Makes eye contact
Cries differently for different needs, e.g. hungry vs. tired
Coos and smiles
Quiets or smiles in response to sound or voice
Shows interest in faces
Follows some directions when paired with a gesture
Uses 1 or 2 words other than "mama" or "dada"
Shows interest in pictures
Points at familiar objects and people in pictures when named
Points to objects they want
Copies others
Imitates simple words and actions
Follows simple directions, e.g. "Come here"
Repeats words overheard in conversation
Understands “in” and “out”
Uses gestures and words during pretend play
Says 3 or more words
Can say their own name
Can identify 1-2 body parts when named
Consistently imitates new words
Names objects and pictures
Understands new words quickly
Begins to use 2 word phrases
Uses simple pronouns (me, you, my)
Turns head towards sound or voice
Notices toys that make sounds
Makes different vowel sounds, e.g. eee, ooo, ahh, uh
Uses smiles, sounds, or movement to get attention
Uses at least 50 words
Understands action words
Follows 2-step related directions, e.g. “Pick up your coat and bring it to me.”
At least 50% of speech is understood by caregiver
Ask “what” and “where” questions
Uses some plurals, e.g. “dogs”
Understands most simple sentences
Understands “why” questions
Makes different kinds of sounds to express feelings
Uses babbling to get attention
Listens and responds when spoken to
Reacts to sudden noises or sounds
Begins to giggle or laugh
Combines consonants and vowels in different ways e.g. ahhh-b, mmm-uuuh, eee-p
Participates in two-way communication
Recognizes sound of their name
Looks at familiar objects and people when named
Shows recognition of commonly used words
Uses simple gestures, e.g. raises hands to be picked up
Meaningfully uses “mama” or “dada”
Imitates speech sounds
Babbling has sounds and rhythms of speech
Responds to “no”
Pays attention to where you are looking and pointing
Begins using hand movements to communicate wants and needs, e.g. reaches out hand to give/take objects
