Why Checklists Help
Every child develops at their own pace, but having a general roadmap helps you know what's coming and spot potential delays early. This checklist covers the four key areas of development "” motor, language, social-emotional, and cognitive "” from birth to age 7.
Remember: this is a guide, not a verdict. If your child hasn't hit a milestone on this list, it doesn't mean something is wrong. But if you're consistently noticing gaps across multiple areas, it's worth a conversation with your pediatrician.
0 to 6 Months
Motor Skills
- Lifts head during tummy time (2-3 months)
- Follows objects with eyes (2-3 months)
- Reaches for and grasps objects (3-4 months)
- Rolls from tummy to back (4-6 months)
- Supports weight on legs when held upright (4-6 months)
Language
- Cries to communicate needs
- Cooing and vowel sounds (2-3 months)
- Laughs and squeals (3-4 months)
- Makes consonant sounds like "bababa" (5-6 months)
- Turns toward sounds (2-3 months)
Social-Emotional
- Smiles in response to you (6-8 weeks)
- Recognizes familiar faces (3-4 months)
- Enjoys social play (3-4 months)
- Shows stranger anxiety (5-7 months)
Cognitive
- Watches moving objects (2-3 months)
- Reaches for toys (3-4 months)
- Explores objects by mouthing (4-6 months)
- Understands object permanence beginnings (5-6 months)
6 to 12 Months
Motor Skills
- Sits without support (6-7 months)
- Crawls (7-10 months)
- Pulls to standing (8-10 months)
- Cruises along furniture (9-12 months)
- Walks with one hand held (9-11 months)
- Picks up objects with pincer grasp (8-10 months)
Language
- Responds to own name (6-8 months)
- Understands "no" (8-10 months)
- Babbles with inflection (7-9 months)
- Says 1-2 recognizable words (11-12 months)
- Points to things they want (9-12 months)
Social-Emotional
- Plays peek-a-boo (7-9 months)
- Shows affection to familiar people (9-12 months)
- Fearful of strangers peaks (8-10 months)
- Cries when parent leaves (8-12 months)
Cognitive
-
li>Finds hidden objects (8-10 months)
- Explores objects in different ways (banging, shaking) (8-10 months)
- Responds to simple instructions (9-12 months)
1 to 2 Years
Motor Skills
- Walks independently (12-15 months)
- Stacks 2-4 blocks (18-24 months)
- scribbles with crayons (18 months)
- Uses spoon and fork (18-24 months)
- Kicks a ball (18-24 months)
Language
- Vocabulary grows to 10-50 words (12-18 months)
- Two-word phrases appear (18-24 months)
- Points to body parts when asked (12-18 months)
- Follows simple commands (12-18 months)
- Strangers understand about 25% of speech (24 months)
Social-Emotional
- Shows independence ("me do it") (12-18 months)
- Plays alongside other children (parallel play) (18-24 months)
- Shows tantrums when frustrated (18-24 months)
- Imitates adults and older children (12-24 months)
Cognitive
- Sorts shapes and colors (18-24 months) li>Completes simple puzzles (2-4 pieces) (18-24 months)
- Engages in pretend play (18-24 months)
- Follows two-step instructions (24 months)
2 to 3 Years
Motor Skills
- Runs and jumps (24-30 months)
- Pedals a tricycle (30-36 months)
- Turns pages in a book (24-30 months)
- Draws circles and lines (30-36 months)
- Dresses and undresses with help (24-36 months)
Language
- Vocabulary of 200-1,000 words (30-36 months)
- Three to four-word sentences (30-36 months)
- Asks "why?" constantly (30-36 months)
- Strangers understand about 50% of speech (30 months)
- Uses past tense (sometimes incorrectly) (30-36 months)
Social-Emotional
- Engages in cooperative play (30-36 months)
- Shows concern for crying friend (30-36 months)
- Takes turns with prompting (30-36 months)
- Expresses a wide range of emotions (24-36 months)
Cognitive
-
li>Counts to 3 or higher (30-36 months)
- Sorts objects by category (30-36 months)
- Completes simple form sorters (30-36 months)
- Plays make-believe with dolls and animals (24-36 months)
3 to 5 Years (Preschool)
Motor Skills
- Hops on one foot (42-48 months)
- Catches a bounced ball (48-60 months)
- Uses scissors (42-48 months)
- Draws people with 2-4 body parts (48-60 months)
- Writes some letters and numbers (48-60 months)
Language
- Vocabulary of 1,500-2,500 words (48-60 months)
- Speaks in sentences of 5-6 words (42-48 months)
- Tells stories (48-60 months)
- Uses future and past tense (48-60 months)
- Strangers understand most speech (48 months)
Social-Emotional
- Wants to please friends (42-60 months)
- Understands the concept of "mine" (36-48 months)
- Can negotiate with other children (48-60 months)
- Understands rules and fairness (48-60 months)
- Shows empathy (42-60 months)
Cognitive
- Counts to 10 or higher (48-60 months)
- Names colors and numbers (42-60 months)
- Understands time concepts (yesterday, tomorrow) (48-60 months)
- Draws a person with 6+ body parts (60 months)
- Writes some letters independently (54-60 months)
5 to 7 Years (Early School Age)
Motor Skills
- Ties shoelaces (60-72 months)
- Writes legibly (60-72 months)
- Catches a ball with one hand (60-72 months)
- Uses a keyboard or touchscreen (60-72 months)
- Hops and skips smoothly (60-72 months)
Language
- Vocabulary of 2,500-5,000+ words (60-72 months)
- Uses complex sentences (60-72 months)
- Reads simple books (60-84 months)
- Writes complete sentences (60-72 months)
- Understands humor and sarcasm (60-72 months)
Social-Emotional
- Develops close friendships (60-72 months)
- Understands rules of games (60-72 months)
- Can work cooperatively (60-72 months)
- Shows concern for others' feelings (60-72 months)
- Develops sense of right and wrong (60-72 months)
Cognitive
- Counts to 100 (72-84 months)
- Reads sight words (60-72 months)
- Understands basic math concepts (60-72 months)
- Tells time on analog clock (72-84 months)
- Names the date and year (72-84 months)
When to Seek Evaluation
Trust your instincts. If your child is consistently several months behind across multiple milestones, talk to your pediatrician. Early intervention services are free in most states and can make a significant difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
My child is behind on one milestone. Should I worry?
Not necessarily. Children develop unevenly "” they might be ahead in language but behind in motor skills. It's patterns of delay across multiple areas that warrant attention.
Can I help my child catch up?
Absolutely. Targeted play, reading together daily, and activities focused on the delayed area can help most children catch up. If delays persist, early intervention services provide professional support.
Trust Your Instincts
You know your child better than anyone. If something feels different, ask. You're not overreacting "” you're being an attentive parent. And that's exactly what your child needs.
