Milestones, without the pressure

Development3 min read

What milestone checklists actually measure, how to use them, and when to bring something up with your pediatrician.

Milestones are the skills most children pick up by a certain age: smiling, babbling, rolling, pointing, first words, first steps. They are useful because they give you something concrete to watch for. They are stressful when they turn into a race. This guide is about using them the first way.

What the checklists measure

The checklists in BabyCroc follow the CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." program, revised in 2022 with the American Academy of Pediatrics. Each item is something most children, about three out of four, can do by that age. That is a deliberate choice: an item on the 9-month list is not an average 9-month skill, it is a skill most babies have by then. If your baby is not doing one yet, it is a reason to watch and play, not a verdict.

The skills are grouped four ways:

Social and emotional: smiling, laughing, noticing people, showing affection.
Language and communication: cooing, babbling, gestures, words, and understanding.
Learning and thinking: exploring, problem-solving, pretend play.
Movement and physical: head control, rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, using hands.

Babies are uneven, and that is normal

Most babies race ahead in one area and take their time in another. A baby who walks early may talk later, and the reverse. Babies born early often follow their corrected age (age counted from the due date) for the first couple of years, so use that when you look at a checklist. Illness, a move, a new sibling, or a busy few weeks can slow things down for a while too.

How to use the checklist

Check things off when you see them, with a date. Your pediatrician will ask, and you will be glad you wrote it down.
Look at the next age group to see what is coming. That is where the play ideas help most.
Bring the checklist to pediatrician visits. Doctors also do formal developmental screening at 9, 18, and 30 months, and autism screening at 18 and 24 months.

When to act early

Call your pediatrician, and do not wait for the next visit, if:

your child loses skills they once had, like no longer babbling or using words they used to say;
your child is missing several items for their age group, or one area seems well behind the others;
you simply have a feeling that something is off. You know your child better than anyone.

Acting early matters because help works best when it starts young. In the US, every state has a free early intervention program for children under 3. You can contact it yourself, without a referral, and ask for an evaluation. Your pediatrician can help you find it, or you can search for your state's program on the CDC site.

Everyday play is the work

You do not need special toys or programs. The things that build milestones are ordinary: talking through your day, answering their sounds, reading the same book for the twelfth time, floor time, letting them try (and spill). Each age group in the checklist has a few ideas to start with.

Sources

CDC. Learn the Signs. Act Early. Milestone checklists. https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/index.html
CDC Milestone Tracker app. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones-app.html
Zubler JM, et al. Evidence-informed milestones for developmental surveillance tools. Pediatrics. 2022;149(3):e2021052138.
American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Developmental milestones. https://www.healthychildren.org
CDC. If you're concerned. https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/concerned/index.html

This guide is general information for families, not medical advice, and it is not a substitute for your pediatrician.

Checklists by age

What most children (75% or more) do by each age, adapted from the CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklists. In the app you can check these off as they happen.

2 months

Social & emotional

Calms down when spoken to or picked up. Your voice or a cuddle settles them, at least some of the time.
Looks at your face. They lock eyes for a few seconds during feeds and diaper changes.
Seems happy to see you. A wiggle, a brighter face, or a coo when you lean in.
Smiles when you talk or smile at them. The first real social smiles, in response to you.

Language & communication

Makes sounds other than crying. Little gurgles, sighs, and "ooh" sounds.
Reacts to loud sounds. Startles, blinks, or goes still at a sudden noise.

Learning & thinking

Watches you as you move. Their eyes follow you across the room.
Looks at a toy for several seconds. A high-contrast card or rattle holds their gaze.

Movement & physical

Holds head up when on tummy. Lifts the head briefly during tummy time.
Moves both arms and both legs. Kicks and waves on both sides, not just one.
Opens hands briefly. Fists relax and open now and then.

Play ideas

Talk, sing, and narrate your day. They are learning the rhythm of your voice.
Short tummy time sessions a few times a day, on your chest counts.
Respond to their sounds and smiles; it is their first conversation.

Talk to your pediatrician if

They do not respond to loud sounds or do not watch things as they move.
They do not smile at people or bring hands to mouth.
Your child loses skills they once had, or you just have a feeling something is off. You know your child best.

4 months

Social & emotional

Smiles on their own to get your attention. They smile first, hoping you will smile back.
Chuckles when you try to make them laugh. Not a full laugh yet, but close.
Looks, moves, or makes sounds to keep your attention. Kicks and coos when you start to walk away.

Language & communication

Coos ("oooo", "aahh"). Long vowel sounds, often during happy awake time.
Makes sounds back when you talk. You talk, they answer, you answer back.
Turns head toward your voice. They search for you when you speak from the side.

Learning & thinking

Opens mouth when they see a breast or bottle (if hungry). They know what is coming.
Looks at their hands with interest. Hand-watching is a whole hobby at this age.

Movement & physical

Holds head steady without support when held. No more bobbing when you carry them upright.
Holds a toy when you put it in their hand. Grips a rattle for a bit before dropping it.
Swings at toys. Batting at a hanging toy on a play mat.
Brings hands to mouth. Fists and fingers go straight in.
Pushes up onto elbows or forearms on tummy. A mini push-up during tummy time.

Play ideas

Hold toys just out of reach during tummy time so they swing and reach.
Copy their coos back, then pause and wait for a reply.
Let them look in a baby-safe mirror.

Talk to your pediatrician if

They do not watch things as they move or smile at people.
They cannot hold their head steady or do not coo.
Your child loses skills they once had, or you just have a feeling something is off. You know your child best.

6 months

Social & emotional

Knows familiar people. Lights up for parents and regular caregivers.
Likes to look at themselves in a mirror. Smiles, pats, or babbles at the baby in the mirror.
Laughs. Real belly laughs at silly faces and games.

Language & communication

Takes turns making sounds with you. Back-and-forth "talking" with pauses.
Blows raspberries. Sticks out their tongue and blows.
Makes squealing noises. High happy squeals.

Learning & thinking

Puts things in their mouth to explore. Everything gets a taste test.
Reaches to grab a toy they want. Purposeful reaching across their body.
Closes lips to show they do not want more food. Clear "I am done" signals at mealtime.

Movement & physical

Rolls from tummy to back. Sometimes surprising themselves.
Pushes up with straight arms when on tummy. Chest fully off the floor.
Leans on hands to support themselves when sitting. Tripod sitting with hands on the floor.
First tooth. A tiny tooth on the gum, often a lower front one. Chewing and drool can come along. There is no date it has to show up.

Play ideas

Play peekaboo and give them time to reach for toys on their own.
Read board books together and point at pictures.
Offer safe, mouthable toys of different textures.

Talk to your pediatrician if

They do not try to get things in reach or show affection for caregivers.
They do not respond to sounds around them or make vowel sounds.
Your child loses skills they once had, or you just have a feeling something is off. You know your child best.

9 months

Social & emotional

Is shy, clingy, or fearful around strangers. Stranger wariness is a healthy sign of attachment.
Shows several facial expressions. Happy, sad, angry, surprised.
Looks when you call their name. They know their name.
Reacts when you leave. Looks, reaches, or cries when you go.
Smiles or laughs at peekaboo. Anticipates the "boo".

Language & communication

Makes sounds like "mamamama" and "babababa". Repeated consonant babble.
Lifts arms up to be picked up. Clear gesture asking for you.

Learning & thinking

Looks for objects when dropped out of sight. Peers over the high chair for the spoon.
Bangs two things together. Blocks, spoons, cups. Loudly.

Movement & physical

Gets to a sitting position by themselves. From tummy or crawling into sitting.
Moves things from one hand to the other. Passes a toy across.
Uses fingers to rake food toward themselves. A raking grab for puffs and soft pieces.
Sits without support. Steady sitting while playing.

Play ideas

Name things as they look at them: "Ball! You found the ball."
Hide a toy under a cloth and let them find it.
Offer soft finger foods so they can practice picking up.

Talk to your pediatrician if

They do not respond to their name or babble.
They do not sit with help or bear weight on legs with support.
Your child loses skills they once had, or you just have a feeling something is off. You know your child best.

12 months

Social & emotional

Plays games with you, like pat-a-cake. Joins in and wants more.

Language & communication

Waves bye-bye. Sometimes a little after you have left.
Calls a parent "mama", "dada", or another special name. Used on purpose for a specific person.
Understands "no". Pauses briefly or stops when you say it.

Learning & thinking

Puts something in a container. Blocks into a bucket, and out again.
Looks for things they see you hide. Finds a toy under a blanket.

Movement & physical

Pulls up to stand. Using the couch, crib rail, or your legs.
Walks holding on to furniture. Cruising along the coffee table.
Drinks from a cup without a lid as you hold it. Small sips from an open cup.
Picks things up between thumb and pointer finger. The pincer grasp, small bits of food.

Play ideas

Wave and say "bye-bye" every time someone leaves.
Give them a container and safe objects to fill and dump.
Practice open-cup sips with water at meals.

Talk to your pediatrician if

They do not crawl, point, or say single words like mama or dada.
They do not search for things they see you hide.
Your child loses skills they once had, or you just have a feeling something is off. You know your child best.

15 months

Social & emotional

Copies other children while playing. Watches and imitates at the park.
Shows you an object they like. Holds it up so you can see.
Claps when excited. Celebrates their own wins.
Hugs a stuffed animal or toy. Early pretend caring.
Shows you affection. Hugs, cuddles, or kisses.

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. "Where is the cup?" and they look.
Follows directions given with a gesture and words. "Give me the toy" with your hand out.
Points to ask for something or to get help. A key step in communication.

Learning & thinking

Tries to use things the right way. Holds a phone to the ear, turns book pages.
Stacks at least two small objects. Two blocks, one on the other.

Movement & physical

Takes a few steps on their own. Wobbly first steps.
Uses fingers to feed themselves. Confident finger feeding.

Play ideas

When they point, name it: "You want the banana."
Give simple choices: "Apple or banana?"
Build and knock down block towers together.

Talk to your pediatrician if

They do not point to show you things or walk at all.
They have no words besides mama or dada.
Your child loses skills they once had, or you just have a feeling something is off. You know your child best.

18 months

Social & emotional

Moves away from you but checks that you are close. Explores, then looks back.
Points to show you something interesting. Shares interest, not just requests.
Puts hands out for you to wash them. Joins in the routine.
Looks at a few pages in a book with you. Sits for a short story.
Helps you dress them by pushing an arm through a sleeve. Or lifting a foot for a sock.

Language & communication

Tries to say three or more words besides mama or dada. Words may not be clear yet.
Follows one-step directions without gestures. "Give it to me" without your hand out.

Learning & thinking

Copies you doing chores. Sweeping, wiping the table.
Plays with toys in a simple way. Pushing a toy car, feeding a doll.

Movement & physical

Walks without holding on. Steady walking.
Scribbles. Crayon on paper, hopefully.
Drinks from a cup without a lid, may spill. Open-cup practice paying off.
Feeds themselves with fingers. Most of a meal.
Tries to use a spoon. Messy but determined.
Climbs on and off a couch or chair without help. Time to check furniture anchors.

Play ideas

Give simple one-step directions during the day, then celebrate.
Let them help with small chores.
Offer crayons and big paper.

Talk to your pediatrician if

They do not point to show things, walk, or know what familiar things are for.
They do not copy others or gain new words.
Your child loses skills they once had, or you just have a feeling something is off. You know your child best.

2 years

Social & emotional

Notices when others are hurt or upset. Pauses or looks sad when someone cries.
Looks at your face to see how to react in a new situation. Checks in with you first.

Language & communication

Points to things in a book when you ask. "Where is the dog?"
Says at least two words together. Like "more milk".
Points to at least two body parts when asked. Nose, tummy, toes.
Uses more gestures than waving and pointing. Blowing a kiss, nodding yes.

Learning & thinking

Holds something in one hand while using the other. Holds a container and takes off the lid.
Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy. Figuring out how things work.
Plays with more than one toy at the same time. Puts food on a toy plate.

Movement & physical

Kicks a ball. Without holding on.
Runs. Often away from you.
Walks up a few stairs, with or without help. Not climbing on hands.
Eats with a spoon. Gets most of it in.

Play ideas

Expand their words: if they say "car", say "Red car. Fast car!"
Name feelings: "You are sad the park is closed."
Read the same favorite books again and again.

Talk to your pediatrician if

They do not use two-word phrases or copy actions and words.
They do not follow simple instructions or walk steadily.
Your child loses skills they once had, or you just have a feeling something is off. You know your child best.

30 months

Social & emotional

Plays next to other children and sometimes with them. Parallel play turning into shared play.
Shows you what they can do by saying "Look at me!". Wants you to see.
Follows simple routines when told. Helping to pick up toys when you say it is clean-up time.

Language & communication

Says about 50 words. Many new words each week.
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?" "Cat!"
Says words like "I", "me", or "we". Starting to talk about themselves.

Learning & thinking

Uses things to pretend. Feeding a block to a doll as if it were food.
Shows simple problem-solving. Standing on a small stool to reach something.
Follows two-step instructions. "Put the toy down and close the door."
Shows they know at least one color. Points to the red crayon when asked.

Movement & physical

Uses hands to twist things. Turning doorknobs, unscrewing lids.
Takes some clothes off by themselves. Loose pants, a jacket.
Jumps off the ground with both feet. Little bunny hops.
Turns book pages one at a time. When you read together.

Play ideas

Arrange playdates or park time near other kids.
Pretend play together: a tea party, a pretend shop.
Give two-step directions in everyday routines.

Talk to your pediatrician if

They are not putting two words together or not pretending in play.
They are hard to understand for you, or lose words they used to say.
Your child loses skills they once had, or you just have a feeling something is off. You know your child best.

3 years

Social & emotional

Calms down within 10 minutes after you leave. At childcare drop-off, for example.
Notices other children and joins them to play. Interested in playmates.

Language & communication

Talks with you in conversation with at least two back-and-forth exchanges. A real little chat.
Asks "who", "what", "where", or "why" questions. Lots of whys.
Says what action is happening in a picture or book when asked. "Running", "eating", "sleeping".
Says their first name when asked. Proudly.
Talks well enough for others to understand, most of the time. Strangers get most of it.

Learning & thinking

Draws a circle when you show them how. Roughly round counts.
Avoids touching hot objects when warned. Understands simple danger.

Movement & physical

Strings items together. Large beads or macaroni on a string.
Puts on some clothes by themselves. Loose pants or a jacket.
Uses a fork. Stabbing soft foods.

Play ideas

Ask open questions about their day and wait for answers.
Encourage dressing themselves with easy clothes.
Draw together: circles, faces, the sun.

Talk to your pediatrician if

They drool a lot, have unclear speech, or cannot work simple toys.
They do not play pretend, do not want to play with other children, or do not make eye contact.
Your child loses skills they once had, or you just have a feeling something is off. You know your child best.

Sources

Every child develops at their own pace. These checklists are not a diagnosis. If you are worried, talk with your pediatrician; you don’t need to wait for the next checkup.