Knowledge is the first
step forward.
We believe informed families are empowered families. Explore developmental milestones, early warning signs, home strategies, and trusted external resources — all in one place.
What to expect at every age
Every child develops at their own pace, but these milestones offer a helpful guide. If you have concerns about your child's development, reach out — early support makes all the difference.
- Startles at loud sounds
- Calms to a familiar voice
- Makes eye contact and social smiles
- Coos and makes soft sounds
- Lifts head briefly during tummy time
- Babbles and laughs
- Turns head toward sounds
- Reaches for and grasps objects
- Rolls from tummy to back
- Recognizes familiar faces
- Says first words (e.g., "mama," "dada")
- Responds to their name
- Points to objects or people
- Waves bye-bye and imitates gestures
- Pulls to stand and may take first steps
- Uses at least 10–20 words
- Points to show interest
- Follows simple 1-step directions
- Plays simple pretend (e.g., feeds a doll)
- Walks independently
- Uses 50+ words and 2-word phrases
- Follows 2-step directions
- Names familiar objects and pictures
- Plays alongside other children
- Runs and climbs with confidence
- Speaks in 3–4 word sentences
- Strangers understand most of their speech
- Asks "why" and "what" questions
- Engages in simple back-and-forth play
- Dresses with minimal help
- Tells stories and recounts events
- Understood by most people outside the family
- Follows multi-step instructions
- Shows empathy and takes turns
- Holds pencil and draws basic shapes
Milestones are general guidelines. Always consult your pediatrician or a qualified specialist if you have concerns about your child's development.
When to seek support
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it's always okay to ask. Early intervention is most effective when started as soon as possible — there is no such thing as "too early."
Communication
- No babbling by 12 months
- No single words by 16 months
- No 2-word phrases by 24 months
- Loss of previously acquired language skills
- Difficulty following simple directions
Social & Emotional
- Limited eye contact or social smiling
- Does not respond to their name
- Little interest in other children
- Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
- Unusual emotional reactions
Motor & Development
- Not sitting independently by 9 months
- Not walking by 18 months
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks (grasping, stacking)
- Toe-walking past age 2
- Extreme sensitivity or under-sensitivity to sensory input
Noticing some of these signs?
Don't wait and wonder. Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand next steps — completely free and with no pressure.
Schedule a Free ConsultationSupporting your child at home
You are your child's most important teacher. These evidence-based strategies can make a meaningful difference in your child's development — starting today.
Encourage Communication Every Day
- Narrate your daily routines — "Now we're washing hands. The water is warm!"
- Read aloud together for at least 15 minutes every day
- Ask open-ended questions: "What do you see?" instead of "Is that a dog?"
- Expand on what your child says — if they say "ball," you say "Yes, the big red ball!"
- Reduce screen time and increase face-to-face interaction
Support Motor Development
- Offer plenty of unstructured outdoor play time
- Provide opportunities for climbing, jumping, and running
- Encourage fine motor activities: playdough, puzzles, drawing, and building blocks
- Let your child practice self-care tasks like dressing and feeding themselves
- Limit time in bouncers, swings, and carriers — floor time builds strength
Build Social-Emotional Skills
- Name emotions out loud: "You look frustrated. It's hard when the blocks fall down."
- Create predictable routines — security helps children feel safe to explore
- Arrange regular playdates with same-age peers
- Model empathy and problem-solving in your own interactions
- Celebrate effort, not just outcomes — "You worked so hard on that!"
Helpful external resources
A curated collection of trusted organizations and programs to help you learn more and find additional support.
CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early."
Free developmental milestone resources, checklists, and information on early intervention from the Centers for Disease Control.
Mississippi First Steps (Part C)
Mississippi's early intervention program for children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Trusted information on speech, language, and hearing development for families.
AOTA — American Occupational Therapy Association
Resources on occupational therapy for children, including sensory processing and fine motor development.
Zero to Three
Expert guidance on the social, emotional, and cognitive development of infants and toddlers.
Autism Speaks
Information, tools, and support for families navigating autism spectrum disorder.
Still have questions?
Our team is always happy to talk through your concerns, answer questions, and help you figure out the best next step for your family.