Developmental Milestones Checklist (CDC) for Babies and Children

About this tool

This tool lets parents check their child’s development against the CDC milestone checklists, from 2 months to 5 years. You pick your child’s age and mark each milestone as yes, not sure or not yet, across four areas: social and emotional, language and communication, learning and thinking, and movement.

Choose the age closest to your child’s age, but not older. If your baby was born early, use the age from the due date until age 2. The milestones are skills that most children (3 out of 4) can do by that age, so every child grows at their own pace. There is also a box to tick if your child has lost skills they used to have, which is a reason to see the doctor soon.

When you finish, the tool shows how many milestones were met and makes a list of anything marked not yet or not sure that you can copy and bring to your child’s doctor. It explains that you can also ask for a free evaluation yourself, through early intervention (under 3 years) or your local public school (3 years and older). It is based on the CDC “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” milestones and Zubler et al., Pediatrics 2022.

Common questions

What should I do if my child hasn’t reached a milestone?

Talk with your child’s doctor about any milestone marked not yet or not sure; you don’t need to wait for the next checkup. You can also contact early intervention (under 3 years) or your local public school (3 years and older) for a free evaluation without a doctor’s referral.

Should I use my baby’s adjusted age if they were born early?

Yes. If your child was born early, use the age counted from the due date until age 2 when choosing which milestone checklist to use.

When should my child have a developmental screening?

Children should have a developmental screening at 9, 18 and 30 months, and autism screening at 18 and 24 months. Ask about these at your child’s checkups. A milestone checklist does not replace this screening.

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