Developmental Red Flags by Age
Based on CDC “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” guidelines and AAP developmental screening recommendations.
Key takeaways
- Red flags are signs a child may benefit from evaluation, not a diagnosis
- Many children who show one or two red flags develop typically
- Early identification leads to early intervention, which produces the best outcomes
- Loss of previously-acquired skills at any age warrants immediate evaluation
- Contact your state’s early intervention program directly — no referral needed
Content reviewed against published CDC, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
What are red flags?
Red flags are signs that a child may benefit from a developmental evaluation. They do not mean something is wrong — many children who show one or two red flags develop typically. But early identification leads to early intervention, which produces the best outcomes.
If your child shows any of these signs, talk to your pediatrician. You can also contact your state's early intervention program directly — no referral is needed.
Age: 2 months
Key red flags: No smiling, no response to sounds
Age: 4 months
Key red flags: Cannot hold head steady, no sounds
Age: 6 months
Key red flags: No reaching, no rolling, very stiff/floppy
Age: 9 months
Key red flags: No babbling, no response to name
Age: 12 months
Key red flags: No words, no pointing, no crawling
Age: 18 months
Key red flags: Cannot walk, fewer than 6 words
Age: 24 months
Key red flags: No 2-word phrases, no pretend play
Age: 36 months
Key red flags: Unclear speech, no sentences, no eye contact
Age: Any age
Key red flags: Loss of previously acquired skills
| Age | Key red flags |
|---|---|
| 2 months | No smiling, no response to sounds |
| 4 months | Cannot hold head steady, no sounds |
| 6 months | No reaching, no rolling, very stiff/floppy |
| 9 months | No babbling, no response to name |
| 12 months | No words, no pointing, no crawling |
| 18 months | Cannot walk, fewer than 6 words |
| 24 months | No 2-word phrases, no pretend play |
| 36 months | Unclear speech, no sentences, no eye contact |
| Any age | Loss of previously acquired skills |
Source: CDC \u201CLearn the Signs. Act Early.\u201D guidelines
By 2 months
- Does not respond to loud sounds
- Does not watch things as they move
- Does not smile at people
- Does not bring hands to mouth
- Cannot hold head up when pushing up on tummy
By 4 months
- Does not watch things as they move
- Does not smile at people
- Cannot hold head steady
- Does not coo or make sounds
- Does not bring things to mouth
- Does not push down with legs when feet are placed on a hard surface
- Has trouble moving one or both eyes in all directions
By 6 months
- Does not try to get things that are in reach
- Shows no affection for caregivers
- Does not respond to sounds around them
- Has difficulty getting things to mouth
- Does not make vowel sounds ("ah", "eh", "oh")
- Does not roll over in either direction
- Does not laugh or squeal
- Seems very stiff, with tight muscles
- Seems very floppy, like a rag doll
By 9 months
- Does not bear weight on legs with support
- Does not sit with help
- Does not babble ("mama", "baba", "dada")
- Does not play games involving back-and-forth interaction
- Does not respond to own name
- Does not seem to recognize familiar people
- Does not look where you point
- Does not transfer toys from one hand to the other
By 12 months
- Does not crawl
- Cannot stand when supported
- Does not search for things that are hidden
- Does not say single words like "mama" or "dada"
- Does not learn gestures like waving or shaking head
- Does not point to things
- Loses skills they once had
By 18 months
- Does not point to show things to others
- Cannot walk
- Does not know what familiar things are for (phone, brush, spoon)
- Does not copy others
- Does not gain new words
- Does not have at least 6 words
- Does not notice or mind when a caregiver leaves or returns
- Loses skills they once had
By 24 months
- Does not use 2-word phrases ("drink milk", "more cookie")
- Does not know what to do with common objects (brush, phone, fork)
- Does not copy actions and words
- Does not follow simple instructions
- Does not walk steadily
- Loses skills they once had
By 36 months
- Falls down a lot or has trouble with stairs
- Drools or has very unclear speech
- Cannot work simple toys (peg boards, simple puzzles, turning handle)
- Does not speak in sentences
- Does not understand simple instructions
- Does not play pretend or make-believe
- Does not want to play with other children or with toys
- Does not make eye contact
- Loses skills they once had
At any age
Talk to your doctor immediately if your child:
- Loses skills they previously had (developmental regression)
- Shows a significant change in behavior
- Stops making eye contact
- Stops responding to their name
- Stops babbling or talking
What to do next
If you have concerns about your child's development, you do not need to wait for the next well-child visit. You can:
- Call your pediatrician to discuss your observations
- Request a formal developmental screening (ASQ-3 or similar)
- Contact your state's early intervention program (for children under 3) — no referral needed
Frequently asked questions
What is a developmental red flag?
When should I worry about my baby not talking?
Can I contact early intervention without a referral?
Is developmental regression always a concern?
Bottom line
Red flags don't automatically mean something is wrong — they mean your child should be evaluated by a professional. Early intervention services are free in every state and can make a significant difference when started early. If you have concerns, ask your pediatrician for a developmental screening.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members