Your baby this month

By 3 years, most children can string beads or macaroni together.

Most children this age hold a little back-and-forth chat with you.

You this month

Keep your child in a harness seat, then a booster as they grow, always buckled in the back seat.

Building sets, art and crafts, and simple board games all suit this age.

Your baby at 36 months

Typical milestones (a guide, not a test)

Cognitive (learning/thinking)

  • Draws a circle, when you show him howCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Avoids touching hot objects, like a stove, when you warn herCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Language & Communication

  • Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchangesCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Asks "who," "what," "where," or "why" questions, like "Where is mommy/daddy?"CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Says what action is happening in a picture or book when asked, like "running," "eating," or "playing"CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Says first name, when askedCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Talks well enough for others to understand, most of the timeCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Movement & Physical

  • Strings items together, like large beads or macaroniCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Puts on some clothes by himself, like loose pants or a jacketCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Uses a forkCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Social & Emotional

  • Calms down within 10 minutes after you leave her, like at a childcare drop offCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Notices other children and joins them to playCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Feeding

  • Avoid whole nuts, whole grapes, popcorn, hard raw vegetables, chunks of meat/cheese (choking). — modify texture <4 years
  • Introduce common allergens (peanut, egg) from ~6 months in age-appropriate form — early introduction reduces allergy risk (LEAP/EAT). — INTRODUCE from ~6 months

Play & bonding

Keeping baby safe

  • Car: forward-facing harness, then booster per height/weight; always buckled in back seat., Road: teach to hold hands and stop at curbs; supervise near streets., Helmets: for bikes, scooters, and trikes., Stranger & body safety: age-appropriate teaching., Supervise water, playgrounds, and pets.
  • Babyproof: cover outlets, secure cabinets/heavy furniture (anchor to wall), use stair gates., Poison: store medicines, cleaners, and detergents locked and out of reach; keep Poison Control number handy., Choking: avoid whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, hard candy; cut foods small., Water: fence pools; supervise near any water at all times., Car seat: rear-facing until at least age 2 (or seat max).

Sleep

  • Ranges are per 24 hours and, for children through preschool, include naps. Individual needs vary. — 10-13

Part of Toddler: 1 to 3 years.

educational reference only; milestones are general guides — discuss any concerns with a pediatrician. Not a diagnostic tool.

Tips for this stage

  • 10-12 hours total. Most toddlers have dropped the nap or keep a short one.Source: National Sleep Foundation / AASM pediatric sleep duration recommendation
  • Plan preschool enrollment if not already startedSource: WHO/UNICEF/World Bank Group — Nurturing Care Framework for Early Childhood Development (2018)
  • Involve toddler more fully in festival celebrationsSource: WHO/UNICEF/World Bank Group — Nurturing Care Framework for Early Childhood Development (2018)