Milestones: Red Flags to Watch For

By Jessica Snyder Sachs
Fancy Photography/Veer
While young children can reach milestones at different ages, the 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.
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Birth to 4 months

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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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At 7 Months

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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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At 1 Year

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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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At 2 Years

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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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At 3 Years

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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.

All content on this Web site, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

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