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CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. — Developmental Milestones

United States · US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · 2023

The US public-health milestone checklist, age-banded from birth through five years.

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The shape of CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. — Developmental Milestones

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birth1yr2yr3yr4yr5yrLooks at a caregiver's face · 0–2moReacts to loud sounds · 0–2moMoves both arms and both legs · 0–2moCalms when spoken to or picked up · 1–2moLooks happy when a familiar caregiver comes close · 1–2moSmiles when a caregiver talks to or smiles at them · 1–2moMakes sounds other than crying · 1–2moWatches a caregiver move around · 1–2moLooks at a toy for several seconds · 1–2moHolds head up during tummy time · 1–2moBriefly opens hands from a closed fist · 1–2moSmiles on their own to get attention · 2–4moLooks, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep attention · 2–4moMakes cooing sounds like ooo and aahh · 2–4moMakes sounds back when spoken to · 2–4moTurns head toward a caregiver's voice · 2–4moOpens mouth when seeing breast or bottle if hungry · 2–4moLooks at their hands with interest · 2–4moHolds head steady without support when held · 2–4moHolds a toy placed in their hand · 2–4moBrings hands to mouth · 2–4moChuckles when a caregiver tries to make them laugh · 3–4moSwings an arm toward toys · 3–4moPushes up onto elbows or forearms during tummy time · 3–4moRecognizes familiar people · 4–6moLikes looking at themself in a mirror · 4–6moLaughs · 4–6moTakes turns making sounds with a caregiver · 4–6moBlows raspberries with tongue and lips · 4–6moMakes squealing noises · 4–6moPuts things in mouth to explore them · 4–6moReaches to grab a wanted toy · 4–6moRolls from tummy to back · 4–6moPushes up with straight arms during tummy time · 4–6moCloses lips to show they do not want more food · 5–6moLeans on hands to support themself while sitting · 5–6moActs shy, clingy, or fearful around strangers · 6–9moShows several facial expressions, such as happy, sad, angry, and surprised · 6–9moLooks when their name is called · 6–9moSmiles or laughs during peek-a-boo · 6–9moMakes repeated sounds like mamamama or babababa · 6–9moLifts arms to be picked up · 6–9moLooks for objects after they drop out of sight · 6–9moBangs two objects together · 6–9moGets into a sitting position by themself · 6–9moMoves objects from one hand to the other · 6–9moUses fingers to rake food toward themself · 6–9moSits without support · 6–9moReacts when a caregiver leaves by looking, reaching, or crying · 7–9moPlays games with a caregiver, such as pat-a-cake · 9–12moWaves bye-bye · 9–12moCalls a parent mama, dada, or another special name · 9–12moPauses briefly or stops when told no · 9–12moPuts an object into a container · 9–12moLooks for something after seeing it hidden · 9–12moPulls up to stand · 9–12moWalks while holding on to furniture · 9–12moDrinks from an open cup while a caregiver holds it · 9–12moPicks up small items between thumb and pointer finger · 9–12moCopies other children while playing · 12–15moShows a caregiver an object they like · 12–15moClaps when excited · 12–15moHugs a stuffed doll or other toy · 12–15moShows affection with hugs, cuddles, or kisses · 12–15moTries to say one or two words besides mama or dada · 12–15moLooks at a familiar object when it is named · 12–15moFollows a direction given with both words and a gesture · 12–15moPoints to ask for something or get help · 12–15moTries to use everyday objects correctly, such as a phone, cup, or book · 12–15moStacks at least two small objects · 12–15moTakes a few steps without help · 12–15moUses fingers to feed themself some food · 12–15moMoves away from a caregiver but checks that they are close by · 15–18moPoints to show a caregiver something interesting · 15–18moPuts hands out to have them washed · 15–18moLooks at a few pages in a book with a caregiver · 15–18moHelps with dressing by pushing an arm through a sleeve or lifting a foot · 15–18moTries to say three or more words besides mama or dada · 15–18moFollows a one-step direction without gestures · 15–18moCopies a caregiver doing chores, such as sweeping with a broom · 15–18moPlays with toys in a simple functional way, such as pushing a toy car · 15–18moWalks without holding on to anyone or anything · 15–18moScribbles · 15–18moDrinks from an open cup and may spill sometimes · 15–18moFeeds themself with fingers · 15–18moTries to use a spoon · 15–18moClimbs on and off a couch or chair without help · 15–18moNotices when others are hurt or upset · 18–24moLooks at a caregiver's face to know how to react in a new situation · 18–24moPoints to things in a book when asked · 18–24moSays at least two words together · 18–24moPoints to at least two body parts when asked · 18–24moUses gestures beyond waving and pointing, such as blowing a kiss or nodding yes · 18–24moHolds something in one hand while using the other hand · 18–24moTries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy · 18–24moPlays with more than one toy at the same time · 18–24moKicks a ball · 18–24moRuns · 18–24moWalks up a few stairs with or without help · 18–24moEats with a spoon · 18–24moPlays next to other children and sometimes plays with them · 24–30moShows what they can do by saying look at me · 24–30moFollows simple routines when told · 24–30moSays about 50 words · 24–30moCombines two or more words with one action word · 24–30moNames things in a book when a caregiver points and asks what they are · 24–30moUses words like I, me, or we · 24–30moUses objects to pretend, such as feeding a block to a doll as food · 24–30moShows simple problem-solving, such as standing on a stool to reach something · 24–30moFollows two-step instructions · 24–30moShows they know at least one color · 24–30moUses hands to twist things such as doorknobs or lids · 24–30moTakes off some clothes by themself · 24–30moJumps off the ground with both feet · 24–30moTurns book pages one at a time · 24–30moCalms within 10 minutes after a caregiver leaves · 30–36moNotices other children and joins them to play · 30–36moHas a conversation with at least two back-and-forth exchanges · 30–36moAsks who, what, where, or why questions · 30–36moSays what action is happening in a picture or book when asked · 30–36moSays first name when asked · 30–36moTalks clearly enough for others to understand most of the time · 30–36moDraws a circle after being shown how · 30–36moAvoids touching hot objects when warned · 30–36moStrings items together, such as large beads or macaroni · 30–36moPuts on some clothes by themself · 30–36moUses a fork · 30–36moPretends to be something else during play · 36–48moAsks to go play with children when none are around · 36–48moComforts others who are hurt or sad · 36–48moAvoids danger, such as not jumping from tall playground equipment · 36–48moLikes to be a helper · 36–48moChanges behavior based on the setting · 36–48moSays sentences with four or more words · 36–48moSays some words from a song, story, or nursery rhyme · 36–48moTalks about at least one thing that happened during the day · 36–48moAnswers simple questions about what common objects are for · 36–48moNames a few colors of objects · 36–48moTells what comes next in a familiar story · 36–48moDraws a person with three or more body parts · 36–48moCatches a large ball most of the time · 36–48moServes themself food or pours water with adult supervision · 36–48moUnbuttons some buttons · 36–48moHolds a crayon or pencil between fingers and thumb instead of in a fist · 36–48moFollows rules or takes turns when playing games with other children · 48–60moSings, dances, or acts for a caregiver · 48–60moDoes simple chores at home · 48–60moTells a story they heard or made up with at least two events · 48–60moAnswers simple questions about a book or story after hearing it · 48–60moKeeps a conversation going with more than three back-and-forth exchanges · 48–60moUses or recognizes simple rhymes · 48–60moCounts to 10 · 48–60moNames some numbers from 1 to 5 when they are pointed to · 48–60moUses words about time such as yesterday, tomorrow, morning, or night · 48–60moPays attention for 5 to 10 minutes during activities · 48–60moWrites some letters in their name · 48–60moNames some letters when they are pointed to · 48–60moButtons some buttons · 48–60moHops on one foot · 48–60moco-emergence peak · 0–21mo
Domain:
CDC · 159 milestones · sorted by entry month, earliest at bottom

CDC milestones (159)

Grouped by domain · by age

Social-Emotional (42)

Language-Communication (40)

Movement-Physical (44)

Cognitive (33)

Guidance from this source

Abstracted & mapped · audit view

Activities, coaching, and things to expect that this source publishes, re-authored by Learning Curve and mapped to the milestones they support. Each card shows how many milestones it maps to — a high count in amber or red flags an item that may be mapped too broadly.

Activities

(27)

Offer short awake tummy-time sessions on a safe surface, with a simple toy placed where your baby can see it. Stay beside your baby, and move them to a clear, firm sleep space on their back if they get drowsy.

→ 2 milestones1mo–2mo

Set your baby on a blanket with a few safe toys nearby so they can look, reach, kick, and explore with their body.

→ 5 milestones2mo–4mo

Offer easy-to-grip toys such as a rattle or soft picture book, and let your baby handle them while you stay close.

→ 3 milestones2mo–4mo

Let your baby explore safe objects with their mouth, hands, eyes, and ears. Choose items that are clean, too large to choke on, and not sharp or hot.

→ 2 milestones2mo–6mo

Pass a toy back and forth, using simple words like 'my turn' and 'your turn.' Keep the rhythm slow enough for your baby to join in.

→ 2 milestones4mo–1yr

Set your baby on their back or tummy during supervised floor time, then place a favorite toy just beyond easy reach so they have a reason to stretch and move toward it.

→ 3 milestones4mo–6mo

Use the toy as a gentle invitation to roll: place it to one side, encourage your baby with your voice, and let them try to turn toward it.

→ 2 milestones4mo–6mo

Play peekaboo with a small cloth, letting your baby uncover your face if they can. Pause and smile so they can anticipate the surprise.

→ 2 milestones6mo–1yr

Set a favorite toy just beyond easy reach during floor time and invite your baby to get to it by rolling, scooting, or crawling. Cheer when they make progress toward it.

→ 2 milestones6mo–9mo

Give your baby blocks and a container, then take turns emptying and refilling it together. Let them handle the pieces as much as possible.

→ 2 milestones6mo–1yr

Sing an action song and leave room for your child to join in with a movement, sound, or gesture. Repeat the same song often so the actions become familiar.

→ 2 milestones9mo–2yr

Set up simple pretend play with a toy animal or doll, such as offering a spoon and taking turns feeding it. Follow your child's idea, then add one small next step to keep the play going.

→ 3 milestones1yr–1yr 6mo

Play a simple copy game with everyday items. Show how to use one object, like putting a hat on your head or opening a book, then offer it to your child and watch for an imitation.

→ 3 milestones1yr–1yr 6mo

Offer simple cause-and-effect toys, such as ones with buttons, switches, or knobs, and let your child figure out what makes something happen.

→ 2 milestones1yr 6mo–2yr 6mo

Set out soft balls and invite your child to kick, roll, and toss them. Keep it playful and give them space to try different ways of moving the ball.

→ 1 milestone1yr 6mo–2yr

Create a dress-up basket with safe adult items like hats, shirts, and shoes so your child can try acting out everyday roles.

→ 2 milestones2yr–2yr 6mo

Turn everyday objects into a sorting-and-noticing game by asking about color, shape, and size during normal routines.

→ 2 milestones2yr–4yr

Offer open-ended play time with simple materials so your child can choose what to try and use objects in their own way.

→ 1 milestone2yr 6mo–3yr

Create chances for your child to play near and with other children at places like a park, library, play group, or preschool setting.

→ 1 milestone2yr 6mo–3yr

Create regular chances for your child to play near and with other children at parks, libraries, groups, or preschool settings.

→ 3 milestones2yr 6mo–5yr

Read together and pause to ask what is happening and what your child thinks could happen next. Keep it conversational rather than a quiz.

→ 3 milestones2yr 6mo–5yr

Set up drawing time with crayons, chalk, or another safe mark-making material. Show one line first, then later model a circle for your child to copy.

→ 1 milestone2yr 6mo–3yr

Use pretend play or a short story to practice an upcoming new place or new person. Let your child act out what might happen and what they can do when they get there.

→ 2 milestones3yr–4yr

Play simple games with clear rules, such as board games, card games, or movement games where your child listens, waits, and follows the rule.

→ 2 milestones4yr–5yr

Play quick rhyme games during everyday moments, such as taking turns thinking of words that sound alike.

→ 1 milestone4yr–5yr

Play everyday counting games together by counting steps, fingers, toes, foods, toys, or other things you see during the day.

→ 2 milestones4yr–5yr

Offer puzzles, blocks, or other construction toys and invite your child to build, fit, and solve with their hands.

→ 1 milestone4yr–5yr

For the grown-up

(64)

Build talking, singing, and reading into ordinary moments, even before your baby understands the words.

→ 3 milestones0mo–2mo

Hold, cuddle, and comfort your baby often. At this age, responding to closeness and comfort needs helps your baby feel secure.

→ 3 milestones0mo–2mo

When you are with your baby, make room to notice them by keeping screens from pulling your attention away.

→ 3 milestones1mo–2mo

When your baby makes little sounds, answer with warmth: smile, use an animated voice, and pause so they can respond in their own way.

→ 3 milestones1mo–2mo

When your baby makes a sound, answer warmly with your face and voice. Pause so they have a chance to make another sound back.

→ 4 milestones2mo–4mo

Keep screens off except for video calls with family or close friends. Babies learn most from live talking, play, touch, and shared attention with people.

→ 3 milestones2mo–4mo

Talk, read, and sing during everyday care, even before your baby understands the words. Hearing your voice often builds the foundation for later understanding and speech.

→ 3 milestones2mo–4mo

For now, feed only breast milk or formula unless your baby's clinician gives different advice. Most babies are not ready for water, other drinks, or solid foods until around 6 months.

→ 1 milestone2mo–4mo

Give your baby chances to move and interact across the day. Use swings, strollers, and bouncy seats for limited stretches rather than as the main place your baby spends awake time.

→ 4 milestones2mo–4mo

Turn your baby's smiles and sounds into a little conversation: smile back, pause, and echo their noises so they learn that communication goes both ways.

→ 3 milestones4mo–6mo

Share books or picture pages every day. Talk about what you see, and when your baby babbles, answer as if they are joining the story.

→ 2 milestones4mo–6mo

During walks or routines, point to interesting sights and tell your baby what they are called, such as vehicles, plants, or animals.

→ 1 milestone4mo–6mo

Sing often and play music as part of daily routines, giving your baby rhythm, voice, and repeated sounds to listen to.

→ 2 milestones4mo–6mo

Keep screens out of your baby's routine except for video chats with family or close friends. At this age, learning comes mainly from real people talking, playing, and responding.

→ 1 milestone4mo–6mo

When your baby babbles, copy the sound back, then attach it to a simple real word. This shows that their sounds can become communication.

→ 2 milestones4mo–9mo

Ask your baby's doctor when to introduce solid foods and which foods are choking hazards. Keep breast milk or formula as the main source of nutrition for now.

→ 2 milestones4mo–6mo

When your baby focuses on something, join their attention: point to it, name it, and add a few simple words about it.

→ 1 milestone4mo–6mo

Name the feeling you think your child is showing and pair it with a clear limit. Use your face, voice, and words to show understanding, then redirect to something your child can do instead.

→ 2 milestones6mo–2yr

Share books by pointing to pictures and naming what you see, even if you are not reading every word. Treat the page as a conversation starter.

→ 2 milestones6mo–9mo

Use the same gesture and word together in everyday routines, such as waving when someone leaves. You can also model a simple sign for common wants before spoken words are ready.

→ 3 milestones6mo–1yr

Use quick, calm redirection when your baby heads toward something off-limits. Move them or offer a safe object, and save a firm 'no' for real danger without yelling, hitting, or long explanations.

→ 2 milestones9mo–1yr 3mo

Point out things you notice together, such as vehicles, animals, or people. This helps your baby learn that pointing can be used to share attention, not only to ask for something.

→ 3 milestones1yr–1yr 6mo

When your baby does something rough or unsafe, show the gentle action you want instead and warmly notice it when they try. For example, guide their hand to touch softly, then give affection or praise.

→ 2 milestones1yr–1yr 3mo

When your baby makes a sound or says part of a word, answer as if they are communicating and add a little more language. Turn a sound like 'ta' into a clear word or short description.

→ 2 milestones1yr–1yr 3mo

When your baby points, put words to what they seem to want and answer the request. If they try to say the word, respond warmly and repeat the clear word back.

→ 3 milestones1yr–1yr 3mo

When your child uses a partial word or sound, treat it as communication and gently model the full word back. Add one short piece of meaning so your child hears how the word is used.

→ 2 milestones1yr–1yr 6mo

Talk or sing through everyday routines so your baby hears words connected to real actions. Short repeated phrases during care tasks help them link language with familiar objects and routines.

→ 3 milestones1yr–1yr 6mo

When your child points to something, name it and pause before giving it. If your child makes a sound or word attempt, respond warmly and say the name again.

→ 4 milestones1yr–1yr 6mo

Make your home easier to explore safely by moving sharp, fragile, poisonous, or breakable items out of reach and locking up medicines and cleaners. Keep the Poison Help number, 800-222-1222, where caregivers can find it quickly.

→ 2 milestones1yr–1yr 3mo

Keep screens for video calls only at this age, and put your own device away during shared time when possible. Children learn more from back-and-forth talking, playing, and responsive attention.

→ 4 milestones1yr 3mo–1yr 6mo

Ask short, concrete questions about things your child is looking at, holding, or hearing. Give them time to answer with a word, sound, gesture, or look.

→ 3 milestones1yr 3mo–1yr 6mo

Notice the behavior you want more of and name it warmly, such as helping, tidying, or gentle hands. Give less attention to small behaviors you do not want to reinforce when everyone is safe.

→ 3 milestones1yr 3mo–1yr 6mo

Keep sleep and meal routines steady, and sit with your child during meals and snacks when you can. Predictable routines help your child know what happens next.

→ 3 milestones1yr 3mo–1yr 6mo

Keep sleep and meal routines steady, and make bedtime quiet and predictable with pajamas, toothbrushing, and one or two books. Toddlers in this range usually need about 11 to 14 total hours of sleep across night sleep and naps.

→ 1 milestone1yr 3mo–1yr 6mo

Keep sleep and meal times predictable, and make bedtime quiet and familiar with pajamas, toothbrushing, and a short reading routine.

→ 2 milestones1yr 3mo–2yr 6mo

Invite your child into small real-life jobs, such as bringing shoes, putting snacks into a bag, or dropping socks into a basket. Keep the task simple and useful, with just enough help for success.

→ 3 milestones1yr 3mo–1yr 6mo

Give two clear choices when either option works for you, such as choosing between two shirts. This lets your child practice making decisions without becoming overwhelmed.

→ 2 milestones1yr 3mo–1yr 6mo

Offer practice with an open cup and spoon during meals, expecting spills as part of learning. Stay close and keep portions small so your child can try again easily.

→ 4 milestones1yr 3mo–2yr

Use everyday moments to talk about feelings and kind responses. If another child seems upset, help your child notice it and suggest a simple caring action.

→ 2 milestones1yr 6mo–2yr

Stay close during play with other children and help your child practice simple social steps, such as taking a turn, offering a toy, or using a word to ask.

→ 3 milestones1yr 6mo–2yr 6mo

Talk out loud about other people’s feelings and help your child choose a kind response, such as offering comfort or help.

→ 3 milestones1yr 6mo–4yr

When your child says a word unclearly, answer with the fuller, clearer version of what they seem to mean. This gives them a model without turning it into a correction.

→ 3 milestones1yr 6mo–2yr 6mo

At meals, offer healthy choices and let your child decide whether to eat and how much. Expect appetite and food preferences to vary from day to day.

→ 1 milestone1yr 6mo–2yr

Invite your child to help with mealtime setup by carrying safe, light items like napkins or plastic cups. Name the help they gave so they feel included.

→ 2 milestones2yr–4yr

Give short directions with two or three linked steps, using familiar tasks such as getting shoes and a coat.

→ 2 milestones2yr–4yr

Notice and name the behavior you want repeated, especially kind or cooperative moments, so your child knows what worked.

→ 2 milestones2yr 6mo–3yr

Coach early peer play by showing your child how to offer a turn, wait for a turn, and use words when they want something.

→ 3 milestones2yr 6mo–3yr

Keep screen viewing brief and watch with your child when you do use it; prioritize talking, playing, and real interaction during the day.

→ 2 milestones2yr 6mo–3yr

Eat together when you can, serve the shared family meal, and keep screens away so conversation and connection stay part of mealtime.

→ 3 milestones2yr 6mo–3yr

When your child grabs, refuses, or gets stuck, model the words they can use. Give them a simple phrase such as asking for a turn, help, or another choice.

→ 3 milestones2yr 6mo–5yr

While reading, pause to ask simple who, what, and where questions about the pictures or story.

→ 2 milestones2yr 6mo–3yr

When stopping an unsafe or unwanted behavior, give a short reason and offer two acceptable alternatives. Keep the limit clear and the next action easy to choose.

→ 3 milestones2yr 6mo–4yr

Offer two or three acceptable choices, such as snack options or clothes, so your child can practice deciding within clear limits.

→ 1 milestone2yr 6mo–3yr

Name feelings in the moment and give your child simple calming choices, such as slow breathing, holding a comfort object, or moving to a quiet safe space.

→ 2 milestones3yr–4yr

Keep a small number of rules clear and concrete. If your child forgets, show the expected action, then notice and warmly acknowledge it when they use the rule later.

→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr

When your child gets stuck, guide them with questions instead of solving it right away. Help them name the problem, think of a few possible fixes, try one, and switch plans if it does not work.

→ 2 milestones3yr–4yr

Include your child in simple meal tasks, such as rinsing produce or stirring, while you supervise closely.

→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr

Give specific attention to the behavior you want repeated. Name the positive action when you see it, especially sharing, helping, waiting, or gentle play.

→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr

Read together and ask your child to describe the picture or guess what might happen next. When they answer, invite one more detail so they stretch their thinking and language.

→ 4 milestones3yr–5yr

Model language that is just a little more advanced than your child's. Repeat their idea back with fuller words and a longer sentence.

→ 3 milestones3yr–5yr

Give your child real chances to handle small self-care jobs, such as making the bed, fastening clothing, or pouring water, and praise the effort without correcting every detail.

→ 2 milestones4yr–5yr

When your child tells you about their play, ask open questions that invite more thinking, such as why they chose something or how their idea works.

→ 2 milestones4yr–5yr

Name feelings in daily life and in stories. Talk about what a person or character might feel and what may have caused that feeling.

→ 2 milestones4yr–5yr

Use everyday time words often. Talk about what happened yesterday, what is happening today, and what will happen tomorrow.

→ 1 milestone4yr–5yr

What to expect

(10)

Needing a break from interaction

0mo–3mo · ~1mo

Very young babies can become tired or overstimulated quickly, even during pleasant face-to-face play.

3 suggestion(s)

→ 3 milestones0mo–2mo

Needing a break during interaction

4mo–6mo · ~5mo

Babies this age can enjoy social play but still become tired or overstimulated quickly; mood changes are a cue to slow down.

3 suggestion(s)

→ 3 milestones4mo–6mo

Frustration with limits

1yr 3mo–2yr · ~1yr 6mo

Toddlers want more independence and communication than they can reliably manage, so blocked goals can turn into hitting or upset before they have words for the feeling.

3 suggestion(s)

→ 3 milestones6mo–2yr

getting into unsafe or off-limits things

9mo–1yr 6mo · ~1yr

A newly mobile baby is driven to explore and does not yet understand danger or rules reliably.

4 suggestion(s)

→ 4 milestones9mo–1yr 3mo

Toilet training pressure before readiness

1yr 6mo–3yr · ~2yr

Many toddlers are not developmentally ready for toilet learning until later, and pushing too early can make toileting more stressful and slower.

3 suggestion(s)

→ 3 milestones1yr 3mo–2yr 6mo

Playdate conflict and limited sharing

1yr 6mo–2yr 6mo · ~2yr

Toddlers are beginning to notice and play near peers, but sharing, turn-taking, and using words during conflict still need adult support.

3 suggestion(s)

→ 3 milestones1yr 6mo–2yr 6mo

Uneven toddler appetite

1yr 6mo–2yr 6mo · ~2yr

Growth, independence, and appetite vary across toddler days, so intake often looks inconsistent even when the child is offered regular healthy meals.

3 suggestion(s)

→ 1 milestone1yr 6mo–2yr

Difficulty sharing and taking turns

2yr 6mo–3yr 6mo · ~3yr

Peer play is still new, and self-control and language are developing faster than social problem-solving.

3 suggestion(s)

→ 3 milestones2yr 6mo–3yr

Testing independence with rude or negative talk

4yr–5yr · ~4yr 6mo

A 4- to 5-year-old may use words to test control and independence while watching how adults respond.

3 suggestion(s)

→ 2 milestones3yr–5yr

Needing a calm-down place when upset

4yr–5yr · ~4yr 6mo

Children this age are still learning how to manage big feelings and often calm best with a predictable safe place and a nearby adult.

3 suggestion(s)

→ 1 milestone3yr–4yr

About CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. — Developmental Milestones

What are the CDC milestones?

“Learn the Signs. Act Early.” is the developmental milestone programme run by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It gives families a plain checklist of what most children do by a set of age checkpoints — from two months through five years — so a parent can notice early if development needs a closer look.

How it is structured

Items are grouped into four areas — Social-Emotional, Language-Communication, Cognitive, and Movement-Physical. Each milestone is tied to an age checkpoint chosen so that most children (about three in four) have reached it by that point, which makes it a practical “expect this by now” guide rather than a pass-or-fail test.

How Learning Curve represents it

The CDC materials are US Government public domain. What appears here are the milestone behaviours grouped by area and age, presented as one independent reference point on when a behaviour typically appears. Learning Curve synthesises this alongside other sources and does not present it as medical advice. This source was gathered from published CDC material and is being verified against the official pages.

Methodology & sources

Citation

CDC. Learn the Signs. Act Early. Milestone Moments. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023. US Government public domain.