Milestones from One to Three

Every child grows and develops in steps, going from one milestone to the next. Here’s a quick look at milestones for ages one, two and three.

By age one, most children:

• Interact with their parent or caregiver.
• Are curious about objects in their surroundings and will try to figure out how they work.
• Begin to understand that people and things still exist even when they are not in sight.
• Say at least three words, and can identify parents with words like mama and dada.
• Grasp objects with their hands, usually with the thumb and index in a “pincer grasp”.
• Recognize their own names.
• Walk or cruise (walking while holding on to furniture).

By age two, most children:

• Develop their language rapidly. They should be able to speak a hundred or so words.
• Will get excited about playing around other children.
• Play follow the leader and take part in pretend play.
• Enjoy and learn simple songs.
• Move more: walk up stairs, kick a ball and have fun with basic tumbling.

By age three, most children:

• Can follow two or three step instructions.
• Know their name, age and gender.
• Speak at least 200 words.
• Begin developing friendships with other children.
• Start having interest in potty training (or have finished potty training).
• Climb, jump, pedal a tricycle and run.