Your baby this month

By 5 years, most children can do up some buttons on their own.

Most children this age can tell a simple story with two events.

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 60 months

Typical milestones (a guide, not a test)

Cognitive (learning/thinking)

  • Counts to 10CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Names some numbers between 1 and 5 when you point to themCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Uses words about time, like "yesterday," "tomorrow," "morning," or "night"CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Pays attention for 5 to 10 minutes during activities. For example, during story time or making arts and crafts (screen time does not count)CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Writes some letters in her nameCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Names some letters when you point to themCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Language & Communication

  • 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 itCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Answers simple questions about a book or story after you read or tell it to himCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Keeps a conversation going with more than three back-and-forth exchangesCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Uses or recognizes simple rhymes (bat-cat, ball-tall)CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Movement & Physical

  • Buttons some buttonsCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Hops on one footCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Social & Emotional

  • Follows rules or takes turns when playing games with other childrenCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Sings, dances, or acts for youCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)
  • Does simple chores at home, like matching socks or clearing the table after eatingCDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. (2022 revision)

Feeding

  • 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.

Sleep

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

Part of Preschooler: 4 to 5 years.

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