Developmental Milestones by Age: A Parent's Quick Reference

Milestones are guideposts, not deadlines. Children reach them on their own timeline, and our job at every well visit is to look at the whole picture rather than a single skill.

Infancy: 2 to 12 months

• 2 months: smiles at you, holds head up briefly during tummy time.
• 4 months: coos, laughs, holds a toy, pushes up on elbows.
• 6 months: rolls both ways, babbles, reaches for objects.
• 9 months: sits without support, responds to their name.
• 12 months: pulls to stand, waves, says one or two words with meaning.

Toddler years: 15 months to 3 years

• 15 months: takes a few steps, uses one or two words besides mama and dada.
• 18 months: walks well, points to show you something, tries simple pretend play.
• 2 years: two-word phrases, runs, follows simple two-step directions.
• 3 years: short sentences, plays alongside other children, pedals a tricycle.

Preschool: 4 to 5 years

• 4 years: tells simple stories, draws a person with two to four body parts, hops on one foot.
• 5 years: speech is understandable to strangers, counts to ten, dresses independently.

How we screen

We use standardized developmental screening at the 9-, 18-, and 30-month visits and autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months, per American Academy of Pediatrics guidance. Screening is a conversation, not a test your child can fail.

When to call Divaker Pediatrics

Our Mount Dora office is here for questions big and small. Call 352-383-8386 to schedule a visit, or use the healow patient portal to send a message to our team. If your child has a medical emergency, call 911.