Every baby is unique and they all develop different skills at
different rates, some walk faster than others, some speak earlier
than others but a delay is when a child does not reach his/her
milestones by the upper end of the normal range. Below is a
general guideline of what is expected at each age. If you have
concerns about your child's development, speak with your
pediatrician.
By the end of 7 months:
- turn head when name is called
- smile back at another person
- respond to sound with sounds
- enjoy social play (such as peek-a-boo)
By the end of 1 year (12 months):
- use simple gestures (waving "bye-bye")
- make sounds such as "ma" and "da"
- imitate actions in their play (clap when you clap)
- respond when told "no"
By the end of 1.5 years (18 months):
- do simple pretend play ("talk" on a toy phone)
- point to interesting objects
- look at object when you point at it and tell them to "look!"
- use several single words unprompted
By the end of 2 years (24 months):
- use 2- to 4-word phrases
- follow simple instructions
- become more interested in other children
- point to object or picture when named
By the end of 3 years (36 months):
- show affection for playmates
- use 4- to 5-word sentences
- imitate adults and playmates (run when other children run)
- play make-believe with dolls, animals, and people ("feed" a
teddy bear)
By the end of 4 years (48 months):
- use 5- to 6-word sentences
- follow 3-step commands ("Get dressed. Comb your hair, and wash
your face.")
- cooperate with other children
By the end of 5 years (60 months):
- say own name and address
- attempt to please and be like friends
- count out 10 or more objects
- understand the difference in fantasy and reality
Source: Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC)
