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milestones
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT
Milestones are important! Check the milestones your child has reached at each developmental stage. How your child moves, communicates, interacts, eats and plays offers vital clues to his/her development. You know your child best, so act early if you have concerns.
what most babies do by 6 months :
knows familiar faces
likes to play with others, especially parents
responds to sounds by making sounds
responds to their own name
makes sounds to show joy and displeasure
brings things to their mouth
begins to pass things between hands
rolls over in both directions
begins to sit without support
when standing, supports weight on legs
what most babies do by 9 months :
may be afraid of strangers
has favorite toys
understands the word "no"
makes sounds with vowels + consonants
uses fingers to point at things
looks for things they see as hidden
plays peek-a-boo
puts things in their mouth
holds small items between thumb + index fingers
stands + holds on to anchoring objects
can get into sitting position without support
crawls + pulls to stand
what most babies do by 1 year :
cries when caregiver leaves
has favorite things or people
repeats sounds or actions to gain attention
puts out arm or leg to help with dressing
responds to simple spoken requests
uses simple gestures; shakes head or waves
says "mama", "dada", and exclamations
explores objects; shaking, banging, throwing
copies gestures
drinks from a cup
bangs things together
puts things into + takes out of a container
follows simple directions
pulls to stand + walks holding onto furniture
may stand alone
may take a few steps
what most babies do by 18 months :
likes to hand things to others as play
may have temper tantrums
plays simple pretend such a feeding a doll
says several single words
points to show someone what they want
understand simple items; spoon, brush, etc
points to one body part
scribbles
can follow one-step verbal commands
walks independently + may climb steps
pulls toys while working
eats with a spoon
what most babies do by 2 year :
copies others, especially adults + other kids
demonstrates more independence
shows defiant behavior
primarily uses parallel play
points to things or pictures when named
says sentences with 2 - 4 words
follows simple instructions
begins to sort shapes + colors
plays simple make believe games
builds towers of 4 or more blocks
begins to develop hand dominance
follows two-step instructions
stands on tip-toe
kicks a ball
begins to run
climbs onto + down from furniture on their own
hands ball overhand
makes or copies straight lines + circles
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