Learn more about the development stages of most children based on the following ages.
2 Months
- Can briefly calm himself (may bring hands to mouth to suck on)
- Coos, makes gurgling sounds
- Turns head towards sound
- Pays attention to faces
- Holds head up and begins to push up when lying on belly
4 Months
- Smiles spontaneously, especially at people
- Begins to babble
- Follows moving things with eyes from side to side
- Responds to affection
- Holds head steady, unsupported
- Brings hands to mouth
- Pushes down on legs when feet are on a hard surface
- When lying on belly, pushes up on elbows
6 Months
- Likes to look at self in mirror
- Strings vowels together when babbling ( “ah”, “eh”, “oh”) and responds to sounds by making sounds
- Makes sounds to show joy and displeasure
- Shows curiosity about things and tries to get things that are out of reach
- Brings things to mouth
- Rolls over in both directions
- Begins to sit without support
- When held standing, supports weight on legs
9 Months
- May be clingy with familiar adults
- Makes a lot of different sounds like “mamamama” “babababa”
- Plays peek-a-boo
- Moves things smoothly from one hand to the other
- Crawls and stands holding on to things
- Sits without support and can get into sitting position
1 Year
- Shows fear in some situations
- Repeats sounds or actions to get attention
- Says “mama” “dada” and tries to say words you say
- Copies gestures
- Puts things in/out of containers
- Follows simple directions like “pick up the toy”
- Pulls to stand, walks holding on to furniture
18 Months
- Plays simple pretend, such as feeding a doll
- Says several single words
- Points to show someone what he wants
- Points to one body part
- Can follow 1-step verbal commands without gestures; ex sits when you say “sit down”
- Walks alone
- Can help undress herself
- Eats with a spoon
2 Years
- Copies others, especially adults and older children
- Plays mainly beside other children
- Says sentences with 2-4 words
- Points to things in a book and names items such as cat, dog, bird
- Begins to sort shapes and colors
- Follows 2-step directions; ex. “pick up your shoes and put them in the closet”
- Begins to run
- Makes or copies straight line and circles
Talk to your child’s doctor if you are concerned with your child’s development and if early intervention may be appropriate.
