What milestones should a 0-3 months old baby reach?

Key milestones for 0-3 months include: Follows things with eyes, Recognizes familiar people at a distance, Pays attention to faces, Coos and makes gurgling sounds, Turns head toward sounds. Every child develops differently, so use these as a general guide.

What cognitive milestones should I look for at 0-3 months?

At 0-3 months, key cognitive milestones include: Follows things with eyes, Recognizes familiar people at a distance, Pays attention to faces.

What language/communication milestones should I look for at 0-3 months?

At 0-3 months, key language/communication milestones include: Coos and makes gurgling sounds, Turns head toward sounds, Makes soothing sounds, Cries differently for different needs.

What movement/physical milestones should I look for at 0-3 months?

At 0-3 months, key movement/physical milestones include: Holds head up when on tummy, Moves both arms and both legs, Opens hands briefly, Brings hands to mouth, Startles at loud sounds, Kicks legs and waves arms actively.

What social/emotional milestones should I look for at 0-3 months?

At 0-3 months, key social/emotional milestones include: Pays attention to faces, Smiles at people, Calms when spoken to or picked up, Acts bored if activity doesn't change, Shows happiness by kicking and waving.

0-3 months Milestones

Here are the key development milestones for babies aged 0-3 months.

Last reviewed: May 2026

Cognitive Language/Communication Movement/Physical Social/Emotional

Cognitive

Follows things with eyes
Recognizes familiar people at a distance
Pays attention to faces

Language/Communication

Coos and makes gurgling sounds
Turns head toward sounds
Makes soothing sounds
Cries differently for different needs

Movement/Physical

Holds head up when on tummy
Moves both arms and both legs
Opens hands briefly
Brings hands to mouth
Startles at loud sounds
Kicks legs and waves arms actively

When to Talk to Your Pediatrician

Every child develops at their own pace, and a wide range of progress is considered typical. However, if you notice that your child is not meeting several milestones for their age group, or if you have any concerns about their development, it's always a good idea to bring it up with your pediatrician. Early conversations with your child's doctor can help you understand what to look for and when additional support may be helpful.

Milestone criteria based on CDC and AAP research — sourced from the CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early. program, developed in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics. For informational purposes only; not endorsed by or affiliated with the CDC or AAP.

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