Carsone KIDS, INC.
Kind, Informed Development for Special Kids
Milestones by Age
​Have questions about milestones?
This page answers the questions,
"What should my child be doing at this age?" and
"When should I consider therapy for my child?"
Milestones
Milestones are a helpful tool to see how your child is growing and if they might need some help from therapy.
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This page includes typical milestones that your child's healthcare team will look at to see if your child needs therapy services. Milestones are not meant to be a judgment of you or your child. Every child has unique strengths and abilities. If you have concerns about your child's milestones, let your child's doctor know. They will help get your child the services they need.
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Birth to 3 Months
Your Baby is growing!
They might have jerky movements. Their neck is getting stronger and they are curious about moving their hands.
Their vision is blurry, but they enjoy faces, bright toys, and patterns. They might follow toys with their eyes.
They will cry to get their needs met, but towards 3 months they may start cooing.
Typically, babies will sleep 12 hours each day, but they will wake up every 2-3 hours to eat.
3-6 Months
Your baby keeps growing!
They enjoy listening to your voice and make eye contact with you.
They are getting stronger. They might try lifting their heads while laying on their belly and begin sitting (with help). They might grab toys and even try to chew on them!
They still cry, but they will try out new sounds to get your attention and things they want.
Typically, babies start sleeping 12 hours at night with 3 (1 hour) naps each day. They will still wake to eat sometimes.
6-9 Months
Your baby keeps growing (and might be on the move soon)!
They might become more curious and interested in playing with toys.
They are getting stronger and might be sitting up and rolling over in both directions. They may start or try to crawl.
They are making sounds that start to sound like words! "Mama," "Dada," "Baba".
They might start trying some "solid" foods from a spoon.
They may start sleeping through the night, but some still wake to eat.
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9-12 Months
Your baby keeps growing and moving!
They can see things that are further away and may go after their toys.
They are getting stronger and might be pulling up on furniture and trying to stand. Some kids start to practice walking with help.
They are learning more about communicating! They might wave bye-bye and enjoy playing games with you.
They might start trying some more "solid" foods and even begin drinking from a cup.
They may start sleeping through the night and wake less often as they start eating more food.
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12-18 Months (1-1.5 Years Old)
Your baby keeps growing and moving!
They are moving and taking control! They might enjoy pulling off their hat, socks, or mittens. They might try to "help" with diaper changes and cleaning their hands and face.
They are getting stronger and might begin to take their first steps. They may also be creeping on stairs and squatting without falling over (most of the time)
They are learning more about communicating! They might start saying words on purpose to get things they want.
They might be transitioning away from formula/breast milk to "solid" foods. This is the family's preference.
They may be sleeping through the night but may wake during big developmental leaps or while teething.
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18-24 Months (1.5-2 Years Old)
Your baby keeps growing and moving!
They are playing with toys and may begin to scribble.
They are getting stronger and might try running and enjoy the challenge of stairs.
They are learning more about communicating! They might start saying words on purpose to get things they want.
They might be transitioning away from formula/ breastmilk to "solid" foods. This is at the family's preference.
They may be sleeping through the night, but may wake during big developmental leaps or while teething.
24-30 Months (2-2.5 Years Old)
Your toddler keeps growing and moving!
They are playing with toys- kicking and throwing balls!
They are getting stronger and might try running and jumping.
Their words are becoming clearer and easier to understand (some of the time).
They might be transitioning away from formula/ breastmilk to "solid" foods. This is at the family's preference.
They may be sleeping through the night, but may wake during big developmental leaps or while teething.
They may start showing signs of readiness for potty training. Most kids begin this process around 3 years old so don't worry if your little one isnt interested yet.
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30-36 Months (2.5-3 Years Old)
Your toddler keeps growing and moving!
They are playing with toys, balancing on one foot, and climbing stairs.
They are getting stronger and might try riding a tricycle.
Their words are becoming clearer and easier to understand (some of the time).
They might be fully eating solid foods and feeding themselves.
They may be sleeping through the night, but may wake during big developmental leaps or while teething.
They may start showing signs of readiness for potty training. Every kid goes through this process at their own pace. Don't worry if your little one isn't interested yet.
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36-42 Months (3-3.5 Years Old)
Your kiddo keeps growing and moving!
They are playing with toys, stacking blocks, and doing puzzles.
They are getting stronger and enjoying climbing and walking backwards.
Their words are becoming clearer and easier to understand. They might be talking in full sentences.
They might be fully eating solid foods and feeding themselves.
They may be sleeping through the night, but might still need help if they have bad dreams or are sick.
They may start showing signs of readiness for potty training. Every kid goes through this process at their own pace. Don't worry if your little one isn't interested yet.
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42-48 Months (3.5-4 Years Old)
Your kiddo keeps growing and moving!
They might be enjoying more difficult toys and puzzles.
They are getting stronger and walking downstairs.
Their words are becoming clearer and easier to understand. They might be talking in full sentences.
They might be fully eating solid foods and feeding themselves.
They might be toileting and bathing more by themselves, although they still need some help.
They may be sleeping through the night, but might still need help if they have bad dreams or are sick.
They may start showing signs of readiness for potty training. Every kid goes through this process differently and at their own pace. Don't worry if your little one isn't interested yet.
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48-60 Months (4-5 Years Old)
Your kiddo keeps growing and moving!
They might be enjoying more difficult toys and puzzles.
They are getting stronger and might gallop and skip.
Their words are becoming clearer and easier to understand. They might be talking in full sentences.
They might be fully eating solid foods and feeding themselves.
They might be toileting and bathing more by themselves, although they still need some help.
They may be sleeping through the night, but might still need help if they have bad dreams or are sick.
They may be ready for potty training. If they are already potty trained, they might start doing it more on their own.
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