Child's Age | Mastered Skills (most kids can do) | Emerging Skills (half of kids can do) | Advanced Skills (a few kids can do) |
1 month | • Lifts head when lying on tummy • Responds to sound • Stares at faces | • Follows objects briefly with eyes • Vocalizes: oohs and aahs • Can see black-and-white patterns | • Smiles, laughs • Holds head at 45-degree angle |
2 months | • Vocalizes: gurgles and coos • Follows objects across field of vision • Notices his hands • Holds head up for short periods | • Smiles, laughs • Holds head at 45-degree angle • Makes smoother movements | • Holds head steady • Can bear weight on legs • Lifts head and shoulders when lying on tummy (mini-pushup) |
3 months | • Recognizes your face and scent • Holds head steady • Visually tracks moving objects | • Squeals, gurgles, coos • Blows bubbles • Recognizes your voice • Does mini-pushup | • Rolls over, from tummy to back • Turns toward loud sounds • Can bring hands together, bats at toys |
4 months | • Smiles, laughs • Can bear weight on legs • Coos when you talk to him | • Can grasp a toy • Rolls over, from tummy to back | • Imitates sounds: "baba," "dada" • Cuts first tooth • May be ready for solid foods |
5 months | • Distinguishes between bold colors • Plays with his hands and feet | • Recognizes own name • Turns toward new sounds • Rolls over in both directions | • Sits momentarily without support • Mouths objects • Separation anxiety may begin |
6 months | • Turns toward sounds and voices • Imitates sounds • Rolls over in both directions | • Is ready for solid foods • Sits without support • Mouths objects • Passes objects from hand to hand | • Lunges forward or starts crawling • Jabbers or combines syllables • Drags objects toward himself |