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3-Year-Old Milestone Checklist
Milestones many 3-year-olds reach, to track and bring to your child's doctor.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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Three sources list pedaling a tricycle, and three list drawing or copying a circle, though one of the three in each case covers ages 3 to 4. Many of the rest come from the CDC checklist, which counts a milestone as something 75% or more of children do by that age. A few items come from a list covering ages 3 to 4, and their notes say so. This is a way to notice and track, not a screening tool. Children develop at their own pace, so check with your child's doctor if you have concerns. The list covers movement, hand skills, language, thinking and social skills, and leaves out growth measurements.
Why these items are on the list
- Pedals a tricycle. Two sources say age 3; a third list covers ages 3 to 4.
- Runs easily. Listed alongside climbing stairs with one foot on each step.
- Goes up and down stairs. Some lists say without support. MedlinePlus says a child may walk up stairs with alternating feet, not holding the rail.
- Stands on one foot briefly. HealthyChildren.org gives up to 5 seconds, along with hopping.
- Kicks and throws a ball. Kicking forward and throwing overhand, from a list for ages 3 to 4.
- Draws or copies a circle. Three sources list it, and one words it as when you show your child how.
- Strings large beads or macaroni. Listed under movement and physical development.
- Builds a tall block tower. MedlinePlus puts it at more than 9 cubes.
- Uses child-safe scissors. Listed under hand and finger skills, on a list for ages 3 to 4.
- Puts on some clothes alone. Loose pants or a jacket are examples. Buttons and other fasteners may still need help.
- Uses a fork. Feeding themselves easily is also listed.
- Talks in three-word sentences. MedlinePlus says sentences of 3 words at age 3. A list for ages 3 to 4 includes it too.
- Holds a two-way conversation. The CDC counts this as at least two back-and-forth exchanges with you.
- Asks who, what, where or why. An example is asking where mommy or daddy is.
- Says first name when asked. Some lists add age and whether they are a boy or girl.
- Speaks clearly most of the time. Other people should understand most of it.
- Understands simple prepositions. Two lists give examples such as in, on and under.
- Names actions in a picture. Running, eating or playing, when asked what is happening.
- Follows three-part commands. HealthyChildren.org lists it among its milestones for ages 3 to 4.
- Counts a few objects. MedlinePlus says 3 objects. Another list says a child may know a few numbers.
- Avoids hot objects when warned. For example, stays away from a stove after you warn them.
- Notices and joins other children. Listed as a social and emotional milestone.
- Calms down within 10 minutes. The CDC counts this after you leave, such as at childcare drop-off.
- Concerns to bring to your doctor. Lost skills or missed milestones are worth raising. Ask about developmental screening.
Tick what you have seen and leave the rest open. A shared list on your phone lets both caregivers add what they notice before a check-up.
When to use it
Use it around your child's third birthday or before a check-up, when you want notes ready to share with the doctor.