Infants and Toddlers (Birth to 3 Years)

Understanding Development 

The first three years of a child’s life are a period of extraordinary growth and development! During these years, children’s brains grow rapidly, laying the foundation for later social, emotional, and learning experiences. Because of the rapid changes children make during these years, there is a wide range of what is considered “normal” or typical development. It can be tempting to compare your child to an older sibling, a cousin, or the child of a family friend, but this can be misleading due to these developmental ranges. The resources in this section will help you understand what to expect at different age ranges  so that you can feel more confident in knowing if your child’s development is on track.

• Early Brain Development

• The Importance of Early Development and Experiences

• Developmental Milestones

  • 0 - 3 Months

  • 4 - 6 Months

  • 7 - 9 Months

  • 10 - 12 Months

  • 13 - 18 Months

  • 19 - 24 Months

  • 2 - 3 Years

• Hearing and Communication Milestones

  • How Does Your Child Hear and Talk? - Birth to 1 Year

  • How Does Your Child Hear and Talk? - 1 to 2 Years

  • How Does Your Child Hear and Talk: - 2 to 3 Years

• Developmental Monitoring and Screening

Parenting, Health, and Safety Resources

Let’s face it, the infant and toddler years are full of surprises! Many of these moments are joyous, but some are confusing and very frustrating. Every child is different, and each new day is a new adventure. There is no shortage of parenting advice...but how do you know which advice is good advice? In this section, we’ve included information from trusted sources to help take some of the guess-work out of your quest for answers! 

• Positive Parenting - Infants (0-1 Years)

• Positive Parenting - Toddlers (1-2 Years)

• Positive Parenting - Toddlers (2-3 Years)

• Parenting Essentials for Toddlers and Preschoolers

• Challenging Behaviors

• Temper Tantrums

• Responding to Your Toddler’s Irrational Behavior

• All About Sleep

• Feeding and Nutrition

• Tips for Picky Eaters

• Dealing with Biting

• All About Toilet Training

• Preventing Childhood Injuries

Play and Early Learning Activities

Exploration through play and social interaction is the best way for young children to learn! This section includes fun ways to engage in play that builds your child’s communication, motor, and early learning skills! 

• The Power of Play

• Playing Is How Toddlers Learn

• Supporting Early Communication Skills

• Tips on Learning to Talk

• Reading Books to Babies

• Toddler Reading Time

• Gross Motor Skill Activities

• Fine Motor Skill Activities

• PBS Kids - 2-Year-Olds 

• PBS Kids - 3-Year-Olds

• Screen Time

What To Do If You’re Concerned About Your Child’s Development 

There is a wide range of what is considered “normal” in child development. This is especially true when children are younger. Before diving into specific areas of concern, please consider reviewing the development sections of this website to anchor your understanding of what’s typical for your child’s age. If you believe that an area of your child’s development might be behind schedule, a developmental screening can help you learn more. Some children may qualify for supportive services to help boost their skills in areas that might be more challenging for them. 

Areas of Concern

• Autism

• Communication

• Does my Toddler Have a Language Delay?

• Motor Development

  • Why Act Early?

  • Developmental Screening and Evaluation

    • In many cases, a child’s pediatrician will make a referral on behalf of a family if there are concerns about a child’s development. Referrals can be for an evaluation through either a medical provider (e.g., Children’s Hospital Child Development Center, Froedtert P.I.N.T. Clinic, etc.) or through the Milwaukee County Birth to 3 Program. Talk with your pediatrician about which type of referral might be best given your concerns. Sometimes pediatricians do not feel that a referral is necessary, but parents continue to have a concern and don’t know where to turn. Parents can contact the Milwaukee County Birth to 3 Program directly through the Children's Programs Referral Line - Milwaukee at 414-289-6799. Even though your child isn’t school age yet, feel free to reach out to our school psychologists if you need support navigating resources. 
      • Milwaukee County Birth to 3 Program
      • Learn More About Early Intervention Services 

Resources for Adults and Family Members

Parenting is a tough job! If you’re going through a rough time, don’t be afraid to reach out for help.  

• You Are Not Alone: Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health

• National Parent Helpline: 1-855- 4A PARENT (1-855-427-2736)

• The Parenting Network of Milwaukee

• Milwaukee County Health and Human Services

• Mental Health America - Milwaukee Resource Directory

• Center for Suicide Awareness Hopeline 

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Need More Information? Sources You Can Trust

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Child Development

• ChooseMyPlate.gov

• HealthyChildren.org

• KidsHealth.org

• Pathways.org

• PBS Kids

• PBS Parents

• Understood.org

• ZeroToThree.org