• The CDC milestone checklists now represent when 75% of children have attained a developmental skill.  The old checklists represented when 50% of children attained a developmental skill.
• The new milestone checklists are intended to provide clear guidance for when referral is warranted.  
• The average age at which children achieve a developmental milestone has not changed.  Standardized tests have not changed.  Only the CDC checklists have changed to shift the benchmark from 50% to 75%.
• Why the shift in benchmark?  The hope is that pediatricians/parents/caregivers will no longer use the “wait and see approach” and will now have a clear understanding of when a referral for further evaluation should be initiated.
• If the child is not doing every single milestone listed on the checklist, a referral for further evaluation or early intervention should be made.

You know your child best. Don’t wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child’s doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.

If you or the doctor are still concerned:

1. Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your child more; and
2. Call your state or territory’s early intervention program to find out if your child can get services to help. Learn more and find the number at cdc.gov/FindEI.

For more on how to help your child, visit cdc.gov/Concerned.

CDC’s Milestone Tracker App

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Download it free today on iOS and Android devices in English and Spanish!

Milestones matter! Track your child’s milestones from age 2 months to 5 years with CDC’s easy-to-use illustrated checklists; get tips from CDC for encouraging your child’s development; and find out what to do if you are ever concerned about how your child is developing.

From birth to age 5, your child should reach milestones in how he or she plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves. Photos and videos in this app illustrate each milestone and make tracking them for your child easy and fun!

What People Are Saying!

“I have downloaded the app for my family and recommend it to my patients. It is easy to use, has great videos, and appeals to all audiences which I appreciate.”
Elise Gentile, MS, APRN, CPNP, Advocate Children’s Hospital, Oak Lawn, IL

“I love the photos and videos on Milestone Tracker, it helps me to know exactly what milestones my son should be reaching.”
Jasmine B., mother of 1-year-old, Atlanta, GA

Features:

• Add a Child – add a photo and enter personalized information about your child or multiple children
• Milestone Tracker – track your child’s developmental progress by looking for important milestones using an interactive, illustrated checklist
• Checklists Adjust for Prematurity—updated functionality uses corrected age for babies born prematurely
• Milestone Photos and Videos – know what each milestone looks like so that you can better identify them in your own child
• Tips and Activities – support your child’s development at every age
• When to Act Early – know when it’s time to “act early” and talk with your child’s doctor about developmental concerns
• Appointments – keep track of your child’s doctors’ appointments and get reminders about recommended developmental screenings
• Milestone Summary – get a summary of your child’s milestones to view, and share with or email to your child’s doctor and other important care providers

The use of this app is not a substitute for the use of validated, standardized developmental screening tools as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

CDC does not collect or share any personal information that can be used to identify you or your child.

Download the Milestone Tracker app from the App Store or Google Play today!