Age & Milestones/Suggestions & Tips

2 Months Milestones: 

• Makes sounds other than crying
• Reacts to loud sounds

2 Months Suggestions & Tips:

• Act excited, smile, and talk to him when he makes sounds
• Shake noise makers near your child to see if they react
• Listen to your child and respond with excitement to the noises they make

4 Months Milestones: 

• Makes sounds like “oooo”, “aahh”
• Makes sounds back when you talk to him
• Turns head towards the sound of your voice

4 Months Suggestions & Tips:

• Let your baby have time to move and interact with people and objects throughout the day.
• Hold and talk to your baby; smile and be cheerful while you do.
• Play games, such as peek-a-boo.
• Watch for your baby’s smile or other signs of enjoyment.

6 Months Milestones: 

• Takes turns making sounds
• Blows “raspberries”
• Makes squealing noises

6 Months Suggestions & Tips:

• Label objects they reach for like “bottle”, “mama” or “book”
• Praise your baby when they try to make noises
• Introduce your baby to different sounds, voices, and volumes such as whispers, claps, and giggles

9 Months Milestones: 

• Makes a lot of different sounds like “mamamama” and “bababababa”
• Lifts arms up to be picked up

9 Months Suggestions & Tips:

• Repeat what your baby says, then give them the correct word. Ex. “bababa,” repeat “bababa,” then say “book.
• Tell your baby how you think they are feeling. Ex. “You are kicking your feet and crying. You must be frustrated. Do you need a diaper change?”

1 Year Milestones: 

• Waves bye bye
• Calls a parent “mama” or “dada” or another special name
• Understands “no”

1 year Suggestions & Tips:

• Model saying goodbye and waving when people leave.
• Sing Mama Mama or Dada Dada to your baby.
• Save “no” for dangerous behaviors. When you say “no,” say it firmly. Do not spank, yell, or give long explanations.

15 Months Milestones: 

• Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada”
• Looks at a familiar object when you name it
• Follows gesture and word directions
• Points to ask for something or to get help

15 Months Suggestions & Tips:

• Repeat and Add to what your baby says. Ex. “Ba, yes that’s a ball. It can roll.”
• Name objects that your child points to.
• Teach your child simple hand gestures and label them such as “Wave bye bye or Blow Mama kisses.
• Pay attention when your child points to objects. Label them and speak to them about them. “Book, do you want the book. You are pointing at the dog book, let me get it for you.”

18 Months Milestones: 

• Tries to say three or more words besides “mama” and “dada”
• Follows one-step directions without any gestures, like giving you the toy when you say, “Give it to me.”

18 Months Suggestions & Tips:

• Start to teach your child body parts by pointing them out and naming them.
• Add words to what your child says. Ex. “Dog, yes that is a dog. Dogs say ‘woof, woof.’”
• Ask your child to help you do simple tasks such as putting toys in a basket to clean up.

2 Years Milestones: 

• Points to objects in books you label
• Says at least 2 word sentences
• Can point to 2 body parts you state
• Uses gestures other than waving and pointing

2 Years Suggestions & Tips:

• Share new books with your child and name pictures for them, then have your child point out objects you name.
• When your child asks for an item, extend their sentence. Ex. “Milk, you want more milk?”
• Sing Head, Shoulder, Knees, and Toes while you point to body parts.
• Pretend play with blocks or kitchen items.

30 Months Milestones: 

• Says about 50 words
• Says two or more words together, with one action word
• Names things in a book when you point and ask, “What is this?”
• Says words like “I,” “me,” or “we”

30 Months Suggestions & Tips:

• Ask your child simple questions about books and stories. Ask questions, such as “Who?” “What?” and “Where?”
• Use words to describe things to your child, such as big/small, fast/slow, on/off, and in/out.
• Encourage your child to name colors, body parts, and pictures in books.
• Encourage your child to state what they would like to eat. Ex. “Say ‘I would like more banana,’“ when you see your child reaching for more bananas at lunchtime.

3 Years Milestones: 

• Can have at least two back-and-forth exchanges in conversations
• Asks Wh questions
• States action happening in a book
• Says first name
• Can be understood when talking

3 Years Suggestions & Tips:

• Repeat what your child says and then give them the adult way of saying it. Ex. “I want more milk.”
• Encourage your child to ask questions while you read to them and discuss what is happening.
• Encourage your child to tell you her name and point out what it looks like.
• Have back-and-forth conversations about interesting topics.

4 Years Milestones: 

• Says 4 or more word sentences
• Repeats words from songs, stories, nursery rhymes
• Talks about one thing from their day
• Answers simple questions

4 Years Suggestions & Tips:

• Spend time speaking to your child in complete sentences, using “grown-up” words. This will help her learn better speaking skills and helps with future reading and writing skills.
• Teach your child simple songs and rhymes.
• Take time to talk to your child about their day and ask them questions about things they enjoyed or didn’t enjoy.

5 Years Milestones: 

• Tells a make-believe story with at least 2 events
• After reading a book, answers simple questions
• More than 3 back and forth exchanges in a conversation
• Uses or recognizes simple rhymes (bat-cat, ball-tall)

5 Years Suggestions & Tips:

• Create a make-believe story with your child, take turns adding details.
• Read with your child, ask them what’s going on and what they think might happen next.
• Ask your child what she is playing. Help her expand her answers by asking “Why?” and “How?” For example, say “That’s a nice bridge you’re building. Why did you put it there?”
• Play rhyming games. For example, say “What rhymes with cat?”