What to know
- Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye bye” are called developmental milestones.
- Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move.
Click on the age of your child to see the milestones:
Resources
- Milestone checklists translated into other languages
- Print the milestone checklists or click on your child's age above to complete the checklist online.
- Developmental Milestone Checklists for WIC
- Download CDC's Milestone Tracker mobile app
- Complete a checklist using the Digital Online Checklist
Learn the Signs. Act Early. resources are not a substitute for standardized, validated developmental screening tools.
Developmental Milestone Videos
In this video, parents of young children share their personal experiences of using CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” tools and resources to learn about child development, recognize the milestones their child should be reaching, and guide them about what to do if they ever become concerned.
In this Spanish-language video, two families share personal stories of how using CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. resources help them learn about their child’s developmental milestones and support their children’s development.
Concerned about your child's development? Act early.
You know your child best.
Don't wait. 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. Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that 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.
If you or the doctor are still concerned:
- Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your child more; and
- Call your state or territory's early intervention program to find out if your child can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI.
For more on how to help your child, visit cdc.gov/Concerned.
- Special acknowledgments to the subject matter experts and others who contributed to the review of data and selection of developmental milestones, especially Paul H. Lipkin, MD, Michelle M. Macias, MD, Julie F. Pajek, PhD, Judith S. Shaw, EdD, MPH, RN, Karnesha Slaughter, MPH, Jane K. Squires, PhD, Toni M. Whitaker, MD, Lisa D. Wiggins, PhD, and Jennifer M. Zubler, MD.Sincere gratitude to Natalia Benza, MD and José O. Rodríguez, MD, MBA for their thoughtful review of the Spanish-language translation of these milestones.