Source: By Jessica Snyder Sachs from Parents Magazine

Milestones: Red Flags to Watch For

While young children can reach milestones at different ages, the CDC says you should consult an expert in development and consider an early-intervention evaluation if your child displays any of these signs or has a dramatic loss of skills.

Birth to 4 months

• Has trouble moving eyes or crosses them most of the time
• Doesn't respond to loud noises
• Doesn't notice own hands (by 2 months)
• Doesn't follow moving objects with eyes (by 3 months)
• Doesn't grasp objects (by 3 months) Doesn't smile at people (by 3 months)
• Can't support head (by 3 months)
• Doesn't babble or try to imitate sounds (by 4 months)
• Doesn't bring objects to mouth (by 4 months)
• Doesn't push down with legs when feet are on firm surface (by 4 months)

At 7 Months

• Seems very stiff, with tight muscles
• Seems very floppy, like a rag doll
• Head still flops back when body is pulled to a sitting position
• Reaches with only one hand
• Refuses to cuddle Shows no affection for the person who cares for him
• Persistent tearing, eye drainage, or sensitivity to light
• Difficulty getting objects to mouth
• Doesn't roll over in either direction (by 5 months)
• Can't sit with help (by 6 months)
• Doesn't laugh or make squealing sounds (by 6 months)

At 1 Year

• Doesn't crawl or drags one side of body while crawling
• Can't stand when supported
• Doesn't search for objects that he sees being hidden
• Says no single words
• Doesn't use gestures such as shaking head "no"
• Doesn't point to objects or pictures
• Can't walk (by 18 months)
• Doesn't walk heel-toe within a few months of walking

At 2 Years

• Doesn't speak at least 15 words
• Doesn't use two-word sentences
• Doesn't imitate actions or words
• Doesn't follow simple instructions
• Can't push a wheeled toy

At 3 Years

• Frequently falls or has difficulty with stairs
• Drools persistently or speaks unclearly
• Can't build a tower of more than four blocks
• Has trouble manipulating small objects
• Can't copy a circle
• Can't communicate in short phrases
• Doesn't engage in pretend play
• Doesn't understand simple instructions
• Shows no interest in other children
• Makes poor eye contact
• Has little interest in toys