Milestones: Red Flags to Watch For
Milestones: Red Flags to Watch For From Birth to 4 Months
1 of 10
Birth to 4 months
Has trouble moving eyes or crosses 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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Milestones: Red Flags to Watch at 5 to 7 Months
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At 7 Months
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)
4 of 10
Milestones: Red Flags to Watch For at 12 to 18 Months
5 of 10
At 1 Year
Doesn't crawl or drags one side of body while crawling
Can't stand when supported
Doesn't search for objects that he sees being hidden
Says no 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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Milestones: Red Flags to Watch For at 2 Years
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At 2 Years
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
8 of 10
At 3 Years
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
Originally published in the June 2010 issue of Parents magazine.
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