Birth through Five Milestones

Is your child reaching milestones?

No two children develop and grow at exactly the same pace. This guide lists a few things you can look for as you watch your child's growth and development. If you have questions or concerns about how your child is growing or developing, you may want to talk to your child's doctor or complete an online referral.

Early On Michigan:

For free help and information for children from birth to age 3 with possible developmental delays or disabilities, call 1-800-Early-On (1-800-327-5966).

BuildUp MI:

Build Up helps parents and their children ages 3 to 5 who are having difficulty learning and who may be in need of special education supports and/or services. Visit buildupmi.org.

2
Months

Hold head erect, bobbing when supported in sitting position

Imitate or respond with occasional smile to smiling person

Follows moving person with eyes

Vocalize

Move both legs and arms equally well

4
Months

Have good head control

Roll from side to side

Begin reaching

Laugh aloud

Take object, such as a rattle, when held near hand

Follow moving object when held in sitting position

Enjoy play

Use conforting when distressed

6
Months

Sit with a little help

Roll from back to stomach

Support weight; bounce activity

Babble - more than 2 scounds

Hold 1 toy and reach for another

9
Months

Sit alone - change position without falling

Creep or crawl on all fours

Express affection

Hold 2 objects at the same time

Say mama/dada

Show fear of strangers

12
Months

Pull self to standing - may step with support

Pick things up with thumb and 1 finger

Put toy in another

Give toy on request

Give affection

Follow simple directions accompanied by guestures

Say 2 or 3 words

2
Years

Kick a large ball

Turn pages of a book

Imitate housework

Ask for items by name

Recognize familiar pictures - know if it is upside down

Use 2 or 3 words together, such as "more juice"

3
Years

Walk up stairs

Stand momentarily on 1 foot

Jump up with both feet

Feed self

Put on a coat with help

Verbalize toilet needs

4
Years

Enjoy doing new things

Would rather play with other children than by themselves

Sings a song or says a poem from memory such as "Itsy Bitsy Spider" or "Wheels on the Bus"

Can say first and last name

Able to name some colors and numbers

Catches a bounced ball most of the time

Often can't tell what's real and what's make-believe

5
Years

Hops; may be able to skip

Can print some letters or numbers

Likes to sing, dance and act

Is aware of gender

Can tell what's real and what's make-believe

Can play simple games such as Candy Land and Go Fish

Wants to be like friends

Is sometimes demanding and sometimes very cooperative