What are babies and children doing at different ages?

You can help a child grow in many ways.

If you know when babies and children are able to do new things, you will know more about what they need from you.

Children start to learn as soon as they are born. When you cuddle, talk, read, play and dance with children, this helps them grow healthy and happy and safe.

Children grow and learn at their own pace. 

The list below shows the ages when most babies and young children are able to do certain things.

"My son was always interested in understanding how things work. He was always peering into mechanical things to see the working parts. When he was about 3 years old, his dad taught him to use a toy screwdriver and one day he found our screwdriver and took the VCR apart. The amazing thing is that he put it back together and it worked!"

—African American Caregiver

If you notice that a child is not doing many of these, you can talk to the parents or contact The Center for Inclusive Child Care.

Birth to 3 months

baby on shoulder

3 to 6 months

6 to 9 months

9 to 12 months

toddler

12 to 15 months

15 to 18 months

18 to 24 months

Grinning 3 year old

2 to 3 years

"My niece, when she was only 2, could sing a full verse of a traditional song, and it surprised all of us. My grandmother was really thrown."

—Hmong Caregiver

3 to 4 years

 

"I was surprised to see my grandson, who is only 5, talk about his dream of helping me and providing for me when he’s an adult.  I was stunned by his words. I never knew that a kid that little could speak like that."

—Hmong Grandmother

4 to 5 years

5 to 6 years

basketballl playing boys