Blog
Understanding Developmental Milestones: What’s “Typical” and When to Reach Out
As parents and caregivers, we all want to make sure our children are growing and thriving—but sometimes it’s hard to know what’s “normal” and what might need a closer look. Developmental milestones can be a helpful way to track your child’s progress and give you a sense of when to celebrate big achievements—or when to reach out for extra support.
In this blog, we’ll highlight important signs your child needs early intervention and discuss when it may be time to reach out for professional support.
So, What Are Developmental Milestones?
When Should I Be Concerned?
While variation is normal, some signs might suggest a child could benefit from a closer look. These are often called “red flags.” For example:
- Not smiling or showing interest in people by 3 months
- Not babbling by 12 months
- Not walking by 18 months
- Very limited words or gestures by age 2
- Difficulty playing with toys or engaging with others
How About Play Can Help
At About Play, we specialize in working with families to support young children’s development through South Carolina’s BabyNet early intervention system. A key part of our approach is understanding developmental milestones so we can better identify each child’s unique strengths and needs. Our team of Early Interventionists partners with families to create routines-based strategies that help children build essential skills through play and everyday activities.
Whether your child needs a little boost in communication, motor skills, or social interaction, we’re here to walk that journey with you. Early intervention can make a big difference—and the earlier, the better!
What Can You Do as a Parent?
- Observe and engage. Watch how your child plays, talks, and interacts.
- Celebrate progress, big or small. Every step forward counts.
- Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to speak up to your pediatrician or contact us directly.
- Know you’re not alone. So many families have walked this path—and there’s a whole community ready to support you.
If you ever wonder if your child is meeting their milestones, let’s talk. We’re here to support your family and help your child reach their full potential—one play-filled step at a time. Go to our website for more info regarding the referral process, or to take our short developmental milestone quiz!
For more resources, this resource provides guidance on how to effectively track your child’s developmental milestones and what steps to take if concerns arise.
If you live in South Carolina and think your infant or child is experiencing developmental delays, we can help.
where do we offer early intervention services?
