What to expect from infants and toddlers (birth to 3 years)

From the day infants are born, they start to see the world for the first time. They learn new things every day. As kids grow up, they learn different skills, called “milestones”. It’s important for kids to learn these skills at the right time. If you have a child up to 3 years old, this guide is for you.

What are normal infant and toddler milestones?

In the first few years, infants and toddlers need their parents or caregivers to do everything for them. This can make caregivers feel tired or worried. But infants learn fast! With love, care, and support, they quickly learn new skills. If you know what to expect from your infant, these years can be fun and full of new things to see.

There are many skills that healthy infants should learn in their first year. Here are the main skills infants up to 1 year old should learn:

– Big body movements (like crawling)

– Small hand movements (like grabbing toys)

– Talking and understanding words

– Playing with others

We’ll explain more about these skills next. Remember, every infant is different and may learn at their own pace.

Your infant at 1 month old

– When on their tummy, your infant can lift their chin a little

– They often make fists near their face

– Your infant makes small sounds from their throat

– Loud noises can surprise them

– They know your voice when they hear it

Your infant at 2 months old

– When sitting, your infant can hold their head up for a short time

– They can briefly hold things you put in their hand

– Your infant makes soft sounds like cooing and babbling

– They start to smile at people

Your infant at 3 months old

– Your infant can roll to one side

– They start to swat at toys and objects

– When you talk to them, they make sounds back

– They can follow you with their eyes as you move

Your infant at 4 months old

– When pulled up, their head stays mostly steady

– Their hands are often open, not in fists anymore

– Your infant laughs and makes more sounds

– They turn their head when they hear voices

Your infant at 5 months old

– They put things in their mouth, even their feet

– Your infant can grab objects on their own

– They start to know their name when you say it

– They recognize you and feel close to you

Your infant at 6 months old

– They can sit up with their hands for support

– Your infant can hold their head up most of the time

– They shake toys and reach for things with one hand

– Your infant makes sounds like “ba” or “da”

– They might feel scared around people they do not know

Your infant at 7 months old

– They start to bounce when sitting

– Your infant can hold things with fingers and thumb

– They pay attention to music or singing

– They look at you, then at an object when they want help

Your infant at 8 months old

– They start to crawl on their belly

– Your infant copies you when you tap on things

– They might say “mama” or “dada”, but not to anyone specific

– They make longer vowel sounds

– Your infant knows familiar people

– They can shake their head for “No”

Your infant at 9 months old

– They start to crawl on hands and knees

– Your infant tries to pull up to stand

– They can bang two objects together

– Your infant copies sounds they hear

– They use sounds to get your attention

Your infant at 10 months old

– They can walk while holding onto furniture

– Your infant can drop a block into a box, but it’s still clumsy

– They make different sounds to show how they feel

– Your infant can wave “bye-bye”

Your infant at 11 months old

– They can stand alone without help

– Your infant starts to throw objects

– They use one word that means something

– Your infant looks at you when you call their name

Now let’s explore some of the skills that healthy toddlers should learn between their first and third birthdays. Again, every toddler is different and may learn at their own pace.

Your toddler at 12 months old

– They can pick up small things with thumb and finger

– Your child uses hand motions like waving while making sounds

– They show you things they find interesting

Your toddler at 13 months old

– They can walk by themselves

Your toddler at 14 months old

– They can stand up without help

– Your child points at things they like

– They try different ways to play with toys

Your toddler at 15 months old

– They can stack three blocks

– Your child uses 3-5 words and can point to one body part

– They hug you back when you hug them

– Your child starts to show care for others

Your toddler at 16 months old

– They can climb stairs with help, using the same foot first each step

Your toddler at 18 months old

– They can run

– Your child makes marks with crayons

– They use 10-25 words

– Your child can name pictures, point to 3 body parts, and point to people

– They start to pretend play in simple ways

Your toddler at 20 months old

– They can ask for more of something they want

Your toddler at 22 months old

– They can stack six blocks

– Your child might start to say “no” more often

Your toddler at 24 months old

– They can walk down stairs, putting both feet on each step while holding on

– Your child can kick a ball

– They try to draw straight lines up and down

– Your child can put beads on a string

– They say two words together to make simple sentences

– They play next to other children, but not yet with them

Your toddler at 28 months old

– They can walk on their toes

– Your toddler can open jar lids

– They start to use words like “I” and “you”

– They feel less upset when you leave them

Your toddler at 33 months old

– They can say their full name

– Your toddler is learning to take turns

Your toddler at 36 months old

– They can catch a ball

– Your toddler can ride a tricycle

– They can draw a circle

– Your toddler can unzip zippers

– They speak in short sentences and can count to 3

– They are starting to share without being told

How can I learn more if my child hasn't reached important growth steps?

Kids grow and learn at different speeds. Some might walk early, while others might talk early. If your child is slow in one area, it’s not always a big problem. But if you’re worried about your child, you can find more help:

1. Go to “I worry about my child, but how do I know what is going on?”

2. Use your phone camera to scan the QR code below

3. Or click here