to skip, run, gallop, and stop. Able to engage in tumbling, swimming, swinging, and ball games. Has friends and a social group at school, in the neighborhood, and in outside activities. Chooses own clothing, can make a sandwich, and can assist with household chores.