2 months

• Makes sounds other than crying
• Reacts to loud sounds

4 months

• Makes sounds like “oooo”, “aahh” (cooing)
• Makes sounds back when you talk to him
• Turns head towards the sound of your voice

6 months

• Takes turns making sounds with you
• Blows “raspberries” (sticks tongue out and blows)
• Makes squealing noises

9 months

• Makes a lot of different sounds like “mamamama” and “bababababa”
• Lifts arms up to be picked up

1 year

• Waves “bye-bye”
• Calls a parent “mama” or “dada” or another special name
• Understands “no” (pauses briefly or stops when you say it)

15 months

• 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 gives you a toy when you hold out your hand and say, “Give me the toy.”
• Points to ask for something or to get help

18 months

• Tries to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”
• Follows one-step directions without any gestures, like giving you the toy when you say, “Give it to me.”

2 years

• Points to things in a book when you ask, like “Where is the bear?”
• Says at least two words together, like “More milk.”
• Points to at least two body parts when you ask him to show you
• Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes

30 months

• Says about 50 words
• Says two or more words together, with one action word, like “Doggie run”
• Names things in a book when you point and ask, “What is this?”
• Says words like “I,” “me,” or “we”

3 years

• Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges
• Asks “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions, like “Where is mommy/daddy?”
• Says what action is happening in a picture or book when asked, like “running,” “eating,” or “playing”
• Says first name, when asked
• Talks well enough for others to understand, most of the time