Child Development Milestone Checker (2 Months to 5 Years)
Milestone lists are from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Learn the Signs. Act Early. program, updated with the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2022. The milestones show what most children (75% or more) can do by each age. This checker is not a screening or diagnostic test and does not replace advice from your child’s doctor.
How to use this milestone checker
Choose your child’s age, then answer each milestone with “Yes”, “Not yet” or “Not sure”. The milestones come from the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. checklists, which were updated with the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2022. They describe what most children, 75% or more, can do by each age. When you are done, click “See my results” for guidance on next steps, and print or save the page to take to your child’s next checkup.
What if my child has not reached a milestone?
Children develop at different rates, and missing a milestone does not always mean there is a problem. However, the CDC recommends acting early: if your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills they once had, or you have any other concerns, talk to your child’s pediatrician and ask about developmental screening. Early support, such as speech therapy, physical therapy or developmental services, works best when it starts early.
- Under 3 years: you can contact your state’s free early intervention program directly. You do not need a doctor’s referral.
- 3 years and older: you can ask your local public school district, in writing, for a free evaluation.
- Behavior, attention or emotional concerns: your pediatrician can refer you to a child psychologist or child psychiatrist. See also signs your child may need an ADHD evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a developmental screening test?
No. This checklist helps you track milestones and start a conversation with your child’s doctor. Developmental screening uses validated questionnaires, such as the ASQ, and is usually done by your pediatrician at the 9, 18 and 30-month well-child visits, with autism screening at 18 and 24 months.
Should I use my premature baby’s actual age?
If your baby was born more than three weeks early, use their corrected age (age calculated from their due date) until around age 2, and check with your pediatrician.
Who should my child see if I am worried?
Start with your pediatrician, who can screen your child, rule out medical causes such as hearing problems and refer you to specialists if needed. Find a pediatrician near you on Parenting Pathway.