Long before your baby utters her first word, she has already started communicating with you, using smiles, looks, movements, and sounds. Children develop at different rates, but they usually are able to do certain things at certain ages. Following are general developmental milestones. Keep in mind that they are only guidelines.
If you have any questions about your baby’s development, ask your child’s pediatrician—the sooner the better. Even when there are delays, early intervention can make a significant difference.
By 1 year, most babies will
- Look for and be able to find where a sound is coming from.
- Respond to their name most of the time when you call it.
- Wave goodbye.
- Look where you point when you say, “Look at the _________.”
- Babble with intonation (voice rises and falls as if they are speaking in sentences).
- Take turns “talking” with you—listen and pay attention to you when you speak and then resume babbling when you stop.
- Say “da-da” to dad and “ma-ma” to mom.
- Say at least 1 word.
- Point to items they want that are out of reach or make sounds while pointing.
Between 1 and 2 years, most toddlers will
- Follow simple commands, first when the adult speaks and gestures, and then later with words alone.
- Get objects from another room when asked.
- Point to a few body parts when asked.
- Point to interesting objects or events to get you to look at them too.
- Bring things to you to show you.
- Point to objects so you will name them.
- Name a few common objects and pictures when asked.
- Enjoy pretending (for example, pretend cooking). They will use gestures and words with you or with a favorite stuffed animal or doll.
- Learn about 1 new word per week between 1½ and 2 years.
By 2 years of age, most toddlers will
- Point to many body parts and common objects.
- Point to some pictures in books.
- Follow 1-step commands without a gesture like “Put your cup on the table.”
- Be able to say about 50 to 100 words.
- Say several 2-word sentences and phrases like “Daddy go,” “Doll mine,” and “All gone.”
- Be understood by others (or by adults) about half of the time.