Babies develop at their own pace, but these milestones will give you an idea of the skills your child should begin to show.
Also see Early Warning Signs
At 9 months
- Smiles and laughs while looking at you
- Turn to sounds they hear
- Reach for toys or other items they want
- Make vocalizations to get your attention or help
At 12 months
- Respond to their name
- Understand simple directions with gestures
- Use gestures like giving, pointing, and showing
- Use sounds and maybe a few words
- Play social games like peek-a-boo
- Respond to “no”
- Try to imitate sounds and gestures
- Show you things that interest them
At 18 months
- Use at least 10 words
- Make more than 5 different consonant sounds
- Imitate words they hear
- Identify body parts when named
- Does early pretend play actions like feeding dolls or stuffed animals
At 24 months
- Use at least 50 words
- Say simple sentences like "daddy go work" and "what’s that?"
- Put many pretend play actions together
- Recognize pictures in books and listen to simple stories
- Are more excited about the company of other children
- Begin to sort by shapes and colors
- Follow simple instructions
- Imitate behavior of others, especially adults and older children
At 36 months
- Express affection openly
- Follow a two- or three- part command
- Understand most sentences
- Use 4- to 5- word sentences
- Can take turns in games