Ages and Stages
Follow your child's appropriate Ages and Stages links to help you learn more about what to expect from your child’s development, positive parenting, safety, and health at each stage of your child’s life.
Developmental monitoring observes how your child grows and changes over time and whether your child meets the typical developmental milestones in playing, learning, speaking, behaving, and moving. Parents, grandparents, early childhood providers, and other caregivers can participate in developmental monitoring.
Track your child’s development and act early if you have a concern.
Take your completed "Tracker"with you and talk with your child’s doctor at every well-child visit about the milestones your child has reached.
Developmental Achievements, Parenting Tips, Child Safety, Resources ...
Summary Page
(Print Trackers Below) PDF 2 Pages
Milestone Tracker
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be screened for general development using standardized, validated tools at 9, 18, and 30 months and for autism at 18 and 24 months or whenever a parent or provider has a concern. Ask your child’s doctor about your child’s developmental screening.
“Learn the Signs. Act Early.” materials are not a substitute for standardized, validated developmental screening tools pdf
Adapted from CARING FOR YOUR BABY AND YOUNG CHILD: BIRTH TO AGE 5, Fifth Edition, edited by Steven Shelov and Tanya Remer Altmann © 1991, 1993, 1998, 2004, 2009 by the American Academy of Pediatrics and BRIGHT FUTURES: GUIDELINES FOR HEALTH SUPERVISION OF INFANTS, CHILDREN, AND ADOLESCENTS, Third Edition, edited by Joseph Hagan, Jr., Judith S. Shaw, and Paula M. Duncan, 2008, Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.
There are many ways to raise happy, well-adjusted kids, but science has a few tips for making sure they turn out healthy and sound. Experts share their top tips for getting the most out of family life and children as you nurture, protect and guide them. Parenting is a process that prepares your child for independence. As your child grows and develops, there are many things you can do to help your child.
If Your Concerned About Your Child's Development
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, don’t wait. Acting early can make a real difference! Talk with your child’s doctor. You know your child best. If your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, or if you, your child’s teacher, or another care provider is concerned about how your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, or moves, talk with your child’s doctor and share your concerns. Don’t wait.
Find the milestone checklist for your child's age located at the top of this page. Use it to track your child’s development. When it’s time to talk with the doctor, write down the questions you have and show the doctor the milestones your child has reached and the ones that concern you.
Ask the doctor about developmental screening Developmental screening happens when the doctor asks you to complete a formal checklist or questionnaire about how your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, or moves. It gives the doctor more information to figure out how best to help your child. Developmental screening is recommended for all children at certain ages or whenever there is a concern. Ask the doctor about your child’s developmental screening.