Developmental Milestones

Baby with hand in mouth
By 7 Months, Your Child Should
Roll stomach-to-back
Mouth objects
Sit while leaning on hands
Babble
Smile socially at other people

Two children playing together
By 12 Months, Your Child Should
Walk holding onto furniture
Use 2-3 words
Imitate actions in play
Identify body parts
Scribble with crayon

Boy playing with blocks
By 18 Months, Your Child Should
Explore everything
Do simple pretend play
Run
Use 10-12 words, mostly nouns
Point to pictures in a book

Two year old boy at playground
By 24 Months, Your Child Should
Open doors and unscrew lids
Kick a ball
Follow simple directions
Say at least 50 words
Become interested in other children

Boy smiling
By 36 Months, Your Child Should
Enjoy books and being read to
Match colors
Pedal a riding toy
Ask and answer questions
Imitate adults and playmates

Download the CDC's Free Milestone Tracker App. Track Milestones, Share a Summary, Get Tips & Activities. Learn more at cdc.gov/MilestoneTracker
For more detailed milestones, tips, activities, and more, download the CDC free milestone tracker app.

Developmental Screening

What is "Developmental Screening"?

Like a yardstick for measuring height, developmental screening is a tool that helps families measure their children's development through the early years, including:

  1. How children use their hands, bodies, and senses (motor skills).
  2. How children think and solve problems (cognitive skills).
  3. How children use language - speaking, listening and understanding (communication skills).
  4. How children express their emotions and relate to others (social and emotional skills).
  5. How children help take care of their own needs, like feeding and dressing (personal).

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Ask your child's healthcare provider about additional screenings such as: oral health, behavioral health, nutrition, vision and hearing that help determine if your child is on track in these important health areas.

Why is developmental screening important?

Developmental Screening is important for all young children! We know that children grow and learn at their own rates, but it's still important to assure that they are developing as expected. You can both track and promote your child's development with fast and fun screening activities that help you:

  1. Make sure your kid is on track
  2. Learn about what's coming next in your child's development
  3. Discover new ways to help your child grow and learn.

Screening your child regularly is also the best way to catch any concerns early when the right information at the right time makes all the difference!

Child measuring her height