Developmental Indicators Chart


You can gain developmental information through a child’s health care records. As a child develops, skills should be assessed closely, using written information, pictures, and videos. Use the chart below to measure developmental milestones typically achieved by children at these ages.

1 month

  • Lift head a little when lying on stomach
  • Watch objects for a short time
  • Make "noise in throat" sounds
  • Stay away from annoying sensations, such as a cloth or blanket on the face
  • 2 months

  • Hold their heads up (bobbing when held in sitting position)
  • Sometimes imitate or respond to a smiling person
  • Roll partway to side
  • Make sounds of discomfort
  • 3 months

  • Lift head and chest when lying on stomach
  • Recognize bottle or breast
  • Smile when talked to
  • Show active body movement
  • Follow moving things with their eyes

  • * For more information, see Developmental Milestones by the End of 3 Months on the American Academy of Pediatrics' Web site.

    4 months

  • Hold head up for a long time without bobbing
  • Laugh out loud
  • Roll from front to back
  • Like to play
  • Grab an object held near their hand
  • Make sounds when talked to
  • 6 months

  • Sit with little support
  • Respond to a friendly voice with a smile or coo
  • Roll from back to stomach
  • Turn and look when hearing sounds
  • Change object from hand to hand and from hand to mouth

  • * For more information, see Developmental Milestones by the End of 6 Months on the American Academy of Pediatrics' Web site.

    9 months

  • Sit alone and change positions
  • Say "mama" and "dada"
  • Crawl
  • Respond to people they know
  • Respond to their own name

  • * For more information, see Developmental Milestones by the End of 9 Months on the American Academy of Pediatrics' Web site.

    12 months

  • Pull themselves to stand and occasionally step with support
  • Nod their heads to signal "yes"
  • Give love
  • Pick things up with thumb and one finger
  • Say two or three words

  • * For more information, see Developmental Milestones by the End of 12 Months on the American Academy of Pediatrics' Web site.

    15 months

  • Walk without support
  • Do some self-feeding
  • Speak and make their voice go up and down
  • Drink from a cup held by someone
  • Use four or five words
  • 18 months

  • Walk (may run a bit)
  • Use five to 10 words
  • Climb up or down one stair
  • Pull toys that have wheel
  • Mark on paper with crayons
  • Understand easy directions

  • * For more information, see Developmental Milestones by the End of 18 Months on the American Academy of Pediatrics' Web site.

    2 years

  • Give toys when asked
  • Recognize a familiar picture and know if it is upside down
  • Kick a large ball
  • Turn pages in a book (two or three at a time)
  • Use two or three words together, such as "more juice"

  • * For more information, see Developmental Milestones by the End of 2 Years on the American Academy of Pediatrics' Web site.

    3 years

  • Walk up stairs holding railing
  • Unbutton large buttons
  • Stand for a moment on one foot
  • Talk of toilet needs
  • Open doors
  • Stack objects by size
  • Ask and answer simple questions
  • Speak clearly and be understood by family members

  • * For more information, see Developmental Milestones by the End of 3 Years, Developmental Milestones by the End of 4 Years, and Developmental Milestones by the End of 5 Years on the American Academy of Pediatrics' Web site.

    © 2013 Adoptive Families. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited.

    CONNECT

    FREE E-UPDATES
    ADOPTION CIRCLE
    FIND US ON FACEBOOK
    FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

    Click Here!