childmind.org
Open in
urlscan Pro
141.193.213.11
Public Scan
Submitted URL: https://childmind.org/guide/parents-guide-to-developmental-milestones/#:~:text=Milestones%20at%203%20Months%201%20Move...
Effective URL: https://childmind.org/guide/parents-guide-to-developmental-milestones/
Submission: On March 30 via manual from US — Scanned from DE
Effective URL: https://childmind.org/guide/parents-guide-to-developmental-milestones/
Submission: On March 30 via manual from US — Scanned from DE
Form analysis 2 forms found in the DOM
POST /guide/parents-guide-to-developmental-milestones/#gf_65
<form method="post" enctype="multipart/form-data" target="gform_ajax_frame_65" id="gform_65" action="/guide/parents-guide-to-developmental-milestones/#gf_65" novalidate="novalidate">
<input type="hidden" class="gforms-pum" value="{"closepopup":false,"closedelay":0,"openpopup":false,"openpopup_id":0}">
<div class="gform_body gform-body">
<ul id="gform_fields_65" class="gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below">
<li id="field_65_1" class="gfield email-input field_sublabel_below field_description_below gfield_visibility_visible gfield_email gfield-modified w-full" data-field-class="gfield_email gfield-modified w-full" data-js-reload="field_65_1">
<div class="float-label" x-data="{ field: '' }">
<label class="gfield_label" for="input_65_1">
<div class="ginput_container ginput_container_email relative"> <input :class=" field != '' ? 'filled' : '' " @focusout="field = document.getElementById("input_65_1").value" x-model="field" name="input_1" id="input_65_1" value=""
type="email" aria-required="true" aria-invalid="false" aria-label="Email" class=""> <span data-label="Email"></span>
</div>
</label>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="gform_footer top_label"> <input type="submit" id="gform_submit_button_65" class="gform_button button" value="Submit" onclick="if(window["gf_submitting_65"]){return false;} window["gf_submitting_65"]=true; "
onkeypress="if( event.keyCode == 13 ){ if(window["gf_submitting_65"]){return false;} window["gf_submitting_65"]=true; jQuery("#gform_65").trigger("submit",[true]); }"> <input type="hidden"
name="gform_ajax" value="form_id=65&title=&description=1&tabindex=0">
<input type="hidden" class="gform_hidden" name="is_submit_65" value="1">
<input type="hidden" class="gform_hidden" name="gform_submit" value="65">
<input type="hidden" class="gform_hidden" name="gform_unique_id" value="">
<input type="hidden" class="gform_hidden" name="state_65" value="WyJbXSIsIjA2ZTBmNmM1YTdlNWU5OTMwMGEwZTk0ZWRlZGQ1ODU0Il0=">
<input type="hidden" class="gform_hidden" name="gform_target_page_number_65" id="gform_target_page_number_65" value="0">
<input type="hidden" class="gform_hidden" name="gform_source_page_number_65" id="gform_source_page_number_65" value="1">
<input type="hidden" name="gform_field_values" value="">
</div>
</form>POST /guide/parents-guide-to-developmental-milestones/#gf_76
<form method="post" enctype="multipart/form-data" target="gform_ajax_frame_76" id="gform_76" class="gf-hidden-labels gform_legacy_markup" action="/guide/parents-guide-to-developmental-milestones/#gf_76" novalidate="novalidate">
<input type="hidden" class="gforms-pum" value="{"closepopup":false,"closedelay":0,"openpopup":false,"openpopup_id":0}">
<div class="gform_body gform-body">
<ul id="gform_fields_76" class="gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below">
<li id="field_76_1" class="gfield email-input field_sublabel_below field_description_below hidden_label gfield_visibility_visible gfield_email gfield-modified w-full" data-field-class="gfield_email gfield-modified w-full"
data-js-reload="field_76_1">
<div class="float-label" x-data="{ field: '' }">
<label class="gfield_label" for="input_76_1">
<div class="ginput_container ginput_container_email relative"> <input :class=" field != '' ? 'filled' : '' " @focusout="field = document.getElementById("input_76_1").value" x-model="field" name="input_1" id="input_76_1" value=""
type="email" aria-required="true" aria-invalid="false" aria-label="Email" class=""> <span data-label="Email"></span>
</div>
</label>
</div>
</li>
<li id="field_76_2" class="gfield field_sublabel_below field_description_below hidden_label gfield_visibility_visible gfield_captcha" data-field-class="gfield_captcha" data-js-reload="field_76_2"><label class="gfield_label"
for="input_76_2">CAPTCHA</label>
<div id="input_76_2" class="ginput_container ginput_recaptcha gform-initialized" data-sitekey="6LfjP6MUAAAAADK48fmtctLrDUB578tMW3hLlJcS" data-theme="light" data-tabindex="-1" data-size="invisible" data-badge="bottomright">
<div class="grecaptcha-badge animate__animated" data-style="bottomright"
style="width: 256px; height: 60px; display: block; transition: right 0.3s ease 0s; position: fixed; bottom: 14px; right: -186px; box-shadow: gray 0px 0px 5px; border-radius: 2px; overflow: hidden; visibility: visible; animation-name: undefined;">
<div class="grecaptcha-logo"><iframe title="reCAPTCHA"
src="https://www.google.com/recaptcha/api2/anchor?ar=1&k=6LfjP6MUAAAAADK48fmtctLrDUB578tMW3hLlJcS&co=aHR0cHM6Ly9jaGlsZG1pbmQub3JnOjQ0Mw..&hl=en&v=vpEprwpCoBMgy-fvZET0Mz6L&theme=light&size=invisible&badge=bottomright&cb=735h9to8v308"
width="256" height="60" role="presentation" name="a-yff9zz2r3636" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" sandbox="allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-top-navigation allow-modals allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"
tabindex="-1" class="animate__animated" style="visibility: visible; animation-name: undefined;"></iframe></div>
<div class="grecaptcha-error"></div><textarea id="g-recaptcha-response" name="g-recaptcha-response" class="g-recaptcha-response"
style="width: 250px; height: 40px; border: 1px solid rgb(193, 193, 193); margin: 10px 25px; padding: 0px; resize: none; display: none;"></textarea>
</div><iframe style="display: none; visibility: hidden;" class="animate__animated"></iframe>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="gform_footer top_label"> <input type="submit" id="gform_submit_button_76" class="gform_button button" value="Sign Up" onclick="if(window["gf_submitting_76"]){return false;} window["gf_submitting_76"]=true; "
onkeypress="if( event.keyCode == 13 ){ if(window["gf_submitting_76"]){return false;} window["gf_submitting_76"]=true; jQuery("#gform_76").trigger("submit",[true]); }"> <input type="hidden"
name="gform_ajax" value="form_id=76&title=&description=1&tabindex=0">
<input type="hidden" class="gform_hidden" name="is_submit_76" value="1">
<input type="hidden" class="gform_hidden" name="gform_submit" value="76">
<input type="hidden" class="gform_hidden" name="gform_unique_id" value="">
<input type="hidden" class="gform_hidden" name="state_76" value="WyJbXSIsIjA2ZTBmNmM1YTdlNWU5OTMwMGEwZTk0ZWRlZGQ1ODU0Il0=">
<input type="hidden" class="gform_hidden" name="gform_target_page_number_76" id="gform_target_page_number_76" value="0">
<input type="hidden" class="gform_hidden" name="gform_source_page_number_76" id="gform_source_page_number_76" value="1">
<input type="hidden" name="gform_field_values" value="">
</div>
</form>Text Content
WE VALUE YOUR PRIVACY
We and our partners store and/or access information on a device, such as cookies
and process personal data, such as unique identifiers and standard information
sent by a device for personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement,
and audience insights, as well as to develop and improve products. With your
permission we and our partners may use precise geolocation data and
identification through device scanning. You may click to consent to our and our
partners’ processing as described above. Alternatively you may click to refuse
to consent or access more detailed information and change your preferences
before consenting. Please note that some processing of your personal data may
not require your consent, but you have a right to object to such processing.
Your preferences will apply to this website only. You can change your
preferences at any time by returning to this site or visit our privacy policy.
MORE OPTIONSDISAGREEAGREE
INTERNET EXPLORER IS NO LONGER SUPPORTED
Please upgrade to Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Firefox.
* Care
CARE OVERVIEW
* What We Treat
* Where We Are
* Why We're Different
* Who We Are
* Request an Appointment
* Cost and Financial Aid
CARE JOURNEY
* COVID Safety in the Office
* What to Expect
* Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
* Your First Visit
* Preparing Your Child
* Telehealth Services
* Insurance Reimbursement Partners
* Patient Portal
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
* Our Clinical Team
* ADHD & Behavior
* Anxiety & OCD
* Autism & Related Disorders
* Depression & Mood
* Learning and Development
* Psychopharmacology
HOW WE CAN HELP
* Request an Appointment
* Request a Workshop
* Groups & Programs
* Education
EDUCATION OVERVIEW
* Family Resource Center
* School and Community Programs
* Awareness Campaigns
* Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids
* Outreach Partnerships
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
* Symptom Checker
* Resource Finder
* Explore Topics
* Parenting Guides
* Ask an Expert
* Terms A-Z
* Connect to Care
LEARN ABOUT COMMON TOPICS, CONDITIONS & CONCERNS
* ADHD & Attention
* Anxiety
* Autism
* Behavior Problems
* Depression & Mood Disorders
* Learning Disorders
* Screen Time & Technology
* Teens & Young Adults
SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
* Direct Care – Prevention
* Direct Care – Intervention
* Professional Training
* Science
SCIENCE OVERVIEW
* Fundamental Neuroscience
* Advancing Methods
* Global Open Science
* Applied Technologies
* Training Future Leaders
SCIENCE PROGRAMS
* Center for the Developing Brain
* Autism Center
* MATTER Lab
* Computational Neuroimaging Lab
* Healthy Brain Network
* Endeavor Scientist Program
ABOUT US
* Our Science Team
* Scientific Research Council
* On the Shoulders of Giants Scientific Symposium
* Rising Scientist Scholarship
* Sarah Gund Prize
* About Us
ABOUT US
* Our Impact
* News & Updates
* Events
* Our Offices
* Board of Directors
* Our Team
* Annual Reports
* Partnerships
* Careers
* Contact Us
* Ways to Give
WAYS TO GIVE
* Donate Now
* Start a Fundraiser
* Shop Gifts
* Legacy Planning
* Partner With Us
* Get Involved
en Español
Donate
Open main menu
Lo sentimos, la página que usted busca no se ha podido encontrar. Puede intentar
su búsqueda de nuevo o visitar la lista de temas populares.
Complete Guide to Developmental Milestones
Download
Download
Share
GET THIS AS A PDF
Enter email to download and get news and resources in your inbox.
*
SHARE THIS ON SOCIAL
Family Resource Center Guides
GUIDE
COMPLETE GUIDE TO DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES
A guide to normal childhood development that can help you recognize when your
child might need professional attention.
En Español
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
1
Milestones at 1 Month
2
Milestones at 3 Months
3
Milestones at 7 Months
4
Milestones at 1 Year
5
Milestones at 2 Years
6
Milestones at 4 Years
7
Milestones at 5 Years
* 1. Milestones at 1 Month
* 2. Milestones at 3 Months
* 3. Milestones at 7 Months
* 4. Milestones at 1 Year
* 5. Milestones at 2 Years
* 6. Milestones at 4 Years
* 7. Milestones at 5 Years
Back to Top
Listen to this article
0:00 / 21:53
1X
BeyondWords
Thanks to the American Academy of Pediatrics for this content.
Every child is different, and so is every parent’s experience; but experts have
a clear idea about the range of normal development from birth to age 5 — and
signs that a child might have adevelopmental developmental Related to the
processes of growth and maturation, starting at conception, including physical,
social, emotional and cognitive growth. delay. Below you’ll find milestones
organized by period of development, and tips on when to contact a health
professional about your concerns. Remember — there is no penalty for being
cautious about your growing child, and if there is a problem acting early can
make all the difference.
MILESTONES AT 1 MONTH
MOVEMENT MILESTONES
* Makes jerky, quivering arm thrusts
* Brings hands within range of eyes and mouth
* Moves head from side to side while lying on stomach
* Head flops backward if unsupported
* Keeps hands in tight fists
* Strong reflex movements
VISUAL AND HEARING MILESTONES
* Focuses 8 to 12 inches (20.3 to 30.4 cm) away
* Eyes wander and occasionally cross
* Prefers black-and-white or high-contrast patterns
* Prefers the human face to all other patterns
* Hearing is fully mature
* Recognizes some sounds
* May turn toward familiar sounds and voices
SMELL AND TOUCH MILESTONES
* Prefers sweet smells
* Avoids bitter or acidic smells
* Recognizes the scent of his own mother’s breastmilk
* Prefers soft to coarse sensations
* Dislikes rough or abrupt handling
DEVELOPMENTAL HEALTH WATCH
If, during the second, third, or fourth weeks of your baby’s life, she shows any
of the following signs of developmental delay, notify your pediatrician.
* Sucks poorly and feeds slowly
* Doesn’t blink when shown a bright light
* Doesn’t focus and follow a nearby object moving side to side
* Rarely moves arms and legs; seems stiff
* Seems excessively loose in the limbs, or floppy
* Lower jaw trembles constantly, even when not crying or excited
* Doesn’t respond to loud sounds
MILESTONES AT 3 MONTHS
MOVEMENT MILESTONES
* Raises head and chest when lying on stomach
* Supports upper body with arms when lying on stomach
* Stretches legs out and kicks when lying on stomach or back
* Opens and shuts hands
* Pushes down on legs when feet are placed on a firm surface
* Brings hand to mouth
* Takes swipes at dangling objects with hands
* Grasps and shakes hand toys
VISUAL AND HEARING MILESTONES
* Watches faces intently
* Follows moving objects
* Recognizes familiar objects and people at a distance
* Starts using hands and eyes in coordination
* Smiles at the sound of your voice
* Begins to babble
* Begins to imitate some sounds
* Turns head toward direction of sound
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL MILESTONES
* Begins to develop a social smile
* Enjoys playing with other people and may cry when playing stops
* Becomes more communicative and expressive with face and body
* Imitates some movements and facial expressions
DEVELOPMENTAL HEALTH WATCH
Although each baby develops in her own individual way and at her own rate,
failure to reach certain milestones may signal medical or developmental problems
requiring special attention. If you notice any of the following warning signs in
your infant at this age, discuss them with your pediatrician.
* Doesn’t seem to respond to loud sounds
* Doesn’t notice her hands by two months
* Doesn’t smile at the sound of your voice by two months
* Doesn’t follow moving objects with her eyes by two to three months
* Doesn’t grasp and hold objects by three months
* Doesn’t smile at people by three months
* Cannot support her head well at three months
* Doesn’t reach for and grasp toys by three to four months
* Doesn’t babble by three to four months
* Doesn’t bring objects to her mouth by four months
* Begins babbling, but doesn’t try to imitate any of your sounds by four months
* Doesn’t push down with her legs when her feet are placed on a firm surface by
four months
* Has trouble moving one or both eyes in all directions
* Crosses her eyes most of the time (Occasional crossing of the eyes is normal
in these first months.)
* Doesn’t pay attention to new faces, or seems very frightened by new faces or
surroundings
* Still has the tonic neck reflex at four to five months
MILESTONES AT 7 MONTHS
MOVEMENT MILESTONES
* Rolls both ways (front to back, back to front)
* Sits with, and then without, support of her hands
* Supports her whole weight on her legs
* Reaches with one hand
* Transfers object from hand to hand
* Uses raking grasp (not pincer)
VISUAL MILESTONES
* Develops full color vision
* Distance vision matures
* Ability to track moving objects improves
LANGUAGE MILESTONES
* Responds to own name
* Begins to respond to “no”
* Distinguishes emotions by tone of voice
* Responds to sound by making sounds
* Uses voice to express joy and displeasure
* Babbles chains of consonants
COGNITIVE MILESTONES
* Finds partially hidden object
* Explores with hands and mouth
* Struggles to get objects that are out of reach
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL MILESTONES
* Enjoys social play
* Interested in mirror images
* Responds to other people’s expressions of emotion and appears joyful often
DEVELOPMENTAL HEALTH WATCH
Because each baby develops in his own particular manner, it’s impossible to tell
exactly when or how your child will perfect a given skill. The developmental
milestones listed in this book will give you a general idea of the changes you
can expect, but don’t be alarmed if your own baby’s development takes a slightly
different course. Alert your pediatrician, however, if your baby displays any of
the following signs of possible developmental delay for this age range.
* Seems very stiff, with tight muscles
* Seems very floppy, like a rag doll
* Head still flops back when body is pulled up to a sitting position
* Reaches with one hand only
* Refuses to cuddle
* Shows no affection for the person who cares for him
* Doesn’t seem to enjoy being around people
* One or both eyes consistently turn in or out
* Persistent tearing, eye drainage, or sensitivity to light
* Does not respond to sounds around him
* Has difficulty getting objects to his mouth
* Does not turn his head to locate sounds by four months
* Doesn’t roll over in either direction (front to back or back to front) by
five months
* Seems inconsolable at night after five months
* Doesn’t smile spontaneously by five months
* Cannot sit with help by six months
* Does not laugh or make squealing sounds by six months
* Does not actively reach for objects by six to seven months
* Doesn’t follow objects with both eyes at near (1 foot) [30 cm] and far (6
feet) [180 cm] ranges by seven months
* Does not bear some weight on legs by seven months
* Does not try to attract attention through actions by seven months
* Does not babble by eight months
* Shows no interest in games of peekaboo by eight months
MILESTONES AT 1 YEAR
MOVEMENT MILESTONES
* Gets to sitting position without assistance
* Crawls forward on belly by pulling with arms and pushing with legs
* Assumes hands-and-knees position
* Creeps on hands and knees supporting trunk on hands and knees
* Gets from sitting to crawling or prone (lying on stomach) position
* Pulls self up to stand
* Walks holding on to furniture
* Stands momentarily without support
* May walk two or three steps without support
MILESTONES IN HAND AND FINGER SKILLS
* Uses pincer grasp
* Bangs two cubes together
* Puts objects into container
* Takes objects out of container
* Lets objects go voluntarily
* Pokes with index finger
* Tries to imitate scribbling
LANGUAGE MILESTONES
* Pays increasing attention to speech
* Responds to simple verbal requests
* Responds to “no”
* Uses simple gestures, such as shaking head for “no”
* Babbles with inflection
* Says “dada” and “mama”
* Uses exclamations, such as “oh-oh!”
* Tries to imitate words
COGNITIVE MILESTONES
* Explores objects in many different ways (shaking, banging, throwing,
dropping)
* Finds hidden objects easily
* Looks at correct picture when the image is named
* Imitates gestures
* Begins to use objects correctly (drinking from cup, brushing hair, dialing
phone, listening to receiver)
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL MILESTONES
* Shy or anxious with strangers
* Cries when mother or father leaves
* Enjoys imitating people in play
* Shows specific preferences for certain people and toys
* Tests parental responses to his actions during feedings (What do you do when
he refuses a food?)
* Tests parental responses to his behavior (What do you do if he cries after
you leave the room?)
* May be fearful in some situations
* Prefers mother and/or regular caregiver over all others
* Repeats sounds or gestures for attention
* Finger-feeds himself
* Extends arm or leg to help when being dressed
DEVELOPMENTAL HEALTH WATCH
Each baby develops in his own manner, so it’s impossible to tell exactly when
your child will perfect a given skill. Although the developmental milestones
listed in this book will give you a general idea of the changes you can expect
as your child gets older, don’t be alarmed if his development takes a slightly
different course. Alert your pediatrician if your baby displays any of the
following signs of possible developmental delay in the eight-to twelve-month age
range.
* Does not crawl
* Drags one side of body while crawling (for over one month)
* Cannot stand when supported
* Does not search for objects that are hidden while he watches
* Says no single words (“mama” or “dada”)
* Does not learn to use gestures, such as waving or shaking head
* Does not point to objects or pictures
MILESTONES AT 2 YEARS
MOVEMENT MILESTONES
* Walks alone
* Pulls toys behind her while walking
* Carries large toy or several toys while walking
* Begins to run
* Stands on tiptoe
* Kicks a ball
* Climbs onto and down from furniture unassisted
* Walks up and down stairs holding on to support
* Milestones in hand and finger skills
* Scribbles spontaneously
* Turns over container to pour out contents
* Builds tower of four blocks or more
* Might use one hand more frequently than the other
LANGUAGE MILESTONES
* Points to object or picture when it’s named for him
* Recognizes names of familiar people, objects, and body parts
* Says several single words (by fifteen to eighteen months)
* Uses simple phrases (by eighteen to twenty-four months)
* Uses two- to four-word sentences
* Follows simple instructions
* Repeats words overheard in conversation
COGNITIVE MILESTONES
* Finds objects even when hidden under two or three covers
* Begins to sort by shapes and colors
* Begins make-believe play
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL MILESTONES
* Imitates behavior of others, especially adults and older children
* Increasingly aware of herself as separate from others
* Increasingly enthusiastic about company of other children
* Demonstrates increasing independence
* Begins to show defiant behavior
* Increasing episodes of separation anxiety toward midyear, then they fade
DEVELOPMENTAL HEALTH WATCH
Because each child develops at his own particular pace, it’s impossible to tell
exactly when yours will perfect a given skill. The developmental milestones will
give you a general idea of the changes you can expect as your child gets older,
but don’t be alarmed if he takes a slightly different course. Alert your
pediatrician, however, if he displays any of the following signs of possible
developmental delay for this age range.
* Cannot walk by eighteen months
* Fails to develop a mature heel-toe walking pattern after several months of
walking, or walks exclusively on his toes
* Does not speak at least fifteen words by eighteen months
* Does not use two-word sentences by age two
* Does not seem to know the function of common household objects (brush,
telephone, bell, fork, spoon) by fifteen months
* Does not imitate actions or words by the end of this period
* Does not follow simple instructions by age two
* Cannot push a wheeled toy by age two
MILESTONES AT 4 YEARS
MOVEMENT MILESTONES
* Hops and stands on one foot up to five seconds
* Goes upstairs and downstairs without support
* Kicks ball forward
* Throws ball overhand
* Catches bounced ball most of the time
* Moves forward and backward with agility
MILESTONES IN HAND AND FINGER SKILLS
* Copies square shapes
* Draws a person with two to four body parts
* Uses scissors
* Draws circles and squares
* Begins to copy some capital letters
LANGUAGE MILESTONES
* Understands the concepts of “same” and “different”
* Has mastered some basic rules of grammar
* Speaks in sentences of five to six words
* Speaks clearly enough for strangers to understand
* Tells stories
COGNITIVE MILESTONES
* Correctly names some colors
* Understands the concept of counting and may know a few numbers
* Approaches problems from a single point of view
* Begins to have a clearer sense of time
* Follows three-part commands
* Recalls parts of a story
* Understands the concept of same/different
* Engages in fantasy play
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL MILESTONES
* Interested in new experiences
* Cooperates with other children
* Plays “Mom” or “Dad”
* Increasingly inventive in fantasy play
* Dresses and undresses
* Negotiates solutions to conflicts
* More independent
* Imagines that many unfamiliar images may be “monsters”
* Views self as a whole person involving body, mind, and feelings
* Often cannot distinguish between fantasy and reality
DEVELOPMENTAL HEALTH WATCH
Because each child develops in his own particular manner, it’s impossible to
tell exactly when or how he’ll perfect a given skill. The developmental
milestones listed here will give you a general idea of the changes you can
expect as your child gets older, but don’t be alarmed if his development takes a
slightly different course. Alert your pediatrician, however, if your child
displays any of the following signs of possible developmental delay for this age
range.
* Cannot throw a ball overhand
* Cannot jump in place
* Cannot ride a tricycle
* Cannot grasp a crayon between thumb and fingers
* Has difficulty scribbling
* Cannot stack four blocks
* Still clings or cries whenever his parents leave him
* Shows no interest in interactive games
* Ignores other children
* Doesn’t respond to people outside the family
* Doesn’t engage in fantasy play
* Resists dressing, sleeping, using the toilet
* Lashes out without any self-control when angry or upset
* Cannot copy a circle
* Doesn’t use sentences of more than three words
* Doesn’t use “me” and “you” appropriately
MILESTONES AT 5 YEARS
MOVEMENT MILESTONES
* Stands on one foot for ten seconds or longer
* Hops, somersaults
* Swings, climbs
* May be able to skip
MILESTONES IN HAND AND FINGER SKILLS
* Copies triangle and other geometric patterns
* Draws person with body
* Prints some letters
* Dresses and undresses without assistance
* Uses fork, spoon, and (sometimes) a table knife
* Usually cares for own toilet needs
LANGUAGE MILESTONES
* Recalls part of a story
* Speaks sentences of more than five words
* Uses future tense
* Tells longer stories
* Says name and address
COGNITIVE MILESTONES
* Can count ten or more objects
* Correctly names at least four colors
* Better understands the concept of time
* Knows about things used every day in the home (money, food, appliances)
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL MILESTONES
* Wants to please friends
* Wants to be like her friends
* More likely to agree to rules
* Likes to sing, dance, and act
* Shows more independence and may even visit a next-door neighbor by herself
* Aware of sexuality
* Able to distinguish fantasy from reality
* Sometimes demanding, sometimes eagerly cooperative
DEVELOPMENTAL HEALTH WATCH
Because each child develops in her own particular manner, it’s impossible to
predict exactly when or how your own preschooler will perfect a given skill. The
developmental milestones listed here will give you a general idea of the changes
you can expect as your child gets older, but don’t be alarmed if her development
takes a slightly different course. Alert your pediatrician, however, if your
child displays any of the following signs of possible developmental delay for
this age range.
* Exhibits extremely fearful or timid behavior
* Exhibits extremely aggressive behavior
* Is unable to separate from parents without major protest
* Is easily distracted and unable to concentrate on any single activity for
more than five minutes
* Shows little interest in playing with other children
* Refuses to respond to people in general, or responds only superficially
* Rarely uses fantasy or imitation in play
* Seems unhappy or sad much of the time
* Doesn’t engage in a variety of activities
* Avoids or seems aloof with other children and adults
* Doesn’t express a wide range of emotions
* Has trouble eating, sleeping, or using the toilet
* Can’t differentiate between fantasy and reality
* Seems unusually passive
* Cannot understand two-part commands using prepositions (“Put the cup on the
table”; “Get the ball under the couch.”)
* Can’t correctly give her first and last name
* Doesn’t use plurals or past tense properly when speaking
* Doesn’t talk about her daily activities and experiences
* Cannot build a tower of six to eight blocks
* Seems uncomfortable holding a crayon
* Has trouble taking off her clothing
* Cannot brush her teeth efficiently
* Cannot wash and dry her hands
This guide was last reviewed or updated on February 23, 2023.
MORE LIKE THIS
*
Genetic Research and Developmental Disorders
*
How Environment Can Affect Prenatal Brain Development
*
Quick Guide to Intellectual Development Disorder
TOPICS
*
Diagnosis
SHARE THIS ON SOCIAL
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS
*
* CAPTCHA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of
Service apply.
CARE
* What We Treat
* Where We Are
* Why We’re Different
* Who We Are
* Request an Appointment
* Cost & Financial Aid
* The Care Journey
* Connect to Care
EDUCATION
* Family Resource Center
* School and Community Programs
* Awareness Campaigns
* Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids
* Symptom Checker
* Explore Topics
* Parenting Guides
* Guide to Developmental Milestones
* Ask an Expert
SCIENCE
* Fundamental Neuroscience
* Advancing Methods
* Global Open Science
* Applied Technologies
* Training Future Leaders
* Scientific Research Council
ABOUT US
* Our Impact
* News & Updates
* Events
* Our Offices
* Our Team
* Annual Reports
* Editorial Mission
* Careers
WAYS TO GIVE
* Donate
* Start a Fundraiser
* Shop Gifts
* Legacy Planning
* Partner With Us
* Get Involved
SUPPORT OUR WORK
We’re proud to be recognized as a financially accountable and transparent
organization.
Support Our Work
General Inquiries?
Call 212.308.3118
Follow Us
Síganos
©2022 Child Mind Institute, Inc., a tax-exempt charitable organization (tax
identification number 80-0478843) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code. All rights reserved.
The Child Mind Institute Family Resource Center was made possible by a generous
grant from the Morgan Stanley Foundation.
Created by Constructive.
* Terms of Use
* Online Privacy Statement
* Donor Privacy Policy
* Disclaimer
WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK!
Take a 3-minute survey to help us shape our resources to better meet the needs
of families like yours. Thank you for being a valued member of our community.
Take a Quick Survey
x
Notifications