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What are developmental milestones and when should I worry?

Learn what developmental milestones are, how to track them, and when to talk to your child's doctor.

Your child is not the general case. Ask about yours →

What it is

Developmental milestones are skills like taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye bye” [1]. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move [1]. You can check milestones by your child’s age using checklists, either printed or online [2]. There are also videos where parents share their experiences using these tools to learn about child development and recognize milestones [3].

What you can do at home

You know your child best [3]. Don’t wait if you have concerns [3]. Here is what you can do:

When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department

If you are concerned about your child’s development, act early [3]. Talk with your child’s doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening [3]. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children be screened for general development using standardized, validated tools at 9, 18, and 30 months, and for autism at 18 and 24 months, or whenever a parent or provider has a concern [3].

If you or the doctor are still concerned, you can [3]:

Common questions

What if my child misses one milestone? If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills they once had, or you have other concerns, act early and talk with your child’s doctor [3].

Are milestone checklists a substitute for screening? No. These resources are not a substitute for standardized, validated developmental screening tools [2].

When are children usually screened? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening for general development at 9, 18, and 30 months, and for autism at 18 and 24 months, or whenever a parent or provider has a concern [3].

What should I do if the doctor is also concerned? Ask for a referral to a specialist and call your state or territory’s early intervention program to see if your child can get services [3].

Sources

[1] CDC — “CDC’s Developmental Milestones”, section “CDC’s Developmental Milestones What to know”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/index.html [2] CDC — “CDC’s Developmental Milestones”, section “Resources”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/index.html [3] CDC — “CDC’s Developmental Milestones”, section “Developmental Milestone Videos”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/index.html

This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.

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