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CDC milestone checklist

5 years milestones

The CDC lists 15 milestones that most children (75% or more) reach by 5 years, across social, language, thinking and movement skills. Check them off, print the list, and see what to do if your child is not there yet.

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5 years milestones · CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." checklist

Child's name: ______________________   Date: ____________   Age: ________

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Social and emotional

Language and communication

Learning and thinking

Movement and physical

Questions for the doctor

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When to act early

The CDC says you know your child best. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early: talk with your child's doctor and ask about a developmental screening.

Print every age at once for your baby book or the fridge.

How to use this checklist

These milestones show what most children (75% or more) can do by 5 years, so many children reach them earlier. Look for each skill during everyday play, meals and bath time. Bring the list to well-child visits: your doctor will ask about these skills and may also do a developmental screening. Babies born early may reach milestones later; ask your doctor how to read the list for your baby.

← 4 years

Frequently asked questions

What should a child be doing at 5 years?

By 5 years, most children (75% or more) can buttons some buttons; tells a story she heard or made up with at least two events. For example, a cat was stuck in a tree and a firefighter saved it; follows rules or takes turns when playing games with other children. See the full CDC list on this page.

What if my child has not reached a milestone?

The CDC says not to wait: if your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills they once had, or you have other concerns, talk with your child's doctor and ask about a developmental screening. You can also contact your state's early intervention program.

Sources: CDC, "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestone checklists; CDC, WHO growth standards data files. Checked October 17, 2026. Not medical advice. Our sources.

Checkup by checkup

Your child, checkup by checkup

One short email at each CDC milestone age, from 2 months to 5 years: what most children do by then, a checklist to bring to the checkup and when to talk to your doctor.

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