Developmental milestones (how a child plays, learns, speaks, acts, or moves) are things most children can do by a certain age. All young children need both developmental monitoring and developmental screening to help you and your child’s doctor, teachers, and other providers know if your child’s development is on track.
All young children need both developmental monitoring and developmental screening. The best person to track your child’s development is you!
Complete a milestone checklist by using CDC’s free Milestone Tracker app from the App Store or Google Play, or by printing a paper checklist.
Share your child’s milestone checklist and any related information from your child’s teachers or other providers with the doctor at every well-child visit.
Developmental Monitoring
| WHO: | You — parents, grandparents, other caregivers |
| WHAT: | Look for developmental milestones |
| WHEN: | From birth to 5 years |
| WHY: | To help you: celebrate your child’s development talk about your child’s progress with doctors and child care providers learn what to expect next identify any concerns early |
| HOW: | With easy, free checklists – get yours at www.cdc.gov/Milestones |
Developmental Screening
| WHO: | Healthcare provider, early childhood teacher, or other trained provider |
| WHAT: | Look for developmental milestones |
| WHEN: | Developmental Screening at 9, 18, and 30 months of age. Autism Screening at 18 and 24 months of age |
| WHY: | To find out: if your child needs more help with development, because it is notalways obvious to doctors, child care providers, or parents if more developmental evaluations are recommended |
| HOW: | With a formal, validated screening tool – learn more at www.hhs.gov/WatchMeThrive |
What if your child is not reaching milestones as expected?
You know your child best. If you are concerned about your child’s development, talk with your child’s doctor about
your concerns and ask about developmental screening. For more information, go to CDC’s Developmental Milestones.
Don’t wait! Acting early can make a real difference. Download this tip sheet.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | Learn More About Your Child’s Development: Developmental Monitoring and Screening, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/Develop-Monitor-and-Screen-English-and-Spanish-2021-P.pdf | Public domain. Last Reviewed: May 2026
Do you have questions or concerns about your child’s development? Check out our article about the typical milestones in five areas of development.
