By Age Group
At 6 Months
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Doesn’t respond to sounds or turns head to locate them
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Doesn’t show affection or smile at people
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Poor head control or stiff/floppy limbs
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Doesn’t roll over or bring objects to mouth
At 9 Months
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Doesn’t sit without support
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Doesn’t babble (“mama,” “baba,” “dada”)
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Doesn’t recognize familiar faces
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Doesn’t look where you point
At 12 Months
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Doesn’t crawl or stand with support
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Doesn’t say single words like “mama” or “dada”
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No gestures like waving or pointing
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Doesn’t respond to name
At 18 Months
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Can’t walk or walking is very unsteady
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Doesn’t speak at least 6–10 words
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Doesn’t know what common items are for (e.g., brush, spoon)
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Shows little interest in others or playing
At 2 Years
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Doesn’t use 2-word phrases (e.g., “more juice”)
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Has trouble following simple instructions
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Doesn’t imitate actions or words
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Can’t push a wheeled toy
At 3 Years
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Doesn’t speak in simple sentences
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Can’t work simple toys (like shape sorters)
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Avoids playing with other children
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Falls frequently or has difficulty with stairs
Red Flags Across Ages
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Loss of skills once learned (e.g., speech or motor skills)
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Lack of eye contact or emotional connection
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Very limited interest in surroundings or people
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Unusual behavior (hand-flapping, rocking, or extreme reactions to lights/sounds)
What Should Parents Do?
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Don’t wait and see. Early intervention is key.
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Talk to your pediatrician if you notice any of these signs.
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Ask about developmental screening or a referral to a specialist.
