Developmental milestones

What you can expect from birth to 36 months.

This is the milestone guide Stars shares with families, from birth to 36 months, with a plain list of the concerns that are worth a conversation.

Children develop at different rates. Milestones are a guide, not a diagnosis.Since all infants and toddlers are different, they rarely do the same thing at exactly the same age. Use this page to notice, not to decide.

Birth to 36 months

The guide, band by band.

Seven age bands. Each lists what you can expect at that age.

  1. 0 to 3 months

    • Responds to sound and voice
    • Makes comfort and sucking sounds
    • Lifts head when held at shoulder
    • Keeps hands open 50% of the time

  2. 3 to 6 months

    • Reaches for nearby objects and grasp
    • Looks and vocalizes to own name
    • Babbles "baba-baba"
    • Discovers hands and feet as extension of self

  3. 6 to 9 months

    • Plays 2-3 minutes with a single toy
    • Says "mama" or "papa" nonspecifically
    • Produces gestures to communicate
    • Sits independently indefinitely

  4. 9 to 12 months

    • Enjoys looking at picture books
    • Responds to simple request, "Drink your juice"
    • Extends a toy to show others, but not to release
    • Waves bye-bye

  5. 12 to 18 months

    • Places at least two rings on ring stacker
    • Identifies one body part
    • Uses expressive vocabulary 1-3 words
    • Stands independently for several seconds

  6. 18 to 24 months

    • Opens doors by turning knobs
    • Identifies 3-6 body parts
    • Uses expressive vocabulary 20-25 words
    • Walks up and down stairs holding the rail

  7. 24 to 36 months

    24 to 30 months

    • Matches simple identical objects to pictures
    • Follows two part directions
    • Sings phrases in songs
    • Builds a tower using 8 blocks

    30 to 36 months

    • Points to several colors when named
    • Repeats 5 word phrases
    • Walks up stairs alternating feet
    • Is able to concentrate for longer periods of time

Children develop at different rates. Milestones are a guide, not a diagnosis.

When to reach out

The concerns families bring to Stars.

These are the same choices you will see in the online request. If one sounds familiar, that is enough reason to ask.

  • Speech or communication
  • Hearing or responding to sounds
  • Crawling, walking, or movement
  • Hand or fine-motor skills
  • Learning or problem-solving
  • Eye contact or social connection
  • Behavior or emotional regulation
  • Sensory sensitivities
  • Feeding, sleep, or self-care
  • Premature birth or NICU history
  • A diagnosed medical or genetic condition
  • I'm not sure, I would like guidance
  • Something else

You do not need to be certain. Families who are not sure can start with a conversation. Professionals can refer directly.

For a medical emergency, call 911. For urgent medical questions, contact your child's doctor.

Something on this page sound familiar?

Tell Stars what you noticed. The online request takes a few minutes. Or call, and a team member will talk it through with you.

Request an Assessment Call (844) 700-9889
  • No Diagnosis Needed

Early Start developmental assessments are provided at no cost to families.

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