Developmental Milestones: From Baby to Toddler

I have such a hard time remembering the general timeframe for developmental milestones. Every kid is different. They all develop at their own pace. But as a mom…. I find it mildly helpful to know what I should be looking for around what general age. And perhaps I can help baby be their best little tiny self. So, I am putting this post together for moms who like me… find themselves googling things like “what age should my baby start sitting up” and “how many minutes of tummy time for my 4-month-old?”. Let me save you the google search and share some helpful charts right here on the blog.

This is going to bring together milestones from ages newborn all the way to about 2.5 or 3 years old. Join me as we explore the amazing world of a developing baby. And REMEMBER… babies progress at different rates. These are just common milestones for the age group. Talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns, but know that your baby is their own person and will learn these skills in their own time. IF you want some ideas on how to encourage and help them, check out this post on Activities and How to Support Them.

I am using the CHOP developmental milestones as my source for this. Your pediatrician will likely provide you with checklists to see how your baby is doing at each of the well-child visits. I find CHOP does a great job of summarizing things so that is what you will see referenced here.

Newborn – Two Weeks Milestones

Those first days feel like a blur of snuggles, tiny noises, and figuring each other out. Your newborn is adjusting to life outside the womb, and everything they do is instinctive. They may briefly lift their head while on your chest, respond to sounds, and focus on your face (their favorite place to look). Their movements are jerky and adorable, and they love being curled up just like they were before they were born. And might I add… they are very fun to hold and snuggle.

Baby is Learning:

• Adjusting to light, sound, and touch
• Briefly lifting head during tummy time on your chest
• Reacting to loud noises
• Focusing on faces
• Rooting and sucking
• Calming when held close

Baby may also start to:

• Sleep in short stretches (totally normal)
• Show brief alert periods
• Make tiny grunts or squeaks
• Bring hands toward mouth
• Startle easily
• Recognize your scent and voice

Two Months Milestones

Around two months babies start to get a little more fun. Their personality can start to show a bit. They start to coo, follow objects with their eyes, and enjoy looking at faces (in particular yours). Their head control improves a little, and they also begin to show (slightly) smoother movements with arms and legs. They can even identify the tone, emotions, and comfort in your voice!

Baby is Learning:

• Lifting head during tummy time
• Moving arms and kicking
• Making little sounds
• Reacting to Noises (Hello older siblings!)
• Smiles at people
• Sees best from 8-10 inches away

Baby may also start to:

• Coo and imitate sounds
• Smile at faces
• Pull on clothes
• Hit at toys
• Watch moving things
• Sleep a little longer at a time
• Cry with a purpose (ie. Different cry for hungry, tired, comfort or other needs)

Four Months Milestones

Four months is one of my favorite ages. Baby will laugh, squeal, and interact with you in the sweetest ways. Their head control is much stronger, and tummy time becomes more productive. They may roll from tummy to back, reach for toys, and bring their hands to mouth with intention. Their world is getting bigger and more exciting.

Baby is Learning:

• Holding head steady
• Pushing up onto elbows
• Laughing and squealing
• Reaching for toys
• Bringing hands to mouth
• Watching faces and objects with smoother eye movements

Baby may also start to:

• Roll from tummy to back
• Grab toys with both hands
• Respond to your voice with sounds
• Explore textures
• Show excitement when they see you
• Play with their own fingers (a favorite pastime)

Six Months Milestones

Six months is such a fun, interactive age. Babies are more coordinated, more curious, and more expressive. You baby may sit with support, roll both ways, and push up on their hands. They babble with more variety and explore everything with their mouth. They also start to show preferences and recognize familiar people.

Baby is Learning:

• Sitting with support
• Rolling tummy to back and back to tummy
• Babbling with new sounds
• Passing toys from one hand to the other
• Responding to their name
• Exploring objects with hands and mouth

Baby may also start to:

• Push up into a crawling position
• Bounce when held standing
• Show interest in solid foods
• Reach for you to be picked up
• Play simple games like peekaboo
• Show excitement or frustration more clearly

Nine Months Milestones

Nine months brings a whole new level of mobility and curiosity. Babies may crawl, scoot, or army crawl. They pull to stand, clap, wave, and explore everything. They understand simple words and love games like peekaboo. Their fine motor skills improve as they begin using a pincer grasp. You may need to pull out those child safety locks and outlet covers if you have not already. And baby-proof baby-proof baby-proof. Walking comes next and they wont be slowing down!

Baby is Learning:

• Crawling or scooting
• Pulling to stand
• Clapping and waving
• Understanding simple words
• Looking for hidden objects
• Using fingers to pick up small items

Baby may also start to:

• Cruise along furniture
• Show stranger anxiety
• Repeat sounds you make
• Point to things they want
• Drop objects just to watch you pick them up
• Show preferences for certain toys

Twelve Months Milestones

The one year mark is full of big emotions and big achievements. Babies may take first steps or cruise confidently. They say simple words with meaning and imitate gestures. They point to show interest and enjoy putting objects in and out of containers. Their personality shines in every interaction.

Baby is Learning:

• Standing alone
• Cruising or taking first steps
• Saying simple words
• Following simple directions
• Pointing to communicate
• Imitating gestures like clapping or blowing kisses

Baby may also start to:

• Stack small objects
• Explore cupboards and drawers
• Show preferences for people and toys
• Play simple pretend games
• Feed themselves with fingers
• Show big feelings (all normal)

Fifteen Months Milestones

Fifteen months is full of curiosity and independence. Toddlers walk more confidently, explore everything, and imitate your daily routines. Their vocabulary grows and they understand far more than they can say.

Baby is Learning:

• Walking steadily
• Stacking blocks
• Scribbling
• Using several single words
• Following simple directions
• Showing affection

Baby may also start to:

• Try to run
• Bring you items to show or share
• Point to body parts
• Copy chores like wiping or sweeping
• Throw small balls
• Show strong preferences (and opinions)

Eighteen Months Milestones

Eighteen months brings more movement, more communication, and more personality. Toddlers run, climb, and explore with purpose. They use more words, follow simple commands, and enjoy pretend play.

Baby is Learning:

• Running
• Climbing onto furniture
• Using several words
• Pointing to body parts
• Following simple commands
• Feeding dolls or stuffed animals

Baby may also start to:

• Stack four or more blocks
• Show interest in scribbling
• Try to help with simple tasks
• Show big emotions
• Play next to other children
• Use gestures to communicate wants

Two Years Milestones

Two year olds are full of imagination, energy, and opinions. They combine words into short phrases, run well, and climb everything. They sort shapes and colors, build towers, and enjoy pretend play.

Baby is Learning:

• Running confidently
• Kicking balls
• Climbing onto and off furniture
• Using two word phrases
• Sorting shapes and colors
• Building towers

Baby may also start to:

• Follow two step directions
• Play simple pretend games
• Show empathy
• Use a spoon with less spilling
• Jump with both feet
• Show independence in daily routines

Thirty Months Milestones

At thirty months toddlers become more coordinated and expressive. They jump with both feet, draw simple shapes, and use more words to communicate. They follow routines and enjoy doing things on their own.

Baby is Learning:

• Jumping with both feet
• Drawing simple lines and circles
• Using more words
• Playing alongside other children
• Following routines
• Solving simple problems

Baby may also start to:

• Dress with some help
• Use imaginative play
• Ask lots of questions
• Sort objects by category
• Show early counting skills
• Express emotions more clearly

Three Years Milestones

Three year olds are full of creativity and connection. They talk in full sentences, pedal tricycles, and climb with confidence. They understand turn taking, follow more complex directions, and show a growing sense of self.

Baby is Learning:

• Pedaling tricycles
• Climbing well
• Speaking in full sentences
• Engaging in imaginative play
• Following multi step directions
• Taking turns

Baby may also start to:

• Play cooperatively with others
• Dress with minimal help
• Tell simple stories
• Recognize colors
• Draw basic shapes
• Show empathy and friendship

Final Thoughts

Watching your baby grow through these stages is one of the sweetest parts of motherhood. Every new skill is a reminder that development is a journey. Not a race. These baby developmental milestones give you a gentle roadmap, but your child will follow their own timeline. Some stages will fly by, others may take a little longer, and all of it is normal. The most important thing is that you’re there cheering them on. Offering comfort, and celebrating the tiny victories that make these early years so magical. If you ever feel unsure, trust your instincts and reach out to your pediatrician. You’re doing an amazing job, and your little one is growing exactly the way they’re meant to.