Concerns

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What parents expect Most parents expect their toddlers to be able to do certain things at certain ages. When toddlers aren’t doing what parents expect, sometimes the parents are concerned.

Developmental milestones Developmental milestones are what most babies, toddlers or children do at a certain age. Read more about developmental milestones here>>

Some toddlers Some toddlers grow and change more slowly than we expect. Often they are fine.

If you’re concerned You may be concerned about your toddler because he isn’t doing new things as soon as you expected.

If your toddler is not meeting the milestones for his age, talk with your toddler’s doctor.

If you are concerned about your toddler’s behavior or development, talk with his doctor.

Your toddler at 12 months Talk to your doctor if your toddler:
• doesn’t crawl.
• can’t stand when supported.
• doesn’t search for things that he sees you hide.
• doesn’t say single words like “mama” or “dada”.
• doesn’t learn gestures like waving or shaking head.
• doesn’t point to things.
• can’t do things he used to do.

Your toddler at 18 months Talk to your doctor if your toddler:
• doesn’t point to show things to others.
• can’t walk.
• doesn’t know what familiar things are for.
• doesn’t copy others.
• doesn’t gain new words.
• doesn’t have at least 6 words.
• doesn’t notice or mind when a caregiver leaves or returns.
• can’t do things he used to do.

Your toddler at 24 months Talk to your doctor if your toddler:
• doesn’t use 2-word phrases (for example, “drink milk”).
• doesn’t know what to do with common things, like a brush, phone, fork, spoon.
• doesn’t copy actions and words.
• doesn’t follow simple instructions.
• doesn’t walk steadily.
• can’t do things he used to do.

Your doctor and your toddler Your toddler’s doctor will check your toddler’s growth and development at each well-child visit. The doctor will talk with you about any concerns you may have. This is called “developmental monitoring.”

As soon as possible If your toddler has a developmental delay, it is important to get help as soon as possible. Your doctor will help you to get the help your toddler needs.

Checklist A checklist can help you explain your concerns to your toddler’s doctor.

Read this checklist from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention>>

Read this checklist from the Preschool Learning Center>>

Is your toddler on WIC? If your toddler is on WIC, and you are concerned about his growth, talk to a WIC educator when you visit your WIC center.