You notice a new sound, a new movement—or something your baby is not doing yet. A useful milestone guide helps you describe it and decide what to ask, without turning every month into a test. Start with the relevant CDC checklist, then bring your observations and concerns to your baby's clinician.
What a milestone checklist can tell you
The first-year checkpoints below are at 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months, rather than a separate set of requirements for every month. Each section gives a few examples and links to the full free checklist. If your baby was premature or has particular healthcare needs, ask their clinician which age and guidance to use when reviewing development.
Do not wait for the next checkpoint if you are concerned
Months 1–3: use the two-month checkpoint
CDC's two-month examples include smiling in response to your interaction, making vocal sounds beyond crying, and raising the head during time on the tummy. The checklist covers several areas of development; one example does not describe the whole picture. Open the complete two-month checklist.
A useful note to bring
Describe what happened and when: “Smiled back while we talked after the morning feed.” If you have not seen something, write that plainly and ask about it. You do not need to assign a score or estimate an exact first date from memory.
Months 4–6: compare with the matching checkpoint
At four months
Examples on CDC's four-month list include returning sounds during an interaction, keeping the head steady while held, and holding a toy placed in the hand. Use the complete list rather than assuming the six-month examples should already be present. Open the four-month checklist.
At six months
CDC includes laughing, reaching to take a wanted toy, rolling from the tummy onto the back, and using the hands for support while sitting. These are a few selected examples, not a substitute for the full checklist or a professional assessment. Open the six-month checklist.
Keep practical care questions alongside your observations. For the transition to food, our starting-solids guide helps organize questions for your care team; a milestone list alone is not an individual feeding-readiness assessment.
Months 7–9: prepare for the nine-month visit
The nine-month CDC checklist includes looking when their name is called, making repeated sound strings, getting into a sitting position and sitting without support. It also includes looking for an object that has fallen out of view. Record what you see across everyday situations and share anything that concerns you. Open the nine-month checklist.
Ask about developmental screening at the visit. CDC reports the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation for general developmental screening at 9, 18 and 30 months, with screening at other times when there are concerns. Read how monitoring and screening differ.
As movement changes, review the spaces your baby uses. Our babyproofing checklist can help organize a room-by-room review.
Months 10–12: use the one-year checklist
CDC's one-year examples include waving goodbye, using a special name for a parent, placing an object into a container, pulling to stand and moving while holding furniture. Independent walking is not the walking item on this particular checklist. That distinction is not a reason to dismiss a concern about movement or any other skill. Open the complete one-year checklist.
Before the visit, separate the things you want to celebrate from questions you want answered. A short list makes both easier to discuss. The first-birthday planning guide also has a place to start organizing the transition beyond the first year.
When to ask for screening or an evaluation
Share a missed milestone, loss of a previous skill, or any other concern with your child's clinician promptly. Ask about screening and, if concerns remain, a more detailed evaluation. A reassuring blog paragraph cannot make that assessment. CDC recommends acting early when concerns arise.
- Describe the specific skill or behavior and when you noticed it.
- Say whether it is new, has changed, or is a skill your baby used to show.
- Bring the age-appropriate checklist and questions from other caregivers.
- Ask what happens next, who will contact you, and when to follow up.
In the U.S., families with a child under three can also contact their state or territory's early intervention program to request an evaluation. CDC says you do not have to wait for a medical diagnosis or referral to make that call. Find CDC's evaluation and contact guidance. Outside the U.S., ask your healthcare provider about the local pathway.
A short appointment prompt
Keep memories and appointment notes separate from screening
Use the official CDC checklists linked above for developmental monitoring. Our Baby Firsts & Appointment Journal is an optional keepsake and visit notebook. It does not assess development or replace those checklists. Try a free sample if you want a paper place for memories and questions.
Inside the full Firsts & Visit Journal (9 pages per paper size):
- Firsts and favorites records
- Reusable monthly reflection spread
- Appointment preparation and follow-up
- Measurement and document index
The sample is free; the full workbook is a paid product. Check its page for price and purchase availability. Both Letter and A4 are designed to print and write on by hand.
Baby Firsts & Appointment Journal
A first-year keepsake and appointment notebook for your baby's own story: firsts, monthly reflections, visit questions, and records copied from professionals.
Our paid planning workbook. Try actual pages free (PDF).
Sources and scope
CDC checkpoint pages dated May 15, 2026, and its monitoring, screening and concerns guidance were checked September 28, 2026. Links beside each section lead to the full source. This is an editorial source update, not a clinical review, diagnostic tool or individual developmental assessment. See our editorial policy.
