Free Developmental Milestone Checker
Track your child's development across four key domains: physical, cognitive, communication, and social-emotional. Covers ages 2 months to 5 years (60 months).
Important Note
This milestone checker is an educational tool to help you track your child's development. It is not a diagnostic tool and should not replace professional evaluation. Every child develops at their own pace. If you have concerns about your child's development, please consult your pediatrician or contact your state's early intervention program.
🔒 Your responses are completely private and are not stored or shared with anyone.
Note: This checker covers developmental milestones from 2 months to 5 years (60 months). If your child is older, consider our IEP Readiness Quiz or browse special needs schools.
About This Developmental Milestone Checker
What This Checker Covers
- • Physical Development: Motor skills, coordination, and physical milestones
- • Cognitive Development: Thinking, problem-solving, and learning skills
- • Communication: Language, speech, and understanding
- • Social & Emotional: Social skills, emotional regulation, and relationships
Age Range & Purpose
- • Designed for children ages 2 months to 5 years (60 months)
- • Age-specific milestone assessment based on CDC guidelines
- • Helps identify areas of strength and potential concerns
- • Guides you toward appropriate next steps and resources
Understanding Developmental Milestones
Developmental milestones are skills and behaviors that most children can do by a certain age. Tracking these milestones helps parents and healthcare providers monitor a child's development and identify any areas that may need additional support. Early identification of developmental delays can lead to better outcomes through early intervention services.
Key Developmental Domains:
Gross and fine motor skills, coordination, balance, and physical abilities
Thinking, learning, problem-solving, memory, and understanding cause and effect
Expressive and receptive language, speech sounds, and understanding words
Social interactions, emotional regulation, relationships, and self-awareness
What Happens After the Assessment
After completing the milestone checker, you'll receive personalized results including:
- Overall development score and assessment level
- Domain-specific breakdown showing strengths and areas of concern
- Personalized recommendations based on your child's results
- Links to relevant resources, including early intervention services (for children under 3)
- Connections to specialized schools and support services (for children 3+)
- Suggestions for related screening tools if specific concerns are identified
Remember: Early Action Makes a Difference
If this assessment suggests your child may benefit from professional evaluation or support services, don't wait. Early identification and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with developmental delays. Contact your pediatrician or your state's early intervention program to discuss your concerns and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Developmental Milestones
Get answers to common questions about tracking developmental milestones, understanding results, and taking next steps.
What are developmental milestones and why are they important?
Developmental milestones are skills and behaviors that most children can do by a certain age, such as sitting up, saying first words, or playing with others. They're important because they help track your child's development and identify any areas that may need additional support. Early identification of developmental delays allows for early intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes.
How accurate is this developmental milestone checker?
This checker is based on CDC developmental milestone guidelines and provides a helpful snapshot of your child's development. However, it's an educational tool and not a diagnostic assessment. Every child develops at their own pace, and some children may reach milestones earlier or later than typical. If you have concerns, always consult with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist for a comprehensive evaluation.
What should I do if my child is not meeting milestones?
If your child is not meeting milestones, don't panic—but do take action. First, discuss your concerns with your pediatrician. For children under 3, contact your state's early intervention program for a free evaluation. For children 3 and older, contact your local school district to request an evaluation for special education services. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your child's development.
How often should I check my child's developmental milestones?
You can use this checker whenever you want to track your child's progress. Many parents find it helpful to check milestones around key ages (like 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, and 5 years). You can also retake the assessment if you notice new concerns or want to track progress over time. Regular check-ins with your pediatrician are also important for monitoring development.
What's the difference between a developmental delay and a developmental disability?
A developmental delay means a child is not reaching milestones at the expected time but may catch up with support. A developmental disability is a condition that affects development and is typically lifelong, though individuals can learn and grow with appropriate support. Early intervention services can help children with both delays and disabilities reach their full potential. Only a qualified professional can make a diagnosis.
What are early intervention services and how do I access them?
Early intervention services are supports and therapies available to babies and young children (birth to age 3) with developmental delays or disabilities. Services may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental services. These services are typically free or low-cost through your state's early intervention program. Contact your state's program directly or ask your pediatrician for a referral. Learn more in our Early Intervention Guide.
My child is meeting most milestones but struggling in one area. Should I be concerned?
It's common for children to develop at different rates in different areas. However, if your child is significantly behind in one domain (like communication or social skills), it's worth discussing with your pediatrician. They can help determine if the delay is within normal variation or if evaluation and support services would be beneficial. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it's always worth investigating.
Can I use this checker for a child older than 5 years?
This checker is designed for children ages 2 months to 5 years (60 months). For older children, consider our IEP Readiness Quiz to assess readiness for special education services, or browse our special needs school directory to find appropriate educational programs. For school-age children, developmental concerns are typically addressed through the school's special education evaluation process.
What if my child was born prematurely? Should I adjust their age?
For children born prematurely (before 37 weeks), healthcare providers often use "adjusted age" or "corrected age" when tracking milestones until around age 2. Adjusted age accounts for prematurity by subtracting the number of weeks early from the child's chronological age. However, by age 2, most children catch up, and chronological age is typically used. When using this checker, you may want to consider both chronological and adjusted age, especially for very premature infants. Always discuss milestone tracking with your pediatrician.
How can I support my child's development at home?
There are many ways to support your child's development: read together daily, engage in play and conversation, provide opportunities for physical activity and exploration, encourage social interactions with peers, and follow your child's interests. If your child has specific delays, your pediatrician or early intervention team can provide targeted activities. Remember that the most important thing is providing a loving, supportive environment where your child feels safe to explore and learn.