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