Baby Milestones

Is your little one on track?

Birth to Six Months
  • Smiles and looks at faces
  • Holds a rattle or toy
  • Listens to voices or noises
  • Lifts head when on tummy
  • Follows moving objects with eyes
  • Babbles or coos, rolls over
  • Pulls up to a sitting position holding someone's fingers
  • Recognizes and reaches for Mommy

Six Months to One Year
  • Sits alone, says "Mama" or "Dada"
  • Crawls, takes steps with help
  • Claps hands, plays "peek-a-boo"
  • Can recognize familiar words
  • Copies speech sounds
  • Pulls self to standing position
  • Uses fingers to eat some food
  • Understands "no"

One year to 18 Months
  • Walks alone, says several words

  • Tries to feed self with spoon

  • Stacks two or more blocks

  • Follows simple directions

  • Scribbles on paper, runs and jumps

  • Turns pages in a book
  • Points to 3 to 5 pictures in a book

18 Months to Three Years
  • Puts 2 or 3 words together
  • Pedals Tricycle
  • Balances on one foot
  • Begins to use the toilet or potty
  • Likes to be "the boss," asks a lot of questions
  • Can say how he or she feels, like sad or mad
  • Jumps with both feet, climbs the stairs
  • Copies circles or lines
  • Understands "In," "On," "Out."

Tips: if your little one needs help
Sometimes infants and toddlers are slow in developing certain skills like moving, hearing, talking, seeing, playing or thinking.  Remember that every child is unique and will develop at his/her own rate.  But if you think you little one is having trouble in any of these areas, do get some extra help.  The sooner you can help your child "catch up," the better.

Start by calling your baby's health care provider or early childhood services listed in your phone book.  It's often smart to call United Way's FIRST CALL FOR HELP.  United Way's "First Call for Help" is the link between people in need of health and human services and the agencies and organizations available in your community.  They provide free information and referral services to anyone requesting it, regardless of income. Mention that you are looking for an "early intervention" program to assist your young child.

* This information is not a substitute for professional medical care.  Diagnosis and treatment should be done only by your health care provider. For more information contact your local health department or physician.