Developmental Milestones Matter!

Track your child’s milestones and act early if you have a concern.

Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye-bye” are called developmental milestones. From birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he or she plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves.

Parents and caregivers can track developmental milestones from as early as 2 months to help better understand their child’s abilities and stay in tune with their child’s developmental health.

CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program offers free, research-based, parent-friendly tools to make it easy and fun to track milestones from age 2 months through 5 years!

Get started today!

• Milestone Checklists – Regularly complete a milestone checklist for your child’s age to track and celebrate the milestones that he or she is reaching. Print a checklist today! [2.16 MB]
• Milestone Moments Booklet [5.09 MB] – This booklet helps parents keep track of their child’s development from 2 months to 5 years of age. Helpful tips and activities to help parents support their child’s development are also included. Order one as part of a free Parent Kit today!
• Growth Chart [17.8 MB] – Use this colorful growth chart to record your child’s milestone achievements and add your own photo snapshots as he or she grows. Order one as part of a free Parent Kit today!
• Amazing Me: It’s Busy Being 3! [28.7 MB] – Parents, this book for children ages 2-4 years tells the story of an amazing 3-year-old kangaroo, and also shows you what milestones to look for as your child grows and develops. Order a free copy of Amazing Me today!

Visit the Act Early website to learn more and view other free materials.

View Milestones in Action

Not sure what a particular developmental milestone looks like?

CDC’s new Milestones in Action image library features photo and video examples of children reaching developmental milestones from 2 months to 5 years of age so that you know what to look for in your own child. Use it to help you complete a milestone checklist [2.16 MB] for your child today.

To view and share, visit Milestones in Action.

Missing Milestones? Time to Act Early

Making sure all children have the help and support they need to overcome challenges, find their strengths, and reach their full potential starts early. You know your child best. If your child is missing milestones for his or her age or you have concerns about your child’s development,

• Talk with your child’s doctor (find tips for this conversation here [273 KB]);
• Share your concerns (use a milestone checklist to point out areas of concern); and
• Ask about developmental screening.

If you or the doctor is still concerned,

• Ask the doctor for a referral to a specialist; and
• Call for a free evaluation to find out if your child can get services to help.
  • If your child is under 3 years old, call your local early intervention program.
  • If your child is 3 years old or older, call any local public elementary school.

Don’t wait. Acting early can make a real difference!

For more about what to do if you have a concern, visit the If You’re Concerned page.

For more information about CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” visit the Act Early website.