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Baby Milestones: Complete Development Guide, 0 to 36 Months

CDC Milestone Examples: 15, 18 and 24 Months

These are selected examples from CDC age-specific checklists: skills that at least 75% of children can do by that age. They are not average ages of first achievement, a complete assessment, or diagnostic cutoffs. A missed milestone is a reason to discuss development, not a diagnosis.

  • By 15 months: Takes a few steps independently, attempts one or two words other than names for parents, points to request help, and follows a direction supported by words and a gesture.
  • By 18 months: Walks without support, attempts at least three words other than names for parents, follows a simple direction without a gesture, and tries using a spoon.
  • By 24 months: Puts at least two words together, points to two or more body parts when asked, runs, kicks a ball, and eats with a spoon.

The AAP recommends developmental screening at 9, 18, and 30 months — and whenever you have concerns between those appointments.

When to Talk to Your Pediatrician

Discuss any developmental concern with your pediatrician, including any missed age-specific milestone or loss of a skill. Examples include a child who:

  • Is not exchanging sounds or reaching for a wanted toy by 6 months
  • Is not making repeated sounds such as bababa or sitting without support by 9 months
  • Is not using a special name for a parent by 12 months
  • Is not waving goodbye by 12 months or pointing to ask for help by 15 months
  • Is not attempting at least three words besides names for parents by 18 months, or combining at least two words by 24 months
  • Loses skills they previously had at any age

Do not wait for a routine appointment if you are concerned or notice lost skills. Ask about developmental screening and whether an evaluation or early-intervention referral is needed. Milestone checklists do not replace standardized screening.

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Development by Age

Each page includes full milestones, sleep schedule, feeding guide, and activities.

Newborn0–1 mo1 Month1 mo2 Months2 mo3 Months3 mo4 Months4 mo5 Months5 mo6 Months6 mo7 Months7 mo8 Months8 mo9 Months9 mo10 Months10 mo11 Months11 mo12 Months1 year13–15 MoToddler16–18 MoToddler19–21 MoToddler22–24 Mo2 years25–30 MoToddler31–36 Mo3 years

Milestone & Development Articles

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Sources and Guidance

Examples and interpretation are drawn from CDC checklists:

Guideline references checked 26 September 2026. Checklists support conversations with your clinician; they do not replace developmental screening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important milestones at 6 months?
CDC examples by 6 months include rolling from tummy to back, supporting sitting with the hands, reaching for a wanted toy, taking turns making sounds, laughing, and recognizing familiar people. These are selected checklist skills, not a diagnosis or a requirement to roll both ways. Discuss any missed milestone, lost skill, or other concern with your pediatrician.
My baby isn't crawling — is that normal?
Crawling patterns and timing vary, and crawling is not an item on the current CDC 9-month checklist. That checklist includes sitting without support and getting into a sitting position. Discuss any movement concern, missed milestone, or loss of skills with your pediatrician; the absence of crawling alone cannot assess overall development.
When do babies start walking?
CDC checklists include a few independent steps by 15 months and walking without holding on by 18 months. These are age-specific checklist examples, not average ages or a diagnosis. Talk with your pediatrician about a missed milestone or any concern; do not wait until 18 months if you are already worried.
When do babies say their first words?
CDC checklist examples include using a special name for a parent by 12 months; trying one or two additional words by 15 months; trying at least three additional words by 18 months; and combining at least two words by 24 months. The 15- and 18-month examples exclude mama and dada. These are not average vocabulary sizes or diagnostic thresholds. Discuss missed milestones, lost words, hearing concerns, or any other concern with your pediatrician.

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