The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated their developmental milestones for children 2 months to 5 years of age. The CDC added a new checklist for ages 15 and 30 months. Here's what you need to know.
First smiles. Head turning to source of sound. Makes noises with you. Reaching to grab an object. These budding skills are developmental milestones, and every parent can benefit their child's development by knowing the milestones and monitoring them.
In partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an updated developmental-milestone checklist as part of their Learn the Signs. Act Early. Program. This program helps parents and caregivers better understand their child's development, promote it, and respond when concerned.
“One in six children in the US have a developmental delay, and recognizing these delays earlier can fundamentally change a child's life," says Cari Roestel, Learn the Signs. Act Early. ambassador for the state of Illinois and nurse case manager and ECHO Autism Coordinator at the Pediatric Developmental Center at Illinois Masonic Medical Center & Advocate Children's Hospital.
It's not unusual for children to need help in their development. Parents should never hesitate to contact their child's pediatrician if they're concerned about their child's developmental progress.
Improvements
- More manageable for parents to share their child's developmental progress because the checklists now match well-child checkups by age
- Clearer descriptions of when 75% of children reach milestones (e.g., by 6 months, 75% of babies like to look at themselves in the mirror)
- Easier for families of different social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds to observe and use
- Organized by developmental domains: Social/Emotional Milestones, Language/Communication Milestones, Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving), and Movement/Physical Development Milestones
The free materials are available on the CDC's website. The site is well-organized, easy to follow, and super helpful for parents. There's even a free Milestone Tracker App.
Need help?
If you're in our service area and have questions about developmental milestones, email or call us, and we'll get you in touch with one of our clinicians.
Crest Hill: 630-633-5060 | Palos Hills: 708-599-9500
