Babies grow in such unique ways: The baby who sits up weeks before her peers might be one of the last to learn how to crawl. Or the 18-month-old who’s still communicating with grunts and gestures suddenly bursts forth with prepositional phrases at 2 years. That’s why we created this series of charts.

Since babies aren’t identical — thank goodness! — the charts allow for variations in stages of development. Use them to gain insight into what you’re observing in your baby today and to preview what you can look forward to in the months ahead.
One thing you shouldn’t use the charts for, however, is grist for the worry mill. Each chart is meant as a guide, not as a source of concern.

Child’s Age	Mastered Skills (most kids can do)	Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)	Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
1 month	Lifts head when lying on tummy Responds to sound Stares at faces	Follows objects briefly with eyes Vocalizes: oohs and aahs Can see black-and-white patterns	Smiles, laughs Holds head at 45-degree angle
2 months	Vocalizes: gurgles and coos Follows objects across field of vision Notices his hands Holds head up for short periods	Smiles, laughs Holds head at 45-degree angle Makes smoother movements	Holds head steady Can bear weight on legs Lifts head and shoulders when lying on tummy (mini-pushup)
3 months	Recognizes your face and scent Holds head steady Visually tracks moving objects	Squeals, gurgles, coos Blows bubbles Recognizes your voice Does mini-pushup	Rolls over, from tummy to back Turns toward loud sounds Can bring hands together, bats at toys
4 months	Smiles, laughs Can bear weight on legs Coos when you talk to him	Can grasp a toy Rolls over, from tummy to back	Imitates sounds: “baba,” “dada” Cuts first tooth May be ready for solid foods
5 months	Distinguishes between bold colors Plays with his hands and feet	Recognizes own name Turns toward new sounds Rolls over in both directions	Sits momentarily   without support Mouths objects Separation anxiety may begin
6 months	Turns toward sounds   and voices Imitates sounds Rolls over in both directions	Is ready for solid foods Sits without support Mouths objects Passes objects from hand to hand	Lunges forward or starts crawling Jabbers or combines syllables Drags objects toward himself
7 months	Sits without support Drags objects toward herself	Lunges forward or starts crawling Jabbers or combines syllables Starts to experience stranger anxiety	Waves goodbye Stands while holding onto something Bangs objects together Begins to understand object permanence
8 months	Says “mama” or “dada” to parents (isn’t specific) Passes objects from hand to hand	Stands while holding onto something Crawls Points at objects Searches for hidden objects	Pulls self to standing, cruises Picks things up with thumb-finger pincer grasp Indicates wants with gestures
9 months	Stands while holding onto something Jabbers or combines syllables Understands object permanence	Cruises while holding onto furniture Drinks from a sippy cup Eats with fingers Bangs objects together	Plays patty-cake and   peek-a-boo Says “mama” or “dada” to the correct parent
10 months	Waves goodbye Picks things up with pincer grasp Crawls well, with belly off the ground	Says “mama” or “dada” to the correct parent Indicates wants with gestures	Stands alone for a couple of seconds Puts objects into a container
11 months	Says “mama” or “dada” to the correct parent Plays patty-cake and peek-a-boo Stands alone for a couple of seconds Cruises	Understands “no” and simple instructions Puts objects into a container	Says one word besides “mama” or “dada” Stoops from standing position
12 months	Imitates others’ activities Indicates wants with gestures	Takes a few steps Says one word besides “mama” or “dada”	Walks alone Scribbles with a crayon Says two words besides “mama” or “dada”
13 months	Uses two words skillfully (e.g., “hi” and “bye”) Bends over and picks up an object	Enjoys gazing at his   reflection Holds out arm or leg to help you dress him	Combines words and   gestures to make needs known Rolls a ball back and forth
14 months	Eats with fingers Empties containers of contents Imitates others	Toddles well Initiates games Points to one body part when asked Responds to instructions (e.g., “give me a kiss”)	Uses a spoon or fork Matches lids with appropriate containers Pushes and pulls toys while walking
15 months	Plays with ball Uses three words regularly Walks backward	Scribbles with a crayon Runs Adopts “no” as his favorite word	“Helps” around the house Puts his fingers to his mouth and says “shhh”
16 months	Turns the pages of a book Has temper tantrums when frustrated Becomes attached to a soft toy or other object	Discovers the joy of climbing Stacks three blocks Uses spoon or fork Learns the correct way to use common objects (e.g., the telephone)	Takes off one piece of clothing by himself Gets finicky about food Switches from two naps to one
17 months	Uses six words regularly Enjoys pretend games Likes riding toys	Feeds doll Speaks more clearly Throws a ball underhand	Dances to music Sorts toys by color, shape, or size Kicks ball forward
18 months	Will “read” board books on his own Scribbles well	Strings two words together in phrases Brushes teeth with help Stacks four blocks	Throws a ball overhand Takes toys apart and puts them back together Shows signs of toilet training readiness