All babies are unique little beings, each with their own personalities and developmental profile. At ECAS, we know that developmental milestones come in a broad range, and not all skills occur at the same time for all babies. The good news is, for all but a few babies, these skills all eventually emerge without additional support.

The skills below are to be used as guidelines only. If your baby is not reaching these milestones by the end of the thirty-sixth month, it should not cause you concern. Just use your instincts! Call your pediatrician and he/she will refer you to your local early intervention team.

Your baby should be able to do the following by the end of the 36th month:

• Understands big/little
• Can point to colors when asked
• Sorts shapes, circle, square and triangle
• Understands the concept of two
• Can say about 200 single words and can say up to a 5 word sentence

• Asks what, where and when questions
• Can ride a tricycle
• Jumps forward
• Walks up and down stairs alternating feet
• Holds a pencil with an adult-like grasp

• Interacts with peers and participates in interactive games
• Uses a fork
• Interest in using the toilet
• Sleeps 10-15 hours
• Dresses self

• If your baby is not saying up to a 4-5 word sentence
• If your baby is not showing affection for playmates

• If your baby is not engaging in make-believe play with dolls, animals and people (more than just pushing cars and trains around on the floor – e.g. putting man in car, pushing it to the “store”, having him get out and purchase groceries, getting back in car to drive home to family)