Infancy and childhood are important times for growth and development. Babies and children grow quickly throughout their childhood including changes to their bodies, minds and emotions.
Developmental Milestones
Developmental milestones are skills babies and children learn at different ages as they move, play, learn, speak, and act.
- For a list of milestones by age, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Developmental Milestones English | Spanish
- CDC also has a free Milestone Tracker app available for download (English | Spanish)
As babies and children learn new skills over time, parents should pay attention to changes in how they move, communicate, play, and interact with others. Every child develops at their own pace, but sometimes children may need extra support in their growth and wellbeing.
Well–Child Visits and Developmental Screenings
Regular well-child visits are an important part of monitoring a child’s health and development. In addition to checking their weight and making sure their immunizations are up-to-date, well-child visits allow time for their doctor to do screenings and assessments to track behavior and developmental progress. These appointments are also a valuable time for parents to ask questions, share concerns, and identify resources that could be helpful with the help of their child’s doctor.
- HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics): AAP Schedule of Well-Child Care Visits English | Spanish
Although your child’s doctor may ask about your child’s development this does not mean a developmental screening has been done. Your child should receive an actual developmental screening at certain ages to make sure they are meeting their milestones. As part of the screening, your child may take a test or you may be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your child’s development, including their language, movement, thinking, behavior and emotions.
All children should be screened during regular well-child visits at the following ages:
| Behavioral & Developmental Screening | Autism* Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Screening |
| 9 months | 18 months |
| 18 months | 24 months |
| 30 months |
*For more details about autism spectrum disorder: English | Spanish
As a parent or caregiver, no one knows your child better than you do. Talk to your child’s doctor about a developmental screening if you have any concerns.
To learn about developmental monitoring and screening, visit:
EveryParentOC: Supporting Your Child’s Development – What You Need to Know
CDC: Developmental Monitoring and Screening English | Spanish
Health and Development Include Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Behavior
Early support of your child’s health and development can make a lifelong difference. There are many resources available to help your child and your family thrive by supporting behavioral health, relationships, and overall wellbeing. You know your child best. Don’t wait to talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Visit Every Parent OC’s new Health and Development Resources page for help or questions with:
- Addressing concerns about development
- Connecting fathers with activities to do with their kids and with other dads
- Exploring ways to help kids and teens cope with stress
- Making learning and growing fun for babies and young children
- Getting support for your child who is struggling emotionally
- Accessing expert coaching for kids/tweens on the challenges affecting their day-to-day life
The flyers are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean.
Additional Resources
CDC: Milestone Checklists with Tips English | Spanish | Vietnamese | Korean
