Milestones are important for understanding what kids can do at different ages, like sitting up, walking, or talking. They help caregivers know how to support a child’s growth. Activities designed for each stage are a fun way to help kids learn new skills, build confidence, and create happy memories. Whether it’s reading, playing, or exploring, these moments can make a big difference in a child’s development while nurturing their curiosity and joy.
Click on each age group to see important milestones and appropriate activities.
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Charts for Milestones and Activities By Age Group
Click to Expand → Newborn – 6 Months
| Age | Developmental Milestones | Activities to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn (0-2 months) | – Recognizes caregiver’s voice – Makes cooing sounds – Follows objects with eyes briefly – Grasps fingers | – Talk and sing to your baby – Use high-contrast toys for visual stimulation – Gentle tummy time to build neck strength |
| 2-4 months | – Smiles socially – Begins to babble – Holds head steady – Reaches for objects | – Play peek-a-boo – Introduce soft rattles – Encourage tummy time with colorful toys |
| 4-6 months | – Rolls over – Laughs and squeals – Sits with support – Transfers objects between hands | – Read picture books – Play with mirrors – Offer textured toys for sensory exploration |
Click to Expand → 6 Months – 12 Months
| Age | Developmental Milestones | Activities to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 6-9 months | – Sits without support – Begins to crawl – Responds to their name – Babbles with consonant sounds (e.g., “ba,” “da”) | – Play peek-a-boo – Encourage crawling with toys placed slightly out of reach – Read picture books and name objects |
| 9-12 months | – Pulls to stand – Cruises along furniture – Says simple words like “mama” or “dada” – Points to objects of interest | – Stack and knock down blocks – Play with push-and-pull toys – Sing songs with actions (e.g., “If You’re Happy and You Know It”) |
Click to Expand → 12 Months – 18 Months
| Age | Developmental Milestones | Activities to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 12-15 months | – Walks independently – Points to objects of interest – Says a few simple words – Begins to scribble | – Encourage walking with push toys – Play naming games with objects – Provide crayons and paper for scribbling |
| 15-18 months | – Climbs furniture – Uses a spoon and cup – Follows simple instructions – Shows affection to familiar people | – Create obstacle courses for climbing – Practice self-feeding during meals – Read books with simple instructions and encourage hugs and cuddles |
Click to Expand → 18 Months – 2 Years
| Age | Developmental Milestones | Activities to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 18-21 months | – Walks up steps with help – Begins to run – Says 10-25 words – Points to body parts when named | – Play simple hide-and-seek games – Introduce shape-sorting toys – Encourage pretend play with dolls or stuffed animals |
| 21-24 months | – Kicks a ball – Builds towers of 4-6 blocks – Combines two words (e.g., “want cookie”) – Shows interest in other children | – Play with push-and-pull toys – Read books with rhymes and repetition – Engage in outdoor play like kicking a ball or running |
Click to Expand → 2 Years – 4 Years
| Age | Developmental Milestones | Activities to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 years | – Runs easily – Begins to sort shapes and colors – Uses 2-3 word sentences – Plays simple make-believe games | – Play sorting games with shapes and colors – Encourage pretend play with costumes or props – Read books with simple stories |
| 3-4 years | – Hops and stands on one foot – Draws simple shapes – Speaks in full sentences – Engages in cooperative play | – Introduce arts and crafts like drawing or painting – Play outdoor games like hopscotch – Encourage group activities like building blocks together |
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References:
“18-24 Months: Toddler Development.” Raising Children Network, 16 Nov. 2017, raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/development/development-tracker-1-3-years/18-24-months. Accessed 01 April 2025.
“Activities for Babies: 0 to 6 Months.” Parents, http://www.parents.com/baby/development/growth/11-simple-activities-for-babies-0-to-6-months/. Accessed 01 April 2025.
American Academy of Pediatrics. “Developmental Milestones: 3 to 4 Year Olds.” HealthyChildren.org, 4 Apr. 2023, http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/preschool/Pages/Developmental-Milestones-3-to-4-Year-Olds.aspx. Accessed 01 April 2025.
CDC. “CDC’s Developmental Milestones.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 May 2024, http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html. Accessed 01 April 2025.
“Developmental Milestones: 6 to 12 Months.” Www.nationwidechildrens.org, http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/developmental-milestones-6-to-12-months. Accessed 01 April 2025.
“Developmental milestones 12 to 18 months.” Children’s Minnesota, http://www.childrensmn.org/educationmaterials/childrensmn/article/15317/developmental-milestones-12-to-18-months-/. Accessed 01 April 2025.
“Developmental Milestones: 12 to 18 Months.” Www.nationwidechildrens.org, 2022, http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/developmental-milestones-12-to-18-months. Accessed 01 April 2025.
“Development milestones – your child 12 to 18 months.” Pregnancy Birth & Baby, http://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/development-milestones-12-to-18-months. Accessed 01 April 2025.
Mayo Clinic. “Infant Development: Milestones from 4 to 6 Months.” Mayo Clinic, 10 Feb. 2023, http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/infant-development/art-20048178. Accessed 01 April 2025.
Peerless, Sarah. “50 Best Activities for 18 Month Old Toddlers at Home.” Busy Blooming Joy, 27 June 2022, busybloomingjoy.com/best-activities-for-18-month-old-toddlers-at-home/. Accessed 01 April 2025.
Scandiffio, Susan. “57 Fun Physical Activities for 2 to 4 Year Olds.” Active for Life, 24 Jan. 2019, activeforlife.com/57-fun-physical-activities-to-do-with-kids-aged-2-to-4/. Accessed 01 April 2025.
Sturm Niz, Ellen. “Activities for Babies: 6 to 12 Months.” Parents, 27 Dec. 2022, http://www.parents.com/baby/development/growth/11-fun-activities-for-babies-6-to-12-months/. Accessed 01 April 2025.
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