Free Milestone Checklist: Birth to Age 5

Print this page, or save it, and check things off as they happen. This is a general guide, not a diagnostic tool, every child's timeline varies.

0 to 6 Months

Physical
Holds head up steadily without support
Brings hands to mouth
Rolls from tummy to back
Pushes up on arms during tummy time
Language & Communication
Coos and makes vowel sounds
Turns toward sounds and voices
Smiles in response to your smile
Social & Emotional
Makes eye contact during feeding and play
Begins to self-soothe briefly

6 to 12 Months

Physical
Sits without support
Crawls or scoots
Pulls to stand
Uses a pincer grasp to pick up small objects
Language & Communication
Babbles with consonant sounds ("bababa," "dadada")
Responds to their own name
Waves bye-bye
May say first word (mama, dada, or similar)
Social & Emotional
Shows stranger awareness
Plays peekaboo

12 to 18 Months

Physical
Walks independently
Drinks from an open cup with help
Stacks two blocks
Language & Communication
Says 3 to 5 words beyond mama/dada
Points to show you things, not just to request
Follows one-step directions ("give me the ball")
Social & Emotional
Shows affection to familiar people
Explores independently with you nearby

18 to 24 Months

Physical
Runs
Walks up steps holding a rail or hand
Scribbles with a crayon
Language & Communication
Has a vocabulary of 20 or more words
Begins combining two words ("more milk," "go outside")
Names familiar objects and people in pictures
Social & Emotional
Shows defiance and testing of limits (normal, not a red flag)
Engages in simple pretend play

2 to 3 Years

Physical
Jumps with both feet
Climbs confidently
Begins showing interest in potty training readiness signs
Language & Communication
Has a vocabulary of 200+ words
Uses short sentences (3+ words)
Mostly understandable to familiar adults
Social & Emotional
Begins parallel play alongside other children
Names basic emotions (happy, sad, mad)

3 to 5 Years

Physical
Pedals a tricycle
Hops and balances briefly on one foot
Draws simple shapes and eventually people
Language & Communication
Speaks in full sentences, mostly clear to strangers
Asks and answers "why" and "how" questions
Tells simple stories with a beginning and end
Social & Emotional
Engages in cooperative play with other children
Shows early self-regulation, calming down with support

If your child is noticeably behind in several areas at once, or you're specifically concerned about speech, the guides below go much deeper than a checklist can.

Speech and Language Hub · Full Milestone Tracker Guide · When to Actually Worry

This checklist is general information based on typical developmental ranges, not medical advice. Every child develops at their own pace. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician.