The first few years of your baby's life are very important. It's the time when he or she is learning to walk, talk, recognize people and many other things.
Some babies may have trouble developing certain skills. Parents are often the first to notice when their child is not learning or growing like other infants they know.
If you have any concerns about your baby, you can call 1-800-EARLY ON to find out who in your area can answer your questions. Remember, too, it's important for all infants to have 'well baby' check-ups by their doctor according to schedule until they are three years old.
Here is a sample list of things babies are usually able to do at different ages.
Important For All Babies
Yes No Does your baby always ride in a car seat when riding in a car?
Yes No Do you have a regular place to go for your baby's health care (pediatrician, family doctor, public health clinic)?
Newborn to 3 Months
Yes No Does your baby smile back at you when you smile and talk to her or gently touch her face?
Yes No Is your baby making cooing sounds like oooo and aaaa?
Yes No Does your baby lift her head and chest when lying on her tummy?
Yes No Does your baby watch you when you walk across the room?
Yes No Has your baby seen the doctor at least two times for well baby check-ups?
3 to 6 Months
Yes No Does your baby laugh and babble (say bababa or dadada)?
Yes No Does y our baby roll from his back to his tummy?
Yes No Does your baby turn his head to sounds like your voice, radio, or TV?
Yes No Does your baby reach for and hold a toy?
Yes No Does your baby play with his hands by touching them together?
Yes No Has your baby seen the doctor at least one time for a well baby check-up since he was three months old?
6 to 9 Months
Yes No Does your baby sit up by herself without falling?
Yes No Does your baby look for a small toy when she sees you drop it?
Yes No Is your baby beginning to play peek-a-boo or wave bye after she sees you do it?
Yes No Has your baby seen the doctor at least one time for a well baby check-up since she was six months old?
9 to 12 Months
Yes No Does your baby look at the right thing when you say words like bottle or ball?
Yes No Does your baby pull up to standing by holding onto furniture?
Yes No Does your baby say Momma or Dada to the right person?
Yes No Does your baby pick up small things (like a raising or piece of cereal) using his thumb and one finger?
Yes No Has your baby seen the doctor at least one time for a well baby check-up since she was nine months old?
12 to 15 Months
Yes No Does your baby point to or ask for things she wants?
Yes No Does your baby feed herself with her fingers?
Yes No Does your baby like being the center of attention?
Yes No Does your baby walk by herself?
Yes No Has your child seen the doctor for her 12-month well baby check-up?
15 to 18 Months
Yes No Does your baby drink from a cup?
Yes No Does your baby point to body parts (like nose, eyes, feet) when you name them?
Yes No Does your baby like to put things in and out of containers?
Yes No Does your baby say words to tell you what he wants?
Yes No Does your baby like to look at books and turn pages by himself?
Yes No Has your baby seen the doctor for his 15-month well baby check-up?
18 to 24 Months
Yes No Has your child begun to put two words together (like Mama's shoe, car go, Daddy bye-bye)?
Yes No Does your child point to pictures in a book when you name them?
Yes No Does your child run?
Yes No Does your child take off her sweater, hat or socks all by herself?
Yes No Has your child seen the doctor for her 18-month well baby check-up?
24 to 30 Months
Yes No Does your child walk up stairs?
Yes No Does your child make a straight line with a crayon after you do it?
Yes No Does your child ask to go to the bathroom?
Yes No Does your child follow a simple two-step direction (like "Go to your room and get me a diaper")?
Yes No Does your child put three words together (like "I want cookie")?
Yes No Has your child seen the doctor for his 24-month check-up?
30 to 36 Months
Yes No Does your child know her first name?
Yes No Does your child unbutton buttons?
Yes No Does your child ask questions?
Yes No Does your child understand the meaning of words like in, out, on and behind?
Yes No Does your child understand "Bring me one diaper" or "Give me one cookie"?
If you answered "no" to any of these questions, you should talk it over with someone. Remember, all babies grow and develop at their own pace.
If you have questions or concerns, please call Early On at 1-800-EARLY ON or contact the First Steps Washtenaw Coordinator in your school district.