CDC Developmental Milestones: 2 Months to 5 Years

Flashcards covering developmental milestones and caregiving tips for children from age 2 months to 5 years based on CDC guidelines.

2-Month Social/Emotional Milestones

Calms down when spoken to or picked up, looks at your face, seems happy to see you, and smiles when you talk to or smile at her.

2-Month Movement/Physical Development Milestones

Holds head up when on tummy, moves both arms and both legs, and opens hands briefly.

4-Month Language/Communication Milestones

Makes sounds like "oooo", "aahh" (cooing), makes sounds back when you talk to him, and turns head towards the sound of your voice.

4-Month Movement/Physical Development Milestones

Holds head steady without support, holds a toy, uses arms to swing at toys, brings hands to mouth, and pushes up onto elbows/forearms when on tummy.

6-Month Language/Communication Milestones

Takes turns making sounds with you, blows "raspberries" (sticks tongue out and blows), and makes squealing noises.

6-Month Movement/Physical Development Milestones

Rolls from tummy to back, pushes up with straight arms when on tummy, and leans on hands to support himself when sitting.

9-Month Social/Emotional Milestones

Is shy, clingy, or fearful around strangers; shows several facial expressions (happy, sad, angry, surprised); looks when name is called; and reacts when you leave.

9-Month Cognitive Milestones

Looks for objects when dropped out of sight (like a spoon or toy) and bangs two things together.

12-Month Movement/Physical Development Milestones

Pulls up to stand, walks while holding on to furniture, drinks from a cup without a lid as you hold it, and picks things up between thumb and pointer finger.

15-Month Language/Communication Milestones

Tries to say one or two words besides "mama" or "dada," looks at familiar objects when named, follows directions with gesture and words, and points to ask for things.

18-Month Cognitive Milestones

Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom, and plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car.

2-Year Language/Communication Milestones

Points to things in a book when asked, says at least two words together like "More milk", points to at least two body parts, and uses gestures like blowing a kiss.

30-Month Cognitive Milestones

Uses things to pretend (feeding a block to a doll), shows simple problem-solving (standing on a stool), follows two-step instructions, and knows at least one color.

3-Year Language/Communication Milestones

Talks in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges, asks "who", "what", "where", or "why" questions, and says first name when asked.

4-Year Social/Emotional Milestones

Pretends during play, asks to play with children, comforts others who are hurt, avoids danger like tall heights, likes to be a "helper", and changes behavior based on location.

5-Year Cognitive Milestones

Counts to 10, names numbers between 1 and 5, uses words about time (yesterday, tomorrow), pays attention for 5 to 10 minutes, and writes/names letters in her name.

Developmental Screening Schedule

Screenings recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics at 9 months, 18 months (including autism screening), 24 months/2 years (autism screening), and 30 months.

Safe Sleep Area

A firm mattress with no blankets, pillows, bumper pads, or toys where a baby is placed on his back.

Signs of Hunger

Putting hands to mouth, turning head toward breast/bottle, or smacking/licking lips.

Crying in the first few months

Often worse in the first few months of life, but it gets better; parents should put the baby in a safe place and walk away if getting upset.