3 Year Online Milestone Checklist

How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about your child’s development. Developmental milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age. Check the milestones your child has reached by the end of 3 years by completing the checklist below. Share it with your child’s doctor, teacher, and other providers, and be sure to talk about the milestones your child has reached and what to expect next.

Checking children’s development regularly is important. CDC’s free Milestone Tracker app is also available to complete the checklists, with reminders and helpful tips on the go!  Available on the AppStoreexternal icon and GooglePlayexternal icon.

Your Child at 3 Years

Milestones matter! Check the milestones your child has reached by age 3 by completing the checklist below.

*These fields are required.

CDC does not collect or share any personal information that can be used to identify you or your child.

What Most Babies Do by this Age:

Social/Emotional

Calms down within 10 minutes after you leave her, like at a childcare drop off *
Yes
Not Sure
Not Yet

Notices other children and joins them to play *
Yes
Not Sure
Not Yet

Language/Communication

Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges *
Yes
Not Sure
Not Yet

Asks “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions, like “Where is mommy/daddy?” *
Yes
Not Sure
Not Yet

Says what action is happening in a picture or book when asked, like “running,” “eating,” or “playing” *
Yes
Not Sure
Not Yet

Says first name, when asked *
Yes
Not Sure
Not Yet

Talks well enough for others to understand, most of the time *
Yes
Not Sure
Not Yet

Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Draws a circle, when you show him how *
Yes
Not Sure
Not Yet

Avoids touching hot objects, like a stove, when you warn her *
Yes
Not Sure
Not Yet

Movement/Physical Development

Strings items together, like large beads or macaroni *
Yes
Not Sure
Not Yet

Puts on some clothes by himself, like loose pants or a jacket *
Yes
Not Sure
Not Yet

Uses a fork *
Yes
Not Sure
Not Yet

Selected “not sure”? Watch for these milestones over the next week or two. Try some things with your child that gives him/her the chance to show the milestone. If you’re still not seeing the milestone, see the steps below.

Selected “not yet” or have other concerns or questions about your child’s development? Talk with your child’s doctor, teacher and/or another trusted provider. Share the checklist and any questions or concerns you might have. Ask about developmental screening. It’s recommended for all children. If you, the doctor, teacher, or other provider is still concerned after screening, ask to be connected with (1) a specialist who can learn more about your child AND (2) with services and other supports that may help. Visit www.cdc.gov/Concerned for more information.

To receive a copy of your child’s completed milestone checklist, enter your email address in the box below. *
– Share the checklist with your child’s healthcare provider, early educator, WIC Clinic, or other care providers by FORWARDING the email you receive.

– Be sure to add your child’s name and birthdate (if needed) when forwarding the checklist so your provider can identify it as your child’s.

Submit