Last Updated: October 26, 2026
Sources checked: October 26, 2026
Quick Answer
Use the 2-, 4-, 6-, 9- and 12-month checkpoints to note development. This chart offers selected examples, not a diagnosis or a deadline for every skill. Discuss missing or lost skills and any concern with your child’s clinician.
This article is for general information and education. It does not replace individual advice from a qualified health or safety professional.
How to Read This Baby Milestone Chart
This chart uses the CDC’s first-year checkpoints at 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months. Those are reference ages, not a promise that a new skill must appear on a particular day. The examples below are a selection; use the linked official checklist for the full set.
CDC milestones describe skills most children can do by that age. A checklist supports observation and a conversation with your child’s clinician; it does not diagnose a delay or replace developmental screening.
First-Year Milestones at a Glance
| Age | Social connection | Communication | Movement and hands |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 months | Looks at your face; smiles in response to you. | Makes sounds beyond crying. | Lifts the head during tummy time; moves both arms and legs. |
| 4 months | Smiles to get attention; may chuckle. | Makes cooing sounds and answers your voice. | Holds the head steady when held; brings hands toward the mouth. |
| 6 months | Recognises familiar people; laughs. | Takes turns making sounds. | Rolls from tummy to back; supports sitting with hands. |
| 9 months | Responds to their name; enjoys peek-a-boo. | Makes strings of different sounds; raises arms to be picked up. | Gets into sitting and sits without support; transfers an object between hands. |
| 12 months | Joins a familiar social game. | Waves goodbye; uses a special name for a parent. | Pulls up to stand and moves while holding furniture; uses thumb and finger to pick things up. |
What About Months Between the Checkpoints?
There is no need to create a separate pass-or-fail test for every calendar month. At 3, 5, 7, 8, 10 or 11 months, note new attempts and review the relevant official age checklist. Do not put off a concern simply because the next checkpoint has not arrived.
Keep notes in your own words: “Reached for the red cup on Tuesday” is more useful than “Good at motor skills.” Record what happened, the support given and whether you have seen it again.
Use Corrected Age for a Baby Born Early
For a baby born prematurely, ask the clinician which age to use. Corrected age is actual age minus the number of weeks born early. A baby who is 16 weeks old and was born 8 weeks before the due date has a corrected age of 8 weeks. Keep both dates in your notes.
When the Chart Should Lead to a Conversation
Contact your child’s clinician if a listed skill is missing, a skill has been lost or anything worries you. Describe the observation and ask about screening and follow-up. A reassuring skill in one area does not cancel a concern in another.
For the meaning of developmental domains, examples of useful notes and questions to bring to an appointment, read our guide to understanding baby milestones.
Conclusion: Use the Chart to Start a Conversation
A baby milestone chart by month is most useful when it helps you notice change and explain a concern. Use the age checkpoints as a reference, record real examples and seek advice rather than trying to diagnose from a table.
References
Related Parnthub Guides
Explore more practical guidance in the Complete Baby Care Guide.
About the Author
Adel Galal is a father of four (three sons and a daughter) and a grandfather of four, with 33 years of hands-on parenting experience. He is the founder of Parnthub.com, based in Cairo, Egypt, where he shares practical guidance on feeding, development and family life from newborns to teenagers. Adel is not a medical professional; health articles cite trusted sources and are for general information only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a test for developmental delay?
No. This reference supports observation and discussion; a qualified professional uses screening and assessment when needed.
Does every month need a new milestone?
No. The chart uses recognised checkpoint ages rather than inventing a required skill for every month.
What should I do if my baby loses a skill?
Contact your child’s clinician and describe the change. Do not wait for the next chart checkpoint.
