Milestone red flags: when calling pediatrician makes sense

AAP's 'Learn the Signs' campaign identifies ~30 developmental red flags by age 24 months. Most parents don't know more than 5.

Birth to 3 months

Red flags: doesn't respond to loud sounds (3 months), no smile by 3 months, doesn't bring hands to mouth, eye not following moving objects.

4 to 7 months

Red flags: doesn't roll either direction by 6 months, doesn't laugh by 6 months, very stiff or floppy muscle tone, persistent head lag.

8 to 12 months

Red flags: doesn't crawl by 12 months, doesn't sit unsupported, doesn't say single words like 'mama' 'dada', doesn't point at objects.

13 to 24 months

Red flags: doesn't walk by 18 months, doesn't say at least 6 words by 18 months, loses skills previously had, doesn't follow simple instructions.

Why timing matters

Early intervention (before age 3) for developmental delays produces dramatically better long-term outcomes. Worst-case scenario: you call, doctor says everything's fine. Best-case: you catch something early.