Watch Your Child Grow: Milestones from Ages 1 to 5

Posted On: 03/19/2026

Is your toddler saying their first words? Can they stack blocks or kick a ball? Watching your child learn and grow is exciting—and sometimes confusing. How do you know if they’re on track?

At every well-child visit, your child’s doctor checks if they’re reaching key milestones. These are skills most children develop by certain ages, like walking, talking, and playing with others. Here’s what to look for from ages 1 to 5, along with simple ways you can help your child learn, grow, and have fun.

One Year Old (12-24 Months)

What Your Child Can Do:

By their first birthday, most babies say their first words like “mama” or “dada.” Between 12 and 24 months, your baby will learn that objects still exist even when they can’t see them. They will learn new words and move from standing to walking to running. This is an exciting year of big changes!

How to Help:

Playing and talking with your child every day supports their development. Try these activities:

Play peek-a-boo to teach them that things don't disappear when hidden.
Create sensory bins with rice, beans, or water for them to explore.
Give them blocks to hold and stack.
Read simple books with bright pictures
Talk to your child about your day in normal speech and simple words.

Two Years Old

What Your Child Can Do:

By age 2, most toddlers can kick a ball, speak in two-word sentences, and start pretend play. They’re adding new words every week and will want to tell you about their day—even if you can’t understand all of it yet. They’ll also start scribbling with crayons and have lots of energy for active play.

How to Help:

At this age, you can help your child embrace creativity and learn new words. Listen when they talk, and expand on what they say:

Toddler: Ambulance, fire truck.

Parent: That’s right. Today, we saw an ambulance and a fire truck.

Toddler: Lights!

Parent: They had their lights on, and the sirens were making a lot of noise, weren’t they?

Other ways to support your 2-year-old:

Give them crayons and paper to explore creativity (they won't color in the lines yet!).
Sing songs together.
Let them help with simple tasks like putting toys away.
Read books together every day.

Three Years Old

What Your Child Can Do:

Your 3-year-old is making big strides in conversation and independence. People outside your family can understand most of what they say now. They speak in longer sentences, ask “who,” “what,” “where,” and “why” questions, and can answer simple questions about their day. They notice other children and want to join them in play. They are also gaining physical independence—putting on some of their own clothes and using a fork at mealtimes. They can follow two-step directions like “Get your shoes and bring them to me.”

How to Help:

Three-year-olds learn through play and movement. Try these activities:

Sing action songs like "If You're Happy and You Know It."
Play simple board games that teach taking turns.
Read books together like The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Set up pretend play areas like a toy kitchen or doctor's office.
Let them dress themselves (even if clothes go on backwards!).

Four Years Old

What Your Child Can Do:

By age 4, your child loves pretend play and wants to spend time with other kids. They speak in full sentences and can tell you about their day. They can name some colors, draw a person with at least three body parts, and catch a large ball. They are also getting more independent—they can pour their own drink and start to unbutton their clothes.

How to Help:

Four-year-olds learn by doing and pretending. Try these simple ideas:

Set up pretend play with a toy kitchen, doctor's kit, or dress-up box.
Read together and ask, "What do you think happens next?"
Talk about feelings when a character or friend seems sad or upset.
Plan playdates so they can practice sharing and taking turns.
Let them pour their own water or help set the table.

Five Years Old

What Your Child Can Do:

By age 5, your child can count to 10 and write some letters from their name. They tell stories and use time words like “yesterday” and “tomorrow.” They can pay attention for 5 to 10 minutes, take turns in games, and follow simple rules. They love to sing and dance, and can do small chores like matching socks or clearing the table. They can also button some buttons and hop on one foot.

How to Help:

Five-year-olds learn best when they are active and having fun. Try these ideas:

Play board games like Candy Land to practice taking turns and following rules.
Have a family talent show where they can sing, dance, or tell a story.
Practice writing their name in sand, shaving cream, or with sidewalk chalk.
Give then simple helper jobs like sorting laundry or clearing the table.
Play hopscotch or hopping games to build balance and coordination.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

Every child develops at their own pace. Some children reach milestones early, while others take more time. Both are normal. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, talk to your child’s doctor. They can check your child’s progress and connect you with support if needed. Trust your instincts—you know your child best.

Track Milestones at Well-Child Visits

PCHP members should schedule regular well-child checkups where your child’s doctor will check if they are reaching their milestones. Between 1 and 5 years old, these visits are recommended at: