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Watching children learn and develop can be a wonderful thing and it is common for parents to wonder whether their child is developing as expected. Along with keeping up with regular doctor visits, there are several different ”milestones,” things that most children do by certain ages, that you can look for that offer important clues about development in the following areas: social and emotional, language and communication, motor, and cognition (learning, thinking, problem-solving). If you are concerned about delays in your child’s development, act early and speak with your child’s doctor or contact the local Early Intervention program in your community. Go to the Family TIES of Massachusetts website to find the EI program closest to you. Take a look below to see some major milestones for children aged 2 months up to 5 years of age.
| Age | Milestone |
| 2 Months | · Starts smiling
· Attempts to follow people and objects with eyes · Turns head toward sounds · Coos or makes other noises |
| 6 Months | · Recognizes familiar faces and begins to know if someone is a stranger
· Responds to own name · Brings things to mouth · Rolls over in both directions (front to back, back to front) · Begins to sit without support |
| 12 Months | · Is shy or nervous with strangers
· Repeats sounds or actions to get attention · Responds to simple commands · Sits or stands without help, may begin to walk · Tries to say words (should be able to say ”mama” or ”da da”) |
| 2 Years | · Shows more independence and defiance (doing what he has been told not to)
· Likes to play mainly beside other children · Says 2-4 word phrases · Sorts shapes and colors · Begins to run and stand on tiptoe · Throws a ball overhand |
| 5 Years | · Wants to have and keep friends
· Is aware of gender · Tells a simple story using full sentences · Knows name and address · Counts to 10 · Is potty-trained · Uses tableware with ease |
Excerpted from CDC’s “Milestone Moments” booklet. For more information, please visit:
- CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” campaign, cdc.gov/actearly
- Massachusetts Act Early program, maactearly.org/
Written By:
Jasmine Benger
Assistant WIC/Health and Human Service Coordinator
Tags: child devlopment, kids milestones, milestones, WIC
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