By the age of… 0-3 Months
Most children…
follow objects visually and reach for them
respond to familiar people
calm to parent’s voices
lift head for several minutes
turn head vigorously
use improved vision to look at things closely and for longer time
discover feet; wave and watch own hands

By the age of… 4-6 Months
Most children…
roll over; can sit briefly, with support
babble
bring hands together
use tongue to reject food
try to get caregiver’s attention
sleep through the night; take 2-3 daytime naps
put everything in their mouth
drop objects on purpose

By the age of… 6-12 Months
Most children…
imitate sounds and facial expressions
begin to play simple games (peek-a-boo)
sit alone, creep, crawl
start to walk holding onto furniture
sleep through the night; take 1-2 daytime naps
respond to own name
hold their own bottle

By the age of… 12-18 Months
Most children…
follow simple directions; can roll ball back to you
enjoy being with other children
walk alone a few steps
use single words
drink from a cup; sip from a straw
pull on you and point to what they want
walk well; run
help take off some clothing

By the age of… 18-24 Months
Most children…
stack blocks; fit rings on post
show sympathy for others
walk well; run; ride tricycle
use words to name familiar objects/people (20-50 words)
eat with a spoon
dance to fun music; play hide and seek
always want their own way

By the age of… 24-30 Months
Most children…
point to 4-5 body parts
imitate behaviors of adults and peers
use crayons
use short sentences (2 words)
help in dressing
have not learned to say please; often want toys other children have
know their own name

By the age of… 30-36 Months
Most children…
engage in pretend play
play cooperatively with other children
walk up and down stairs
say first and last name
show interest in toilet training
cut paper in half
kick ball
use three word sentences

By the age of… 3 Years
Most children…
have an increased attention span
eat on their own
become toilet trained and can stay dry all day
complete simple puzzles
know nearly 1,000 words but don’t always use them right
follow directions
draw a person with three parts
start to ask “when” and “why” questions

By the age of… 4 Years
Most children…
resent being told what to do and think they know everything
are fully toilet trained and wash hands without help
resist your assistance and your rules
can hop on one foot and throw a ball overhead
ride a bicycle with training wheels
sleep through the night; no daytime napping
know their full name and age

By the age of… 5 Years
Most children…
catch a ball with their hands
put shoes on correct feet
ask for meanings of words
can write 1 through 5 correctly
understand a few written words
know their birthday
like to tell what is going to happen next
ask permission
can count to 10