The following may be signs of developmental delay. There is a wide range of typical development. However, follow up with a pediatrician if your child shows signs of delays. Remember, though, that most delays are not serious. Most children eventually catch up. Even children with serious developmental delays can make big improvements when intervention begins as early as possible.
Birth to Three Months
- Has trouble soothing self or maintaining a calm state
- Breathes heavily, snores, or has trouble breathing, which interferes with sleep
- Persistently turns head to only one side while lying or sleeping
- Is excessively distressed with routines of dressing, diapering, and bathing
- Is not comforted when held
- Has trouble with sucking and feeding or feeds slowly
Three to Six Months
- Has trouble soothing self or maintaining a calm state
- Breathes heavily, snores, or has trouble breathing, which interferes with sleep
- Is distressed with routines of dressing, diapering, and bathing
- Continues to feed slowly
Six to Twelve Months
- Has trouble feeding self
- Has trouble making the transition to solid foods
- Drools excessively
- Does not bring objects to mouth often
Twelve to Eighteen Months
- Has trouble progressing with solid textures, biting, and chewing
- Drools excessively
- Is not interested or able to feed self with fingers or utensils
Eighteen to Twenty-four Months
- Continues to use the bottle at age two
- Has little ability or interest in feeding self
- Has trouble swallowing or frequently coughs or chokes while eating or drinking
Two to Three Years
- Has very unusual food preferences
- Still requires being spoon-fed
- Still uses the bottle
- Has trouble falling or staying asleep
- Is chronically sleepy
- Has trouble with breathing or snoring during sleep
- Has frequent nightmares or screaming during sleep
Three to Five Years
- Has trouble with sleeping
- Has trouble using utensils
- Has trouble with independent toileting
Links & Resources »
References »
The following may be signs of developmental delay. There is a wide range of typical development. However, follow up with a pediatrician if your child shows signs of delays. Remember, though, that most delays are not serious. Most children eventually catch up. Even children with serious developmental delays can make big improvements when intervention begins as early as possible.
Birth to Three Months- Has trouble soothing self or maintaining a calm state
- Breathes heavily, snores, or has trouble breathing, which interferes with sleep
- Persistently turns head to only one side while lying or sleeping
- Is excessively distressed with routines of dressing, diapering, and bathing
- Is not comforted when held
- Has trouble with sucking and feeding or feeds slowly
Three to Six Months- Has trouble soothing self or maintaining a calm state
- Breathes heavily, snores, or has trouble breathing, which interferes with sleep
- Is distressed with routines of dressing, diapering, and bathing
- Continues to feed slowly
Six to Twelve Months- Has trouble feeding self
- Has trouble making the transition to solid foods
- Drools excessively
- Does not bring objects to mouth often
Twelve to Eighteen Months- Has trouble progressing with solid textures, biting, and chewing
- Drools excessively
- Is not interested or able to feed self with fingers or utensils
Eighteen to Twenty-four Months- Continues to use the bottle at age two
- Has little ability or interest in feeding self
- Has trouble swallowing or frequently coughs or chokes while eating or drinking
Two to Three Years- Has very unusual food preferences
- Still requires being spoon-fed
- Still uses the bottle
- Has trouble falling or staying asleep
- Is chronically sleepy
- Has trouble with breathing or snoring during sleep
- Has frequent nightmares or screaming during sleep
Three to Five YearsLinks & Resources »
References »