Infant (2–12 months) · Toddler (1–3 years) · Preschool (3–5 years) · Growth & development
Developmental milestones by age, and when to ask for help
Milestones are the things most children do by a certain age: a social smile by 2 months, sitting by 9 months, first words by 15 months, two-word phrases by 30 months. Missing one is a reason to check in, not to panic; early help works best.
Key takeaways
- The CDC updated its milestone ages in 2022 to what 75% of children do
- Formal screening at 9, 18 and 30 months, and autism screening at 18 and 24 months
- Any loss of skills at any age is a reason to call now
- Babies Can’t Wait offers free evaluation under age 3 in Georgia
- You know your child; if you are worried, we want to hear it
What to expect, by age
- 2 months: social smile, calms when spoken to, watches you move
- 6 months: rolls tummy to back, laughs, reaches for toys, knows familiar people
- 9 months: sits without support, responds to name, babbles “mamama”, plays peek-a-boo
- 12 months: pulls to stand, waves bye-bye, says “mama” or “dada”, looks for hidden objects
- 18 months: walks alone, says 3 or more words, points to show you something, tries to use a spoon
- 2 years: runs, kicks a ball, says two-word phrases, points to pictures in a book, notices when others are upset
- 3 years: speaks in sentences strangers mostly understand, draws a circle, plays alongside other children
- 4 years: names some colors, hops, tells stories, plays pretend with others
- 5 years: counts to 10, writes some letters, buttons clothes, follows rules in games
When we screen
We use standardized questionnaires at the 9, 18 and 30-month visits and the M-CHAT autism screen at 18 and 24 months, in addition to watching your child at every visit. Fill them out honestly; they are a conversation starter, not a test.
What happens if there is a delay?
We look closer, check hearing and vision, and refer to Babies Can’t Wait (under 3) or the school district (3 and up) for free evaluation and therapy, and to specialists when needed. Starting early is the single biggest predictor of a good outcome.
When to call us
- No social smile by 3 months, not responding to name by 12 months, no words by 18 months, no two-word phrases by 30 months
- Not pointing or showing you things by 18 months
- Loss of any language or skill at any age
- Very stiff or very floppy muscles; using one side of the body much more than the other
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if…
- This is not an emergency topic; for sudden weakness, seizures or loss of consciousness call 911
Questions parents ask
My baby was premature. Do the milestones still apply?
Use the adjusted age (from the due date) until age 2. A baby born 8 weeks early is expected to reach 6-month milestones at 8 months of actual age.
Not sure? Ask us
Call or text the office during hours, or send a portal message. For emergencies call 911.
(770) 615-7000Trusted further reading
- CDC milestone tracker (opens in new tab)CDC
- Babies Can’t Wait (opens in new tab)Georgia Department of Public Health