By 3 years: milestone checklist
Talking, playing and a big imagination all take off around now. Here’s what a lot of three-year-olds are doing.
Written by the Inclusive Developmental and Therapy Center therapy team · medically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS (GMC 8023727) · Last reviewed July 2026
How to use this checklist
- Go through each list and tick off every skill your child can already do.
- Try not to worry about a few “not yet”s — children grow at their own pace, and this is a gentle guide, not a test.
- Use the Ways to help ideas below to gently nudge along the skills that are still coming.
- If several skills are missing, or your child has lost skills they once had, have a look at the “when to seek advice” box and book a free check.
What most children do by their third birthday
Communication & language
- Talks in short sentences (3–4 words)
- Is understood by family most of the time
- Answers simple “what” and “where” questions
- Names familiar objects, colours or animals
- Follows two- to three-step instructions
Social & play
- Plays alongside and starts to play with other children
- Takes turns sometimes
- Enjoys imaginative, make-believe play
- Shows a wide range of emotions
Movement & self-care
- Jumps, climbs and pedals a tricycle
- Draws a circle and holds a crayon well
- Feeds themselves with a spoon
- Helps dress and undress
Ways to help your child grow
Threes love to chat, ask “why?” and disappear into make-believe. These ideas turn ordinary moments into learning.
Answer their “why?” questions simply, then ask one back — real back-and-forth grows longer sentences.
Give two-step instructions like “get your cup and put it on the table” to stretch their attention.
Play pretend together — shop, doctor or kitchen — using real household bits to build stories and sharing.
Let them scribble, thread big beads and pour water between cups — this readies little hands for writing.
Encourage them to try their own trousers, shoes and spoon — offer help only when they get stuck.
Sort buttons or socks by colour and count them out loud — everyday sorting builds early maths ideas.
Try today: Ask your child to tell you what happened at the park today — listen and add a follow-up question.
When it’s worth having a chat
- Speech unclear to people outside the family
- Not using short sentences
- No pretend play or interest in other children
- Frequent falling or very clumsy movements
If several of these feel familiar, an early, gentle check can bring real clarity — and support at the point where it helps most.
Seek help straight away if your child loses skills they once had; doesn’t respond to sounds or your voice (ask for a hearing test — don’t wait); doesn’t look at faces or make eye contact; or isn’t sitting on their own by 9–10 months, or walking by 18 months. If your child is ever in immediate danger or has hurt themselves, call your local emergency number or go to your nearest emergency department now.
This checklist is a general guide and not a diagnosis — children develop at their own pace. For a clear answer, speak to a professional near you, follow a home program at home, or book an online session with us from anywhere in the world.
Questions parents ask
What should a child do by their third birthday?
Talking, playing and a big imagination all take off around now. Here’s what a lot of three-year-olds are doing. This checklist covers communication, social, movement and self-care milestones, ways to help at home, and signs it’s worth seeking advice.
My child has missed a few of these — should I worry?
Not necessarily — every child develops at their own pace and one or two “not yet”s are common. A cluster of missed milestones, or any loss of skills, is worth a friendly check.
Not sure what the checklist is telling you?
Send us your child’s age and what you’ve noticed — we’ll help you make sense of it, gently and without pressure.
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