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5 Year Online Milestone Checklist

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How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about your child’s development. Developmental milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age. Check the milestones your child has reached by the end of 5 years by completing the checklist below. Share it with your child’s doctor, teacher, and other providers, and be sure to talk about the milestones your child has reached and what to expect next.

Checking children’s development regularly is important. CDC’s free Milestone Tracker app is also available to complete the checklists, with reminders and helpful tips on the go!  Available on the AppStoreexternal iconexternal icon and GooglePlayexternal iconexternal icon.

Your Child at 5 Years

Milestones matter! Check the milestones your child has reached by age 5 by completing the checklist below.

*These fields are required.


CDC does not collect or share any personal information that can be used to identify you or your child.
Click the photos and videos below for examples of the milestones.
What Most Babies Do by this Age:
Social/Emotional

Wants to please friends




Wants to be like friends




More likely to agree with rules




Likes to sing, dance, and act




Is aware of gender




Can tell what’s real and what’s make-believe




Shows more independence (for example, may visit a next-door neighbor by himself [adult supervision is still needed])




Is sometimes demanding and sometimes very cooperative




Language/Communication

Speaks very clearly




Tells a simple story using full sentences




Uses future tense; for example, “Grandma will be here.”




Says name and address




Cognitive (learning, thinking, problem-solving)

Counts 10 or more thing




Can draw a person with at least 6 body parts




Can print some letters or numbers




Copies a triangle and other geometric shapes




Knows about things used every day, like money and food




Movement/Physical Development

Stands on one foot for 10 seconds or longer




Hops; may be able to skip




Can do a somersault




Uses a fork and spoon and sometimes a table knife




Can use the toilet on her own




Swings and climbs




Selected “not sure”? Watch for these milestones over the next week or two. Try some things with your child that gives him/her the chance to show the milestone. If you’re still not seeing the milestone, see the steps below.

Selected “not yet” or have other concerns or questions about your child’s development? Talk with your child’s doctor, teacher and/or another trusted provider. Share the checklist and any questions or concerns you might have. Ask about developmental screening. It’s recommended for all children. If you, the doctor, teacher, or other provider is still concerned after screening, ask to be connected with (1) a specialist who can learn more about your child AND (2) with services and other supports that may help. Visit www.cdc.gov/Concerned for more information.


– Share the checklist with your child’s healthcare provider, early educator, WIC Clinic, or other care providers by FORWARDING the email you receive.
– Be sure to add your child’s name and birthdate (if needed) when forwarding the checklist so your provider can identify it as your child’s.


Page last reviewed: September 30, 2021
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention