What milestones tell you
The CDC lists milestones that most children (75% or more) reach by each age. Every child grows at their own pace, so a checklist is not a diagnosis. It helps you notice what to talk about with your child's doctor.
By 2 months
- Holds head up when on tummy
- Moves both arms and both legs
- Opens hands briefly
By 4 months
- Holds head steady without support when you are holding your baby
- Holds a toy when you put it in their hand
- Uses an arm to swing at toys
- Brings hands to mouth
- Pushes up onto elbows or forearms when on tummy
By 6 months
- Rolls from tummy to back
- Pushes up with straight arms when on tummy
- Leans on hands to support themselves when sitting
By 9 months
- Gets to a sitting position by themselves
- Moves things from one hand to the other hand
- Uses fingers to "rake" food towards themselves
- Sits without support
By 12 months
- Pulls up to stand
- Walks, holding on to furniture
- Drinks from a cup without a lid, as you hold it
- Picks things up between thumb and pointer finger, like small bits of food
By 15 months
- Takes a few steps on their own
- Uses fingers to feed themselves some food
By 18 months
- Walks without holding on to anyone or anything
- Scribbles
- Drinks from a cup without a lid and may spill sometimes
- Feeds themselves with their fingers
- Tries to use a spoon
- Climbs on and off a couch or chair without help
By 2 years
- Kicks a ball
- Runs
- Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help
- Eats with a spoon
If you are worried
You know your child best. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills they once had, or you have other concerns, act early. The CDC says not to wait.
Talk with your child's doctor and ask about developmental screening. You can also contact Early Intervention yourself. You do not need a doctor's referral.
In New York City, call 311 and ask for Early Intervention, or use the city's online referral portal. You can also send us a referral, and a staff member will contact you.
How Early Intervention can help
If your child is eligible, a physical therapist can help with rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, balance, and strength through play. An occupational therapist can help with hand skills, feeding, and self-care. Sessions take place at home or in another everyday setting, at no cost to eligible families.
Sources
- CDC: Important milestones by 2 months (opens in a new tab)
- CDC: Important milestones by 4 months (opens in a new tab)
- CDC: Important milestones by 6 months (opens in a new tab)
- CDC: Important milestones by 9 months (opens in a new tab)
- CDC: Important milestones by 1 year (opens in a new tab)
- CDC: Important milestones by 15 months (opens in a new tab)
- CDC: Important milestones by 18 months (opens in a new tab)
- CDC: Important milestones by 2 years (opens in a new tab)
- CDC: If you're concerned about your child's development (opens in a new tab)
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your child's doctor about your child.