Red flags about your child’s development can be tough to spot. Every toddler is special and develops at their own unique pace. As parents and caregivers, it's important to be conscious of certain issues that might indicate the need for specialist attention during early childhood. Don't worry, though; we're here to guide you through it.

Signs and symptoms

Now, let's take a look at some potential red flags for different age groups.

At 18 months, there may be an issue if your child...

Cannot walk
Walks exclusively on tip-toes or fails to develop a mature heel-toe walking pattern after several months of walking
Is not using a pincer grasp and unable to stack two blocks
Is not using at least six words
Does not seem to know the function of common household objects (e.g. brush, fork, phone, bell)
Does not feel anxious around strangers

Red flags at 24 months include:

Not walking steadily or still walking on toes and being clumsy
Inability to say at least 15 words
Not using use two-word sentences by age two
Inability to follow simple one-step instructions by age two
Inability to eat with a spoon
Does not make eye contact or play with other children
Red flags at 36 months include:
Frequent falling and difficulty with stairs
Inability to stack more than four blocks
Inability to copy a circle by three years old
Very unclear speech and inability to communicate in short sentences
A failure to understand simple instructions
Does not know shapes and colours and/or has difficulty with alphabet and numbers
No involvement in pretend play
Extreme difficulty separating from the primary carer

At 48 months, be mindful if your child…

Cannot jump in place and ride a tricycle
Has difficulty scribbling
Still clings or cries when parents leave him
Shows no interest in interactive games
Ignores other children
Doesn't respond to people outside the family
Does not engage in make-believe play
Resists dressing, sleeping, or using the toilet
Lashes out without any self-control when upset
Does not use sentences of more than three words
Does not use "me" or "you" appropriately

Please remember that these signs are meant as a guide and not meant as a substitute for professional assessment.

How worried should I be?

Even if your child displays three or more of these symptoms, don't panic. Toddlers are still growing and developing at their own pace. Various factors, like the number of siblings or exposure to multiple languages, can influence their development. However, if there are delays in more than one developmental area, it's essential to seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Care Challenges

Depending on your child's symptoms and development, some doctors may adopt a 'wait and see' approach. However, if multiple red flags are observed across different areas, further investigation may be needed to rule out any underlying genetic or health issues. Your healthcare clinician will guide you through this process step by step.

Next Steps

If you notice any red flags, your first point of contact should always be your doctor. While reaching out to support groups can be beneficial, remember that medical professionals are your primary source of guidance. Trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to talk to a psychologist or a loved one if you need support.

Red Flags of Toddler Development

Unii’s Toddler Health & Development Journey shares the developmental red flags that parents should be aware of.