Developmental Red Flags

Noticing early signs matters

Every child develops at their own pace—but some signs may indicate a need for extra support. This checklist outlines potential developmental red flags from birth through 5 years of age. It’s designed to help you better understand your child’s growth and know when it might be time to reach out to a pediatrician, therapist, or other professional.

These signs don’t always mean something is wrong—but early conversations and support can make a big difference.

Use the checklist below as a general guide to monitor your child’s physical, social, emotional, and communication development

1–3 Months: Early Sensory & Motor Red Flags

  • Doesn’t get startled by loud noises

  • Doesn’t track moving objects

  • Doesn’t smile when they hear your voice

  • Doesn’t smile at people

  • Doesn’t grab and hold an object

  • Doesn’t support their own head

  • Doesn’t bring objects to their mouth

  • Doesn’t move eyes in most directions

  • Doesn’t push their legs down when there is a sturdy surface underneath them

4–7 Months: Emerging Movement & Social Interaction

  • Flops their head back when you pick them up

  • Is very floppy or very tight

  • Doesn’t show affection to caregivers

  • Has sensitivity to light

  • Has trouble putting objects from hand to mouth

  • Doesn’t respond to sounds (e.g., doesn’t turn head to follow voice)

  • Cannot roll from stomach to back

  • Cannot sit with support

  • Doesn’t laugh or squeal

  • Doesn’t track objects with both eyes

  • Doesn’t know how to self-soothe

8–12 Months: Communication & Mobility Red Flags

  • Not yet crawling

  • Scooching instead of crawling

  • Cannot stand with support

  • Doesn’t use simple gestures (e.g., waving goodbye)

  • Doesn’t sit independently

  • Doesn’t initiate babble (e.g., “mama” or “dada”)

  • Doesn’t respond to simple games (e.g., peek-a-boo)

  • Doesn’t seek emotional support from caregiver

12–24 Months: Language, Motor, and Social Development

  • Isn’t walking independently (by 18 months)

  • Walks only on toes

  • Cannot recognize common household objects

  • Cannot hold a spoon or cup

  • Doesn’t initiate self-feeding

  • Doesn’t show a range of emotions

  • Is non-verbal

  • Doesn’t show self-awareness or identity

24–36 Months: Play, Language, and Coordination Red Flags

  • Cannot go up and down stairs

  • Falls frequently

  • Cannot stack four blocks

  • Cannot copy a drawn circle

  • Doesn’t engage in pretend play

  • Doesn’t use utensils for self-feeding

  • Doesn’t follow simple directions

  • Difficulty initiating play with others

  • Persistent separation anxiety

  • Speech is not partially or fully understandable

3–4 Years: Fine Motor & Emotional Regulation

  • Cannot jump in place with both feet

  • Cannot scribble

  • Persistent separation anxiety

  • Cannot hold a crayon between thumb and fingers

  • Doesn’t engage in imaginative play

  • Difficulty with dressing, toileting, or sleeping

  • Difficulty controlling emotions (e.g., anger)

  • Only uses 3-word sentences

4–5 Years: Independence & Social Awareness Red Flags

  • Displays frequent aggression

  • Extremely timid or fearful

  • Cannot dress independently (e.g., use buttons)

  • Shows little interest in friendships or group play

  • Cannot follow two-step commands

  • Holds a crayon in a fist

  • Cannot brush teeth, wash hands, or toilet without help

  • Doesn’t show a full range of emotions

  • Struggles with turn-taking or shared activities

  • Is unaware of danger or personal safety

You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help

It’s okay to have questions. If something doesn’t feel quite right, we’re here to listen and support you. This list is just a starting point—every child is unique, and seeking guidance is a powerful step.

Our team blends research-informed care with real-world understanding to support your child’s development in a way that fits your family.

Further Reading & Resources