Age-by-Age Guide
The Milestone Roadmap
Unlike generic milestone charts, this roadmap tells you exactly what to do when you notice a concern โ which specialist to see, what to ask, and what therapy to request. Based on Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) guidelines.
Important: These are general guidelines. Every child develops at their own pace. If you have concerns, always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Early action is always better than waiting.
0โ3 Months
1 specialist types may be needed
Expected Milestones
- โ Lifts head briefly during tummy time
- โ Responds to loud sounds
- โ Follows objects with eyes
- โ Social smile by 6-8 weeks
Red Flags
- ! No response to sounds
- ! No eye contact
- ! Not smiling by 2 months
- ! Floppy muscle tone
Actions to Take
- โ Pediatric check at 2 months
- โ Mention any concerns immediately
- โ Start tummy time 3x daily
- โ Talk and sing to baby constantly
Specialists to See
- Pediatrician (routine)
3โ6 Months
1 specialist types may be needed
Expected Milestones
- โ Holds head steady
- โ Rolls from tummy to back
- โ Reaches for objects
- โ Laughs and squeals
Red Flags
- ! Cannot hold head steady
- ! No reaching for objects
- ! No laughing or squealing
- ! Not recognizing parents
Actions to Take
- โ Pediatric check at 4 months
- โ Discuss motor development
- โ Introduce varied textures and sounds
- โ Tummy time 30 min/day total
Specialists to See
- Pediatrician (4-month check)
6โ9 Months
2 specialist types may be needed
Expected Milestones
- โ Sits with support
- โ Babbles (ba, ma, da)
- โ Responds to name
- โ Shows interest in food
Red Flags
- ! No babbling
- ! Not sitting with support
- ! Not responding to name
- ! No interest in surroundings
Actions to Take
- โ Request M-CHAT-R screening
- โ Ask about physiotherapy if motor delays
- โ Start reading aloud daily
- โ Introduce solid foods
Specialists to See
- Pediatrician
- Physiotherapist (if motor delay suspected)
9โ12 Months
4 specialist types may be needed
Expected Milestones
- โ Pulls to stand
- โ Pincer grasp (finger-thumb)
- โ Says 'mama/dada' with meaning
- โ Waves bye-bye
Red Flags
- ! No pincer grasp
- ! No 'mama/dada'
- ! Not pulling to stand
- ! Not pointing or waving
Actions to Take
- โ DEMAND speech therapy referral if no words
- โ Request physiotherapy if not pulling to stand
- โ Neurologist consultation if multiple delays
- โ Start sign language
Specialists to See
- Pediatrician
- Speech Therapist (if no words)
- Physiotherapist
- Pediatric Neurologist (if multiple delays)
12โ18 Months
4 specialist types may be needed
Expected Milestones
- โ Walking independently
- โ 3โ6 words
- โ Points to show interest
- โ Follows simple instructions
Red Flags
- ! Not walking by 18 months
- ! No words by 16 months
- ! Not pointing
- ! Loss of previously acquired skills
Actions to Take
- โ Physiotherapy if not walking
- โ Speech therapy NOW if no words
- โ Occupational therapy assessment
- โ Neurologist consultation
Specialists to See
- Pediatric Neurologist
- Speech Therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
18โ24 Months
4 specialist types may be needed
Expected Milestones
- โ Runs (though may fall)
- โ 10โ50 words
- โ Two-word phrases beginning
- โ Pretend play
Red Flags
- ! No 2-word phrases by 24 months
- ! Fewer than 10 words
- ! No pretend play
- ! Unusual repetitive behaviors
Actions to Take
- โ Formal autism evaluation (CARS/ADOS)
- โ Intensive speech therapy
- โ ABA therapy assessment
- โ Occupational therapy for sensory issues
Specialists to See
- Developmental Pediatrician
- Child Psychologist
- Speech Therapist
- ABA Therapist
2โ3 Years
4 specialist types may be needed
Expected Milestones
- โ 2โ3 word sentences
- โ Follows 2-step instructions
- โ Plays alongside other children
- โ Names familiar objects
Red Flags
- ! Speech unintelligible to family
- ! Cannot follow 2-step instructions
- ! Extreme tantrums/meltdowns
- ! No interest in other children
Actions to Take
- โ Special education assessment
- โ Explore AAC devices if non-verbal
- โ Early intervention program enrollment
- โ Sensory diet from OT
Specialists to See
- Developmental Pediatrician
- Special Educator
- OT (Sensory Integration)
- Speech Therapist
3โ5 Years
5 specialist types may be needed
Expected Milestones
- โ 4โ5 word sentences
- โ Understood by strangers
- โ Plays with other children
- โ Dresses with minimal help
Red Flags
- ! Unintelligible to strangers
- ! Cannot follow 3-step instructions
- ! Extreme sensory sensitivities
- ! No peer play
Actions to Take
- โ Apply for UDID card
- โ Explore inclusive schools
- โ AAC if still non-verbal
- โ Transition planning for school
Specialists to See
- Developmental Pediatrician
- Special Educator
- School Counselor
- OT
- Speech Therapist
Download "Take to Your Doctor" PDF
A printable checklist of red flags and questions to ask your pediatrician at each visit. Coming soon.