For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Search
Toggle Navigation

Developmental Checklist

This developmental checklist provides information on what a child may typically be doing between the ages of birth to five.

If your child is not meeting “developmental milestones” you may want to have him or her evaluated by a physician.

If your child is under the age of three, call First Steps, Indiana’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities or at risk of disability.

If your child is over the age of three, call your local school. He or she may be eligible for early childhood special education.

1 month

  • Able to raise head from surface when lying on tummy
  • Pays attention to someone’s face in their direct line of vision
  • Moves arms and legs energetically
  • Likes to be held and rocked

2 months

  • Smiles and coos
  • Rolls part way to side when lying on back
  • Grunts and sighs

3 months

  • Eyes follow a moving object
  • Able to hold head erect
  • Grasps objects when placed in their hand
  • Babbles

4 months

  • Holds a rattle for an extended period of time
  • Laughs out loud
  • Sits supported for short periods of time
  • Recognizes bottle and familiar faces

5 months

  • Reaches for and holds objects
  • Stands firmly when held
  • Stretches out arms to be picked up
  • Likes to play peek-a-boo

6 months

  • Turns over from back to stomach
  • Turns toward sounds
  • Sits with a little support (1 hand bracing)
  • Persistently reaches for objects out of their reach
  • Listens to own voice
  • Crows and squeals
  • Reaches for and grasps objects and brings them to mouth
  • Holds, sucks, bites cookie or cracker begins chewing

7 months

  • Can transfer object from one hand to the other
  • Can sit for a few minutes without support
  • Pats and smiles at image in mirror
  • Creeps (pulling body with arms and leg kicks)
  • Is shy at first with strangers

8 months

  • Can sit steadily for about 5 minutes
  • Crawls on hands and knees
  • Grasps things with thumb and first two fingers
  • Likes to be near parent

9 months

  • Says Ma-ma or Da-da
  • Responds to name
  • Can stand for a short time
  • Able to hit two objects together on their own
  • Copies sounds

10 months

  • Able to pull self up at the side of crib or playpen
  • Can drink from a cup when it is held

11 months

  • Can walk holding onto furniture
  • Can find an object placed under another object

12 months

  • Waves bye-bye
  • Can walk with one hand held
  • Says two words besides Ma-ma and Da-da
  • Enjoys some solid foods
  • Finger feeds self
  • Likes to have an audience

15 months

  • Walks by self, stops creeping
  • Shows desires by pointing and gesturing
  • Scribbles on paper after shown
  • Begins using a spoon
  • Cooperates with dressing

18 months

  • Can build a tower with 3 blocks
  • Likes to climb and take things apart
  • Can say 6 words
  • Tries to put on shoes
  • Drinks from cup held in both hands
  • Likes to help a parent

2 years

  • Able to run
  • Walks up and down stairs using alternate feet
  • Says about 50 words
  • Sometimes uses 2 word sentences
  • Points to objects in a book

3 years

  • Can repeat 2 numbers in a row
  • Knows own sex
  • Dresses self except for buttoning
  • Can copy a circle
  • Can follow 2 commands of on, under, or behind (ie. stand on the rug)
  • Knows most parts of the body
  • Jumps lifting both feet off ground
  • Can build tower with 9 blocks

4 years

  • Can repeat a simple 6 word sentence
  • Can wash hands and face without help
  • Can copy a cross
  • Can stand on one foot
  • Can catch a tossed ball

5 years

  • Can follow 3 commands
  • Can copy a square
  • Can skip
Translate »