As you learn what milestones your baby is likely to achieve this year, keep in mind that this is only a guideline. Each child is unique and develops at her own pace. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, and you probably don't need to be concerned unless you notice one of the red flags described below'.
1 month
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The first days with your baby can be a blur of feeding, changing diapers, settling her to sleep, and responding to her wails. But within a few weeks, she'll start to take more notice of your voice, face, and touch. Your baby can't focus farther than 8 to 12 inches away – just the right distance for her to gaze at your face. Black-and-white patterns also draw her attention. Her hearing is fully developed and she might turn toward familiar sounds, such as your voice. She can lift her head briefly and turn it to the side when she's on her stomach, but when she's upright her head and neck still need support. Although her arms move jerkily, she can get her hands close to her mouth.
Your RoleEnjoy getting to know your baby: Cuddle her, talk to her, and learn how she signals when she's sleepy or hungry. Be attentive and responsive. You can't spoil a baby! Give her plenty of tummy time from the start when she's awake so she can strengthen her muscles. Encourage her to look at and reach for toys. Make sure she gets plenty of time outside. Go for walks with her and take her to the park or playground. She'll enjoy the outdoors, relaxing with you, and being around other children. Get close and make eye contact with your baby when you talk, sing, andread to her. Play simple games when she's alert and in the mood, such as peekaboo or mimicking her sounds. Learn the signs that she's had enough play and needs some down time.
Red FlagsEach child develops at her own pace, but talk to your baby's doctor if your 1-month-old:
- Feeds slowly or doesn't suck well
- Doesn't seem to focus her eyes or watch things moving nearby
- Doesn't react to bright lights
- Seems especially stiff or floppy
- Doesn't respond to loud sounds
- Rooting reflex helps your baby turn toward a nipple to find nourishment
- Breast milk or formula ONLY
- Your baby's digestive tract is still developing, so solid food is off-limits for now.
1 - 2 Months
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2 - 3 Months
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3 Months
Milestones for 3-6 Months| Cognitive Milestones |
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By now, you're basking in the warmth of your baby's delighted smiles! He actively enjoys playtime now, amusing you both when he imitates your facial expressions. He's starting to babble and mimic the sounds you make. You no longer need to support his head. When he's on his stomach, he can lift his head and chest, and even do the mini-pushups that set the stage for rolling over. He can open and close his hands, shake toys, swat at dangling objects, bring his hands to his mouth, and push down with his legs if you hold him in a standing position. His hand-eye coordination is improving. You'll notice him closely trackingobjects that interest him and focusing intently on faces. He's able to recognize you from across the room!
Your Role
Don't worry about spoiling your baby: Responding to him promptly helps him feel secure and loved. You can help him learn to soothe himself by guiding his thumb to his mouth or offering him a pacifier. Continue to make tummy time part of his daily routine so he can practice his new skills and strengthen his muscles. When he's on his tummy, give him toys and safe objects he can reach for, hold, and explore. Give your baby lots of loving attention. Talk to him throughout the day, describing what you're doing and naming familiar objects. Read books together. Share cuddles, play games, and encourage his efforts to roll over, grab toys, and "talk" with you.
Red FlagsEach child develops at her own pace, but talk to your baby's doctor if your 3-month-old:
- Can't support his head well
- Can't grasp objects
- Can't focus on moving objects
- Doesn't smile
- Doesn't react to loud sounds
- Ignores new faces
- Seems upset by unfamiliar people or surroundings
- Rooting reflex helps your baby turn toward a nipple to find nourishment
- Breast milk or formula ONLY
- Your baby's digestive tract is still developing, so solid food is off-limits for now
4-7 months
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Your baby is fully engaged with the world now: She smiles, laughs, and has babbling "conversations" with you. And she's on the move – by 7 months she can probably roll to her tummy and back again, sit without your help, and support her weight with her legs well enough to bounce when you hold her. She uses a raking grasp to pull objects closer and can hold toys and move them from one hand to another. Your baby is more sensitive to your tone of voice and may heed your warning when you tell her "no." She also knows her name now and turns to look at you when you call her. Peekaboo is a favorite game and she enjoys finding partially hidden objects. She views the world in full color now and can see farther. If you move a toy in front of her, she'll follow it closely with her eyes. Watching herself in a mirror is sure to delight her.
Your Role
Your baby thrives on the interactions she has with you, so integrate playinto everything you do with her. Shower her with smiles and cuddles, and reply when she babbles to encourage her communication skills. Read together every day, naming the objects you see in books and around you. Give her lots of opportunities to strengthen her new physical skills by helping her sit and positioning her to play on both her stomach and back. Before she can crawl, be sure to childproof your home and keep her environment safe for exploring. Provide a variety of age-appropriate toys and household objects (like wooden spoons or cartons) to explore. Work on establishing a routine for sleeping, feeding, and playtime.
By 6 months, she may be ready to start solid food.
Red FlagsEach child develops at her own pace, but talk to your child's doctor if your baby:
- Seems very stiff or floppy
- Can't hold her head steady
- Can't sit on her own
- Doesn't respond to noises or smiles
- Isn't affectionate with those closest to her
- Doesn't reach for objects
Your baby probably won't do all these things – they're just clues to watch for.
- Can hold head up
- Sits well in highchair
- Makes chewing motions
- Shows significant weight gain (birth weight has doubled) and weighs about 13 pounds or more
- Shows interest in food
- Can close mouth around a spoon
- Can move food from front to back of mouth
- Can move tongue back and forth, but is losing tendency to push food out with tongue
- Seems hungry after 8 to 10 feedings of breast milk or 40 oz. of formula in a day
- Is teething What to feed
- Breast milk or formula ONLY
- Begin with about 1 teaspoon pureed food or cereal. Mix cereal with 4 to 5 teaspoons breast milk or formula (it'll be very runny).
- Increase to 1 tablespoon of pureed food, or 1 tablespoon of cereal mixed with breast milk or formula, twice a day. If giving cereal, gradually thicken the consistency by using less liquid.
- If your baby won't eat what you're offering on the first try, offer it again in a few day
7 - 8 months
Milestones for 6-9 months| Cognitive Milestones |
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Look at your baby go! He's become an eager explorer, and it might surprise you how quickly he can get around when he crawls or scoots. He can sit on his own now and grabs anything he can to pull himself up to standing and "cruise." He might even take some solo steps before his first birthday.
His babbling sounds more like real conversation, and you'll hear his first words – often "mama" or "dada." Soon he'll talk in simple phrases, but in the meantime he uses gestures to indicate what he wants – or doesn't want! – and pays close attention to your words.
His hands are increasingly nimble: He amuses himself putting things in containers and taking them out again. He can use his thumb and finger in a pincer grasp to eat finger food. Your baby loves to be just like you by combing his own hair, drinking from a cup, and pretending to talk on the phone.
While he may seem outgoing, he's probably reserved around strangers. And when you leave him, he may become distraught – separation anxietyis normal at this age.
Your Role
Keep talking to your baby: This is a critical time for his language development. Describe your routine, what you're doing now and what you're going to do next, and what you see. Describing how you think your baby is feeling helps him learn emotions.
Keep reading together and play peekaboo, hide-and-seek, and turn-taking games.
As he gets more active, it's important to provide a safe space to explore. He may not be walking quite yet, but you can help him get ready by holding him in a way that puts weight on his legs or by propping him up against the sofa.
Pay attention to what he enjoys, and give him the freedom to use all his senses to play and discover. Offer him crayons and paper, stacking blocks, empty food containers, and pots and pans to play with.
Praise and reward good behavior. If he gets into mischief, a brief "no" and redirection is usually enough. Although he's too young to understand and obey rules, you can start showing him which behaviors aren't allowed and helping him find more appropriate activities.
Be respectful of his separation anxiety: Build trust by giving him time to get used to new caregivers and always saying goodbye before you leave.
Each child develops at her own pace, but talk to your child's doctor if your baby:
- Doesn't crawl
- Seems to drag one side while he's crawling for a month or more
- Can't stand with support
- Doesn't try to find objects you've hidden in front of him
- Doesn't say any words
- Doesn't use gestures, such as shaking his head "no" and pointing
As you learn what milestones your toddler is likely to master this year, keep in mind that this is only a guideline. Each child is unique and develops at his own pace. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, and you probably don't need to be concerned unless you notice one of the red flags described below.
Signs of readiness to eat the below mentioned food for solid food- Can hold head up
- Sits well in highchair
- Makes chewing motions
- Shows significant weight gain (birth weight has doubled) and weighs about 13 pounds or more
- Shows interest in food
- Can close mouth around a spoon
- Can move food from front to back of mouth
- Can move tongue back and forth, but is losing tendency to push food out with tongue
- Seems hungry after 8 to 10 feedings of breast milk or 40 oz. of formula in a day
- Is teething
- Breast milk or formula, PLUS
- Pureed or strained fruits (banana, pears, applesauce, peaches)
- Pureed or strained vegetables (avocado, well-cooked carrots, squash, and sweet potato)
- Pureed meat (chicken, pork, beef)
- Pureed tofu
- Small amounts of unsweetened yogurt (but no cows' milk until age 1)
- Pureed legumes (black beans, chickpeas, edamame, fava beans, black-eyed peas, lentils, and kidney beans)
- Iron-fortified cereal (oats, barley)
- 1 teaspoon fruit, gradually increased to 1/4 to 1/2 cup in 2 or 3 feedings
- 1 teaspoon vegetables, gradually increased to 1/4 to 1/2 cup in 2 or 3 feedings
- 3 to 9 tablespoons cereal, in 2 or 3 feedings
- Introduce new foods one at a time, with at least three days in between to make sure your baby's not allergic.
8 - 10 Months
Milestones for 9-12 months| Cognitive Milestones |
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Look at your baby go! He's become an eager explorer, and it might surprise you how quickly he can get around when he crawls or scoots. He can sit on his own now and grabs anything he can to pull himself up to standing and "cruise." He might even take some solo steps before his first birthday. His babbling sounds more like real conversation, and you'll hear his first words – often "mama" or "dada." Soon he'll talk in simple phrases, but in the meantime he uses gestures to indicate what he wants – or doesn't want! – and pays close attention to your words. His hands are increasingly nimble: He amuses himself putting things in containers and taking them out again. He can use his thumb and finger in a pincer grasp to eat finger food. Your baby loves to be just like you by combing his own hair, drinking from a cup, and pretending to talk on the phone. While he may seem outgoing, he's probably reserved around strangers. And when you leave him, he may become distraught – separation anxietyis normal at this age.
Your roleKeep talking to your baby: This is a critical time for his language development. Describe your routine, what you're doing now and what you're going to do next, and what you see. Describing how you think your baby is feeling helps him learn emotions. Keep reading together and play peekaboo, hide-and-seek, and turn-taking games. As he gets more active, it's important to provide a safe space to explore. He may not be walking quite yet, but you can help him get ready by holding him in a way that puts weight on his legs or by propping him up against the sofa. Pay attention to what he enjoys, and give him the freedom to use all his senses to play and discover. Offer him crayons and paper, stacking blocks, empty food containers, and pots and pans to play with. Praise and reward good behavior. If he gets into mischief, a brief "no" and redirection is usually enough. Although he's too young to understand and obey rules, you can start showing him which behaviors aren't allowed and helping him find more appropriate activities. Be respectful of his separation anxiety: Build trust by giving him time to get used to new caregivers and always saying goodbye before you leave.
Red flagsEach child develops at his own pace, but talk to your child's doctor if your baby:
- Doesn't crawl
- Seems to drag one side while he's crawling for a month or more
- Can't stand with support
- Doesn't try to find objects you've hidden in front of him
- Doesn't say any words
- Doesn't use gestures, such as shaking his head "no" and pointing
- Same as 6 to 8 months - Can hold head up Sits well in highchair akes chewing motions Shows significant weight gain (birth weight has doubled) and weighs about 13 pounds or more Shows interest in food Can close mouth around a spoon Can move food from front to back of mouth Can move tongue back and forth, but is losing tendency to push food out with tongue Seems hungry after 8 to 10 feedings of breast milk or 40 oz. of formula in a day Is teething PLUS
- Picks up objects with thumb and forefinger (pincer grasp)
- Can transfer items from one hand to the other
- Puts everything in his mouth
- Moves jaw in a chewing motion
- Breast milk or formula, PLUS
- Small amounts of soft pasteurized cheese and cottage cheese
- Mashed fruits and vegetables (bananas, peaches, pears, avocados, cooked carrots, squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes)
- Finger foods (small pieces of ripe banana; scrambled eggs; well-cooked and cut up yellow squash, peas, and potatoes; well-cooked spiral pasta; teething crackers; low-sugar O-shaped cereal; lightly toasted bagels, cut up)
- Small amounts of protein (eggs; pureed meats, poultry, and boneless fish; tofu; well-cooked and mashed beans with soft skins like lentils, split peas, pintos, black beans)
- Iron-fortified cereal (barley, wheat, oats, mixed cereals)
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup dairy (or 1/2 oz. cheese)
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup iron-fortified cereal
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup fruit
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup vegetables
- 1/8 to 1/4 cup protein foods
- Introduce new foods one at a time, with at least three days in between to make sure your baby's not allergic.
10 - 12 Months
Milestones for 9-12 months| Cognitive Milestones |
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Look at your baby go! He's become an eager explorer, and it might surprise you how quickly he can get around when he crawls or scoots. He can sit on his own now and grabs anything he can to pull himself up to standing and "cruise." He might even take some solo steps before his first birthday. His babbling sounds more like real conversation, and you'll hear his first words – often "mama" or "dada." Soon he'll talk in simple phrases, but in the meantime he uses gestures to indicate what he wants – or doesn't want! – and pays close attention to your words. His hands are increasingly nimble: He amuses himself putting things in containers and taking them out again. He can use his thumb and finger in a pincer grasp to eat finger food. Your baby loves to be just like you by combing his own hair, drinking from a cup, and pretending to talk on the phone. While he may seem outgoing, he's probably reserved around strangers. And when you leave him, he may become distraught – separation anxiety is normal at this age.
Your roleKeep talking to your baby: This is a critical time for his language development. Describe your routine, what you're doing now and what you're going to do next, and what you see. Describing how you think your baby is feeling helps him learn emotions. Keep reading together and play peekaboo, hide-and-seek, and turn-taking games. As he gets more active, it's important to provide a safe space to explore. He may not be walking quite yet, but you can help him get ready by holding him in a way that puts weight on his legs or by propping him up against the sofa. Pay attention to what he enjoys, and give him the freedom to use all his senses to play and discover. Offer him crayons and paper, stacking blocks, empty food containers, and pots and pans to play with. Praise and reward good behavior. If he gets into mischief, a brief "no" and redirection is usually enough. Although he's too young to understand and obey rules, you can start showing him which behaviors aren't allowed and helping him find more appropriate activities. Be respectful of his separation anxiety: Build trust by giving him time to get used to new caregivers and always saying goodbye before you leave.
Red flagsEach child develops at his own pace, but talk to your child's doctor if your baby:
- Doesn't crawl
- Seems to drag one side while he's crawling for a month or more
- Can't stand with support
- Doesn't try to find objects you've hidden in front of him
- Doesn't say any words
- Doesn't use gestures, such as shaking his head "no" and pointing
As you learn what milestones your toddler is likely to master this year, keep in mind that this is only a guideline. Each child is unique and develops at his own pace. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, and you probably don't need to be concerned unless you notice one of the red flags described below.
Signs of readiness to eat the below mentioned foodfor additional solid food- Same as 8 to 10 months, Can hold head up Sits well in highchair Makes chewing motions Shows significant weight gain (birth weight has doubled) and weighs about 13 pounds or more Shows interest in food Can close mouth around a spoon Can move food from front to back of mouth Can move tongue back and forth, but is losing tendency to push food out with tongue Seems hungry after 8 to 10 feedings of breast milk or 40 oz. of formula in a day Is teething Picks up objects with thumb and forefinger (pincer grasp) Can transfer items from one hand to the other Puts everything in his mouth Moves jaw in a chewing motion PLUS
- Swallows food more easily
- Has more teeth
- No longer pushes food out with tongue
- Is trying to use a spoon
- Breast milk or formula PLUS
- Soft pasteurized cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese (but no cows' milk until age 1)
- Fruit cut into cubes or strips, or mashed
- Bite-size, soft-cooked vegetables (peas, carrots)
- Combo foods (macaroni and cheese, casseroles)
- Protein (egg; pureed or finely ground meats, poultry, and boneless fish; tofu; well-cooked and mashed beans)
- Finger foods (lightly toasted bread or bagels, small pieces of ripe banana; scrambled eggs; well-cooked and cut up yellow squash, peas, and potatoes; spiral pasta; teething crackers; low-sugar O-shaped cereal; )
- Iron-fortified cereals (barley, wheat, oats, mixed cereals)
- 1/3 cup dairy (or 1/2 oz. cheese)
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup iron-fortified cereal
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup fruit
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup vegetables
- 1/8 to 1/4 cup combo foods
- 1/8 to 1/4 cup protein foods
- Introduce new foods one at a time, with at least three days in between to make sure your baby's not allergic.
Don't worry if your child eats more or less than the amounts listed – they're meant as rough guidelines.
12-24 Months
As you learn what milestones your toddler is likely to master this year, keep in mind that this is only a guideline. Each child is unique and develops at his own pace. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, and you probably don't need to be concerned unless you notice one of the red flags described below.
MilestonesIn his second year, your toddler will grow confident on his feet: Those first wobbly steps set him on course to walk by himself, go up and down stairs, stand on his tiptoes, kick a ball, and maybe even run by the time he turns 2.
He'll also become quite the climber, scrambling onto sofas and chairs.
His language skills are growing, though he understands more than he can express. By 18 months, he can say at least several single words, and by 24 months he uses words in short phrases and sentences.
He quickly picks up new words from the books you read aloud to him and from hearing everyday conversations. He can follow two-step directions, such as "Pick up your book and bring it to me."
Your toddler is starting to identify shapes and colors. He scribbles with a crayon, builds towers of four or more blocks, throws a ball, and enjoys filling and emptying containers. You might notice the first signs that indicate whether he'll be left- or right-handed.
Your toddler wants to do everything himself: Get his clothes on and off, feed himself with a cup and utensils, and wash his hands. "I do it!" may even be your toddler's first phrase.
He might start to show interest in learning how to use a toilet. He'll have fun imitating you by talking on a play phone, "feeding" a doll, or pretending to drive a car.
Separation anxiety peaks midyear, and by 24 months he'll be more comfortable playing alongside other children and spending time with other caregivers. Meanwhile, he'll grow increasingly independent – and possibly defiant.
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Your Role
Foster his verbal skills by putting feelings into words, posing questions, talking about the books you read together, asking his opinion, andanswering his questions about the world around him. Start teaching him letters and numbers.
Be careful not to scold him for using words incorrectly – just correctly rephrase what he said. When he points to something he wants, prompt him to ask for it instead. Practice identifying the parts of his body and naming familiar objects.
Encourage pretend play with dolls and play food. Ask him to help sort toys by putting them in similar categories, such as red toys or soft toys. Let him practice feeding himself with a cup and utensils.
Make sure he gets plenty of time outside. Take him the park, playground, or zoo to walk, run, and freely explore.
Continue to reinforce good behavior with praise and attention. Set simple and clear limits and follow through with consequences calmly and consistently. Give your toddler this or that options and allow him to make choices. Be patient and positive, and remember that he's only just beginning to learn how to control and express himself.
As he gains new skills, take a fresh look around your home and adjust your childproofing strategy so he can explore freely and safely.
Each child develops at her own pace, but talk to your child's doctor if your toddler:
- Can't walk by 18 months
- Doesn't understand the use of everyday objects
- Doesn't speak at least six words by 18 months or two-word sentences by 24 months
- Doesn't imitate words and actions
- Doesn't follow simple instructions
- Loses skills he previously had
Keep in mind that this is only a guideline to what to expect from your preschooler this year. Each child is unique and develops at her own pace. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, and you probably don't need to be concerned unless you notice one of the red flags described below.
Signs of readiness to eat the below mentioned food- Can start to use a spoon (though proficiency will take a while!)
- Whole milk
- Other dairy (soft pasteurized cheese, full-fat yogurt and cottage cheese)
- Same food as rest of family, mashed or chopped into bite-size pieces
- Iron-fortified cereals (oats, barley, wheat, mixed cereals)
- Other grains (whole wheat bread, pasta, rice)
- Fruits: melon, papaya, apricot, grapefruit
- Vegetables: broccoli and cauliflower "trees", cooked until soft
- Protein (eggs; cut-up or ground meat or poultry; boneless fish; tofu; beans; thinly spread smooth peanut butter)
- Citrus and non-citrus juice
- Honey is now okay
- 2 cups dairy (1 cup milk or yogurt, 1 cup = 1 1/2 ounces natural cheese or 2 ounces processed cheese)
- 3 ounces grains, preferably half of them whole grains (1 ounce = 1/3 cup cold cereal, 1/4 cup pasta or rice, 1 slice bread)
- 1 cup fruit (fresh, frozen, canned and/or 100 percent juice) Emphasize whole fruits rather than juice.
- 1 cup vegetables (Serve vegetables that are cut in small pieces and well cooked to prevent choking.)
- 2 ounces protein (1 ounce = one slice of sandwich meat, about 1/3 of a chicken breast half, 1/4 can of tuna, 1/4 cup cooked dry beans, or 1 egg)
- Experts used to say you shouldn't give young children eggs, fish, or peanut products because the child might develop a food allergy. But the latest research from the American Academy of Pediatrics found there's no evidence that babies develop allergies from the early introduction of these foods. Still, some doctors recommend caution when it comes to introducing foods. If you're concerned that your child might have an allergy to certain foods, introduce them one by one and keep an eye out for an allergic reaction.
- Choking is still a danger.
24 - 36 Months
MilestonesYour preschooler's imagination is taking off: Playing make-believe is a hallmark of this age, along with fears about imaginary monsters and more ordinary things such as the dark or the vacuum cleaner. She might have a hard time sorting out fantasy and reality.
Her speech is becoming clear enough that strangers can usually understand her. She can use some pronouns properly and follow multi-step instructions. Her vocabulary is increasing dramatically: She'll be using hundreds of words by the time she's 3.
She can walk up and down stairs, jump, and pedal a tricycle. Her manual dexterity is improving too: Your preschooler is figuring out how to open doors and containers and can manipulate moving parts on toys. She can also draw a circle and complete simple puzzles.
You'll see her start to develop friendships, showing empathy and affection for her playmates – and even her dolls! She's getting the hang of taking turns and sharing, but may struggle with tantrums when her emotions get the best of her.
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Your Role
Provide your child with lots of opportunities to play with kids her own age. Give her a chance to resolve disputes with her friends, but be ready to step in and facilitate sharing or taking turns. She'll need help figuring out how to solve problems and how to handle her emotions.
Play learning games: Count stairs together, ask her to find matching toys, and name body parts. Pretend play may help her sort through emotions, but let her direct the play. Make sure she gets plenty of time outside to run, hop, pedal, and freely explore.
Set simple and clear limits and follow through with consequences calmly and consistently. Be sure to praise her when she behaves well.
Stay on top of her evolving skills and childproof your home accordingly.
She might be ready to move from her crib to a bed near her third birthday. Watch for signs that your preschooler is ready for toilet training.
Each child develops at her own pace, but talk to your child's doctor if your preschooler still:
- Struggles with separation anxiety
- Doesn't interact with people outside her family
- Doesn't play with other children
- Avoids eye contact
- Can't throw a ball or jump
- Can't climb stairs with alternating feet
- Has trouble scribbling
- Doesn't use more than three words in a sentence
- Isn't able to complete a sentence
- Is often difficult for strangers to understand when she talks
- Doesn't play make-believe
- Excessively balks at basic self-care, like getting dressed or going to sleep
- Loses skills she previously had
- Self-feeding
- Eagerness to make own food choices
- Low-fat milk (It's okay to switch to low-fat or nonfat milk once your child is older than 2, but check with your child's doctor if you have questions.)
- Other dairy (diced or grated cheese; low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, pudding)
- Iron-fortified cereals (oats, barley, wheat, mixed cereals)
- Other grains (whole wheat bread and crackers, cut-up bagels, pretzels, ready-to-eat cereal, pasta, rice)
- Fruits, sliced fresh or canned
- Dried fruit, soaked until soft so it won't pose a choking hazard(apples, apricots, peaches, pears, dates, pitted prunes)
- Vegetables, cooked and cut up
- Protein (eggs; cut-up or ground meat or poultry; boneless fish; tofu; beans; smooth peanut butter)
- Combo foods like macaroni and cheese, casseroles
- Fruit and vegetable juices
One serving for a child this age is about a quarter the size of an adult serving.
- 2 cups dairy (1 cup milk or yogurt; 1 cup = 1 1/2 ounces natural cheese or 2 ounces processed cheese)
- 4-5 ounces grains (1 ounce = 1 slice of bread; 1/3 cup ready-to-eat cereal, or 1/4 cup of cooked rice, cooked pasta, or cooked cereal)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups fruit (fresh, frozen, canned, dried and/or 100 percent juice) Emphasize whole fruits rather than juice.
- 1 1/2 cups vegetables
- 3 to 4 ounces protein (1 ounce of meat, poultry, or fish; 1/4 cup cooked dry beans; or 1 egg)
- Experts used to say you shouldn't give young children eggs, fish, or peanut products because the child might develop a food allergy. But the latest research from the American Academy of Pediatrics found there's no evidence that babies develop allergies from the early introduction of these foods. Still, some doctors recommend caution when it comes to introducing foods. If you're concerned that your child might have an allergy to certain foods, introduce them one by one and keep an eye out for an allergic reaction.
- Choking is still a danger.
Your child may seem to eat less than before – that's perfectly normal at this stage. If you wonder whether your child is getting enough calories, use this guideline: It is recommended that children get about 40 calories a day for every inch of height.
Finally, if you're a vegan or vegetarian, you can still provide your infant or toddler with everything she needs. A well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets are fine for infants and toddlers. Just pay attention to make sure your child gets plenty of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin B12: Vegetarians can get this nutrient from milk products and eggs; vegans can use fortified soy beverages, cereals, and meat substitutes.
- Vitamin D: Breastfed babies should get an additional 400 IU per day through a vitamin supplement or, after 1 year of age, from fortified cow or soy milk.
- Calcium: Vegan babies may need calcium-fortified foods, beverages, or supplements. Check with a dietitian or your doctor if you're not sure.
- Iron: Found in iron-fortified cereal or supplements.
- Protein: Vegans can find plant proteins in beans, cereals, and fortified soy milk. Vegetarians can add in protein from yogurt and eggs.
- Fiber: Good sources of fiber include whole grain breads, fortified cereals, and pastas, and higher-fat plant foods like sunflower butter and avocados.
At 4 Years
Between three and fourCognitive Milestones
- Recognizes and matches six colors.
- Copies circle.
- Understands common prepositions
- Intentionally stacks blocks or rings in order of size.
- Builds tower of more than 10 blocks
- Draws somewhat recognizable picture that is meaningful to child if not to adult; names and briefly explains picture.
- Asks questions for information: why and how questions requiring simple answers.
- Knows own age.
- Knows own name.
- Has short attention span; learns through observing and imitating adults and by adult instruction and explanation; is very easily distracted.
- Has increased understanding of concepts of the functions and grouping of objects and part/whole.
- Begins to be aware of past and present.
Motor Skills Measurement
| Gross Motor | Fine Motor |
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Social - Emotional Milestones
- Takes pride in own achievements; resists help.
- Likes to be independent; runs ahead of parents while outdoors.
- Separates easily from mother in familiar setting.
- Tends to be demanding and dictatorial.
- Talks with a loud urgent voice.
- Enjoys meeting more people.
- Verbally scolds when annoyed or angry.
- Joins in play with other children; begins to interact.
- Sings along and makes sequential moves to music.
- Shares toys; takes turns with assistance.
- Begins dramatic play, acting out whole scenes.
Adaptive Milestones
- Pours well form small pitcher.
- Spreads soft butter with knife.
- Undresses completely without help.
- Buttons and unbuttons large buttons.
- Washes hands independently.
- Blows nose when reminded.
- Uses toilet independently.
Speech & Language Milestones
- Uses verb forms.
- Uses 'I', 'you'.
- Consistent use of 's' to express plural.
- Uses 'this', 'that'.
- Names at least one color.
- Counts to five.
- Verbalizes recent experiences.
- Can tell a story.
- Understands 'what', 'where'
- Uses 'what', 'where' and occasionally 'when', 'who'.
- Has a sentence length of 4-5 words.
- Has a vocabulary of nearly 1000 words.
- Understands "yesterday," "summer", "lunchtime", "tonight", "little-big".
- Begins to obey requests like "put the block under the chair".
- Knows his or her last name, name of street on which he/she lives and several nursery rhymes.
Activities to Encourage your Child's Language
- Talk about how objects are the same or different.
- Help your child to tell stories using books and pictures.
- Let your child play with other children.
- Read longer stories to your child.
- Pay attention to your child when he's talking.
- Talk about places you've been or will be going.
- Can’t jump in place
- Has trouble scribbling
- Shows no interest in interactive games or make-believe
- Ignores other children or doesn’t respond to people outside the family
- Resists dressing, sleeping, and using the toilet
- Can’t retell a favorite story
- Doesn’t follow 3-part commands
- Doesn’t understand “same” and “different”
- Doesn’t use “me” and “you” correctly
- Speaks unclearly
- Loses skills he once had
At 5 Years
Between four and five -Cognitive Milestones
- Plays with words: creates own rhyming words, says or makes up words having similar sounds.
- Points and names four to six colors.
- Matches pictures of familiar objects.
- Draws a person with two to six recognizable parts, such as head, arms, and legs; can name or match drawn parts to own body.
- Draws, names, and describes recognizable pictures.
- Rote counts to five, imitating adult.
- Knows own street and town.
- Has more extended attention span; learns through observing and listening to adults, as well as through exploration; is easily distracted.
- Has increased understanding of concepts of function, time, part/whole relationships; function or use of objects may be stated in addition to names of objects.
- Time concepts are expanding; can talk about yesterday or last week, about today, and about what will happen tomorrow.
Motor Skills Milestones
| Gross motor | Fine motor |
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Social-Emotional Milestones
- Plays and interacts with other children.
- Dramatic play is closer to reality, with attention paid to detail, time, and space.
- Plays dress-up.
- Shows interest in exploring sex differences.
Adaptive Milestones
- Cuts easy foods with a knife.
- Laces shoes.
- Unbuckles or buckles belt or shoes.
- Recognizes right shoe from left.
Speech & Language Milestones
- Has sentence length of 4-5 words.
- Uses past tense correctly.
- Comprehends the concept of 'better than'.
- Consistent use of 'a', 'the'.
- Uses size and colour adjectives in sentence form.
- Has a vocabulary of nearly 1500 words.
- Points to colors red, blue, yellow and green.
- Identifies triangles, circles and squares.
- Understands "In the morning", "next", "noontime".
- Can speak of imaginary conditions such as "I hope".
- Asks many questions, asks "who?" and "why?"
Activities to Encourage your Child's Language
- Help your child sort objects and things (ex. things you eat, animals. . ).
- Teach your child how to use the telephone.
- Let your child help you plan activities such as what you will make for Thanksgiving dinner.
- Continue talking with him about his interests.
- Read longer stories to him.
- Let her tell and make up stories for you.
- Show your pleasure when she comes to talk with you.
- Doesn’t show a wide range of emotions
- Shows extreme behavior (unusually fearful, aggressive, shy or sad)
- Unusually withdrawn and not active
- Is easily distracted, has trouble focusing on one activity for more than 5 minutes
- Doesn’t respond to people, or responds only superficially
- Can’t tell what’s real and what’s make-believe
- Doesn’t play a variety of games and activities
- Can’t give first and last name
- Doesn’t use plurals or past tense properly
- Doesn’t talk about daily activities or experiences
- Doesn’t draw pictures
- Can’t brush teeth, wash and dry hands, or get undressed without help
- Loses skills he once had
6 Years
Between five and sixCognitive Milestones
- Retells story from picture book with reasonable accuracy.
- Names some letters and numerals.
- Rote counts to ten.
- Sorts objects by single characteristics.
- Is beginning to use accurately time concepts of tomorrow and yesterday.
- Uses classroom tools meaningfully and purposefully.
- Begins to relate clock time to daily schedule.
- Attention span increases noticeably; learns through adult instruction; when interested, can ignore distractions.
- Concepts of function increase as well as understanding of why things happen; time concepts are expanding into an understanding of the future in terms of major events.
Motor Skills Measurements
| Gross motor | Fine motor |
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Social-Emotional Milestones
- Chooses own friends.
- Plays simple table games.
- Plays competitive games.
- Engages in cooperative play with other children involving group decisions, role assignments, and fair play.
Adaptive Milestones
- Dresses self completely.
- Ties bow on shoe lace.
- Brushes teeth independently.
- Bathes self with some supervision.
- Crosses streets safely.
Speech & Language Milestones
- Has a sentence length of 5-6 words.
- Has a vocabulary of around 2000 words.
- Defines objects by their use (you eat with a fork) and can tell what objects are made of.
- Knows spatial relations like "on top", "behind", "far" and "near".
- Knows her address.
- Identifies a penny, nickel and dime.
- Knows common opposites like "big/little".
- Understands "same" and "different".
- Counts ten objects.
- Asks questions for information.
- Distinguished left and right hand in herself.
- Uses all types of sentences, for example "let's go to the store after we eat".
Activities to Encourage your Child's Language
- Praise your child when she talks about her feelings, thoughts, hopes and fears.
- Comment on what you did or how you think your child feels.
- Sing songs, rhymes with your child.
- Continue to read longer stories.
- Talk with him as you would an adult.
- Look at family photos and talk to him about your family history.
- Listen to her when she talks to you.