Parenting 101 Videos
Milestones are the skills most children pick up around certain ages: smiling, sitting, walking, first words, playing pretend. This guide describes what our developmental milestones videos cover, how to use them without turning your child's growth into a report card, and when to bring questions to the pediatrician.
Milestones fall into a few broad areas, and the series looks at each one at different ages.
Holding up their head, rolling, sitting, crawling, walking, running, jumping and using their hands.
Cooing, babbling, first words, combining words, following directions and telling simple stories.
Smiling, making eye contact, showing affection, playing with others and handling feelings.
Exploring objects, solving simple problems, pretend play, sorting, counting and remembering.
One baby walks at 9 months; another at 15 months. Both can be perfectly healthy. Milestones describe what most children do by a certain age, so it's normal for your child to be ahead in one area and behind in another.
Comparing your child to the neighbor's kid rarely helps. Compare your child to themselves a few months ago instead. Are they gaining new skills over time? That's the main thing to watch.
The CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program at cdc.gov/actearly offers free milestone checklists by age, and the CDC's free Milestone Tracker app lets you check off skills and share a summary with your pediatrician. Bring it to well-child visits.
Dads can play a big role in tracking. You might notice things during bath time or play that others miss. Take short phone videos of new skills; they're fun to look back on and helpful if you have a question for the doctor.
Early support can make a big difference. If there's a concern, your pediatrician can refer you for an evaluation, and every state has early intervention services for young children. Asking early is never overreacting.
Watch the segment for your child's current age and the next one up. That way you'll know what's coming and can set up play that supports it, like putting toys just out of reach for a baby about to crawl, or offering chunky crayons to a toddler who's starting to grip.
Keep expectations realistic. Videos show typical examples, and your child might hit a skill in a different way or order. Use what you learn to play and observe, not to test or drill. Play is how children build these skills, so a fun afternoon on the floor with your baby often does more than any checklist.
Milestone-related videos are in the Phenomenal Fatherhood video gallery, and recorded community talks about growth and development are in the recordings section at https://phenomenalfatherhood.builda.space/community/Welcome-Fathers/recordings.
For written guides by age, see child development milestones, infant and toddler milestones and preschool and early childhood milestones. Return to parenting 101 videos for more topics.
FAQ
Milestones are skills most children develop by a certain age, like smiling, walking, talking and playing with others. They're grouped into movement, language, social-emotional and cognitive areas.
Missing one milestone isn't always a concern, since children develop at different rates. Talk to your pediatrician if you notice several missed milestones, lost skills or anything that worries you.
Play, talk, read and give your child chances to move and explore every day. Follow their interests and give them time to try things on their own before helping.
Keep going
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Child Development Milestones: A Dad's GuideChild development milestones explained for dads: what kids usually do from birth to the school years, when to ask questions, and how play helps. Read on.Infant and Toddler Milestones: Birth to Age 3Infant and toddler milestones from birth to age 3: what babies usually do at each stage, how dads can help through play, and when to talk to the pediatrician.Preschool and Early Childhood Milestones (Ages 3–5)Preschool milestones for ages 3 to 5: language, play, movement and emotional skills, with everyday ways dads can help and signs to discuss with a doctor.
Tracking and Encouraging Milestones at HomeHow to track your child's milestones at home without obsessing: simple logs, the free CDC app, encouraging the next skill and celebrating effort.Ask a question, meet other dads in the 24/7 room, or join the community for resources and support at every stage.
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