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Printable Baby Milestone Checklist

A free, parent-friendly checklist of motor, language, social, and feeding milestones from 0–24 months — adapted from CDC and AAP developmental guidance. Print it, tick boxes as your baby grows, and bring it to pediatric visits.

Note: Every child develops at their own pace. This checklist is for general guidance only and is not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns.

2 Months

Motor & Movement

  • Holds head up briefly during tummy time
  • Moves arms and legs smoothly

Language & Communication

  • Coos and makes gurgling sounds
  • Reacts to loud sounds

Social & Emotional

  • Smiles at people
  • Calms when picked up or spoken to

Feeding

  • Breast or bottle every 2–4 hours
  • Latches well

Talk to your doctor if:

  • Doesn't respond to loud sounds
  • Doesn't watch things as they move

4 Months

Motor & Movement

  • Holds head steady
  • Pushes up on elbows during tummy time
  • Brings hands to mouth

Language & Communication

  • Babbles with expression
  • Turns head toward sounds

Social & Emotional

  • Smiles spontaneously, especially at people
  • Copies some movements and facial expressions

Feeding

  • Breast or bottle every 3–4 hours
  • Shows interest in food

Talk to your doctor if:

  • Doesn't smile at people
  • Can't hold head steady

6 Months

Motor & Movement

  • Rolls over in both directions
  • Begins to sit without support
  • Rocks back and forth

Language & Communication

  • Responds to own name
  • Strings vowels together (ah, eh, oh)

Social & Emotional

  • Knows familiar faces
  • Likes to look at self in mirror

Feeding

  • Starts solids (purees or baby-led weaning)
  • Opens mouth for spoon

Talk to your doctor if:

  • Doesn't try to get things in reach
  • Doesn't make vowel sounds

9 Months

Motor & Movement

  • Sits without support
  • Crawls
  • Pulls to stand

Language & Communication

  • Babbles 'mama' and 'dada'
  • Copies sounds and gestures

Social & Emotional

  • May be afraid of strangers
  • Plays peek-a-boo

Feeding

  • Eats finger foods
  • Drinks from open cup with help

Talk to your doctor if:

  • Doesn't bear weight on legs with support
  • Doesn't babble

12 Months

Motor & Movement

  • Pulls up to stand and cruises along furniture
  • May take first steps
  • Pincer grasp

Language & Communication

  • Says 'mama' and 'dada' with meaning
  • Uses simple gestures (waving bye)

Social & Emotional

  • Hands you a book to read
  • Has favorite people and toys

Feeding

  • Eats most table foods (cut small)
  • Uses cup more independently

Talk to your doctor if:

  • Doesn't crawl
  • Doesn't point to things
  • Loses skills once had

18 Months

Motor & Movement

  • Walks alone
  • Climbs onto furniture
  • Scribbles with a crayon

Language & Communication

  • Says several single words
  • Shakes head 'no'

Social & Emotional

  • Plays simple pretend
  • Points to show others something interesting

Feeding

  • Uses spoon with some spills
  • Drinks well from an open cup

Talk to your doctor if:

  • Doesn't walk
  • Doesn't know what familiar things are for

24 Months

Motor & Movement

  • Runs
  • Kicks a ball
  • Begins to climb stairs holding rail

Language & Communication

  • Says 2-word phrases ('more milk')
  • Points to things in a book

Social & Emotional

  • Shows defiant behavior
  • Copies others, especially adults

Feeding

  • Self-feeds with spoon and fork
  • Drinks from a cup unaided

Talk to your doctor if:

  • Doesn't use 2-word phrases
  • Doesn't walk steadily