Milestones: Red Flags to Watch For

Children grow and develop at their own pace. That's a fact. What's normal for one baby or toddler may be abnormal for another. And while young children can reach milestones at different ages, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says you should talk to your doctor and consider an early-intervention evaluation if your child displays any of these signs or has a dramatic loss of skills.

Kimberly Zapata

Updated on May 11, 2022

Medically reviewed by

David L. Hill, M.D., FAAP

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Birth to 4 months

benefits of tummy time for baby — jelly/Pixabay

Babies change and grow a lot during their first few months of life. The average newborn gains 5 to 7 ounces a week. They also grow 1/2 inch to 1 inch each month. In short, your baby is getting bigger before your eyes. They are also developing new skills. But if your little one has trouble with any of the following, it could be a sign that something is wrong:

While babies may cross their eyes often in the first month or two, flag with your pediatrician if your baby has trouble moving their eyes or is crossing them most of the time
Doesn't respond to loud noises
Doesn't notice own hands (by 2 months)
Doesn't follow moving objects with eyes (by 3 months)
Doesn't grasp objects (by 3 months)
Doesn't smile at people (by 3 months)
Can't support head (by 3 months)
Doesn't babble or try to imitate sounds (by 4 months)
Doesn't bring objects to mouth (by 4 months)
Doesn't push down with legs when feet are on firm surface (by 4 months)

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By 7 Months

As your baby continues to grow, so too will their skills. Many 5-, 6-, and 7-month-olds roll, smile, and laugh. They grab toys frequently—and put objects in their mouth—and they babble and squeal. Their world expands each and every day. And while your baby may not have hit all of these milestones, at least not yet, the following could be a sign something is amiss:

Seems very stiff, with tight muscles
Seems very floppy, like a rag doll
Head still flops back when body is pulled to a sitting position
Reaches with only one hand
Refuses to cuddle
Shows no affection for the person who cares for him
Persistent tearing, eye drainage, or sensitivity to light
Difficulty getting objects to mouth
Doesn't roll over in either direction (by 5 months)
Can't sit with help (by 6 months)
Doesn't laugh or make squealing sounds (by 6 months)

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By 1 Year

A 1 year old boy smiling on his high chair — CATHARINE DELAHAYE/GETTY

By your child's first birthday, they've probably changed a lot—physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Developmental milestones are things most (75 percent) of children can do by a certain age. But if you have any concerns and/or if your child is exhibiting any of the following behaviors, you may want to speak to their pediatrician:

Doesn't crawl or scoot, or drags one side of body while crawling
Can't stand when supported
Doesn't search for objects that they see being hidden
Doesn't say mama or dada—or any other single words
Doesn't use gestures, such as shaking head "no"
Doesn't point to objects or pictures
Can't walk (by 18 months)
Doesn't walk heel-toe within a few months of walking

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By 2 Years

2-year-old toddler girl preschooler — Kasman/pixabay

Ah, toddlerhood. There's nothing quite like it. Most 2-year-olds crawl, walk, and talk. They are also balls of energy—running, jumping, and simply going 100 miles a minute. But if your child is struggling physically, socially, or emotionally, you may want to speak to an early intervention expert. These are some signs that something could be wrong:

Doesn't speak at least 15 words
Doesn't use two-word sentences
Doesn't imitate actions or words
Doesn't follow simple instructions
Can't push a wheeled toy

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By 3 Years

An image of a child playing with blocks. — Getty Images.

Can you believe your baby is 3? Thirty-six months have passed since your wee one was born. But if your toddler is having difficulty with any of these things, you may want to speak with their doctor and/or pediatrician:

Frequently falls or has difficulty with stairs
Drools persistently or speaks unclearly
Can't build a tower of more than four blocks
Has trouble manipulating small objects
Can't copy a circle
Can't communicate in short phrases
Doesn't engage in pretend play
Doesn't understand simple instructions
Shows no interest in other children
Makes poor eye contact
Has little interest in toys

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Concerned About Your Child's Development?

You know your child best. If something seems off or "wrong," don't wait, speak up, and get help. "If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early," the CDC explains. "Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening."

RELATED: Social Emotional Learning is Essential for Child Development—Here's How to Teach It at Home

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