Developmental Milestones

Click an age below to see the milestones to watch for during the selected period of life, and find age-appropriate resources to support your child’s development! Remember that development exists along a continuum, so not every child will achieve every milestone at an exact time. Always reach out to your child’s pediatrician should you have any concerns.

Talk, Read, Play: The Foundation of Development

At the Rollins Center, we believe Talk, Read, and Play are essential tools to building a solid developmental foundation with a focus on language and literacy for children birth to 5. But what exactly does that mean? Check out our articles below to see how you can make a difference in your child’s language development. Learn more about these approaches and how they fit into your child’s development!

Developmental Milestone Tracker

Choose an age or select up to 3 age groups to compare expected milestones between them.

15 Months
Language / Communication
  • Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog
  • Looks at a familiar object when you name it
  • Follows directions given with both a gesture and words. For example, he hold out a toy when you gold out your hand and say “Give me the toy.”
  • Points to ask for something or to get help
Social / Emotional
  • Copies other children while playing, taking toys out of a container when another child does
  • Shows you an object she likes
  • Claps when excited
  • Hugs stuffed doll or other toy
  • Shows you affection (hugs, cuddles, kisses you)
Cognitive
  • Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or book
  • Stack at least two small objects, like blocks
Movement / Physical
  • Takes a few steps on his own
  • Uses fingers to feed herself some food
When to Talk to a Doctor

You know your baby best – don’t wait! If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early.

If you or your doctor are still concerned:

  • Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your baby more; and
  • Call your state or territory’s early intervention program to find out if your baby can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI

For more on how to help your baby, visit cdc.gov/Concerned

Helpful Resources 15-mo.-Milestone-Checklist-2021
Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. Program