Baby playing with colorful toys on the floor — supporting early learning and developmental milestones through play

Is My Baby on Track? A Simple Milestone Checklist for Ages 0–3

July 29, 20254 min read

One of the most common and anxiety-provoking questions parents ask is, "Is my baby on track?" From first coos to first steps, every little skill your child picks up feels monumental — and sometimes a little nerve-wracking. As a mom and licensed speech-language pathologist, I know firsthand that development doesn't follow a perfect script. Still, having a clear, simple guide can ease a lot of the stress that comes with the unknown.

This milestone checklist offers a down-to-earth, parent-friendly look at key developmental markers from birth through age 3 — with guidance from trusted sources like the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Why Milestones Matter (But Don't Panic)

Developmental milestones provide a helpful framework for tracking our babies' growth. They highlight how a child is doing in areas like communication, motor skills, cognition, and social-emotional development. But here's the thing: milestones are guides, not grades. Kids develop at their own pace. It's totally normal to have early bloomers in one area and late bloomers in another.

0–6 Months Milestones

Communication:

  • Turns toward sounds and voices

  • Coos and gurgles by 6–8 weeks

  • Smiles socially by 6 weeks

  • Begins to babble vowel sounds ("ah," "oh")

Motor:

  • Lifts head during tummy time

  • Brings hands to mouth

  • Starts to roll from tummy to back

  • Reaches for toys

Cognitive/Social:

  • Watches faces closely

  • Follows things with eyes

  • Recognizes caregivers

  • Enjoys social interactions

Tips for Engagement:

  • Make lots of eye contact

  • Narrate diaper changes and feedings

  • Use high-contrast toys and books

6–12 Months Milestones

Communication:

  • Babbles strings like "ba-ba-ba"

  • Responds to their name

  • Understands basic words (e.g., "no," "bye-bye")

  • Uses gestures (waving, pointing)

Motor:

  • Sits without support

  • Scoots or crawls

  • Pulls to stand

  • Transfers objects between hands

Cognitive/Social:

  • Looks at what you're pointing to

  • Imitates simple actions

  • Explores with hands and mouth

Tips for Engagement:

  • Use simple signs for common words

  • Read board books with real-life photos

  • Clap and sing songs with actions ("If You're Happy and You Know It")

12–18 Months Milestones

Communication:

  • Says 3–10 clear words - First word is around 12 Months

  • Understands 1-step directions

  • Uses gestures with words

  • Points to named items or pictures

Motor:

  • Walks independently

  • Stacks 2–3 blocks

  • Starts using a spoon

Cognitive/Social:

  • Engages in pretend play (feeding a doll)

  • Experiences separation anxiety

  • Brings items to show caregivers

Tips for Engagement:

  • Use toy sets for pretend play (kitchen, doctor kits)

  • Offer choices: "Do you want a banana or an apple?"

  • Let them help with daily routines

18–24 Months Milestones

Communication:

  • Uses 50+ words by 24 Months

  • Combines 2 words ("more juice")

  • Follows 2-step directions

  • Asks simple questions ("What's that?")

Motor:

  • Runs with more coordination

  • Kicks a ball forward

  • Begins to climb stairs with support

Cognitive/Social:

  • Plays near peers (parallel play)

  • Matches shapes or colors

  • Begins to show frustration or assertiveness

Tips for Engagement:

  • Repeat and expand on their speech

  • Use open-ended questions

  • Offer lots of praise for effort, not just success

24–36 Months Milestones

Communication:

  • Uses 3–4 word sentences

  • Can be understood by caregivers 50–75% of the time

  • Uses language to express emotions and make requests

  • Knows simple concepts (in, on, under)

Motor:

  • Jumps with both feet

  • Begins pedaling a tricycle

  • Draws a straight line or circle

Cognitive/Social:

  • Understands turn-taking

  • Shows concern for others ("baby sad")

  • Engages in more complex pretend play

Tips for Engagement:

  • Create story time routines

  • Use role-play to explore emotions

  • Label feelings, actions, and objects out loud

When to Seek Support

Early detection makes a huge difference. According to ASHA and the AAP, consider seeking support if:

  • Your baby isn't babbling by 12 months

  • Your toddler isn't speaking any words by 18 months

  • Two-word phrases don't emerge by 24 months

  • Your child struggles with eye contact or social play

  • There's any regression in skills previously mastered

Talking to your pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a great first step. Even if everything turns out fine, you'll have peace of mind.

You're Doing Great. There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to kids. You know your baby best. Use these milestones as helpful signposts — not a reason to stress or compare.

Every "first" is worth celebrating. Every delay is worth questioning — not because you're paranoid, but because you care.

If you're reading this, it means you're an engaged, proactive parent. That matters. Continue to trust yourself, show up, and ask for help when you need it. If you're unsure, trust your instincts and check with your pediatrician. And remember — there's no such thing as a perfect baby or a perfect parent.

Just progress. One milestone (and one snuggle) at a time.

Sources:

  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA.org)

  • American Academy of Pediatrics (aap.org)

  • World Health Organization (who.int)

Disclaimer: The information in this post is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Every child is unique and may develop at their own pace. If you have specific concerns about your child’s development, please consult with your pediatrician or a licensed speech-language pathologist in your area for personalized support and recommendations.

Hi, I’m Sarah — the mom behind All Speech Mom.
I create calm in the chaos with practical tools, heartfelt encouragement, and real talk for real moms. Whether you're chasing milestones or chasing your dreams, I'm here to help you feel supported every step of the way.

Sarah Guigneaux

Hi, I’m Sarah — the mom behind All Speech Mom. I create calm in the chaos with practical tools, heartfelt encouragement, and real talk for real moms. Whether you're chasing milestones or chasing your dreams, I'm here to help you feel supported every step of the way.

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