How children play, learn, speak, act and move provides important clues about their development.
Developmental milestones are the skills children learn as they grow, such as walking, talking, eating, playing with others and learning to care for themselves. Most children reach these milestones within a typical age range.
Two milestones checklists for child development (birth to 18 months and 2 to 5 years) have been developed to replace the previous the Red Flags Early Identification Guide. The checklists can help families understand what milestones children achieve at different ages. They support families to track developmental milestones, celebrate their child’s progress and know when to seek advice if concerns arise.
Download the checklists
What the checklists cover
The two checklists provide a simple way to track your child’s development from birth to 5 years across four key areas:
- Social and emotional
- Language and communication
- Movement and self-care
- Thinking and learning.
They help families:
- understand the milestones most children reach at different ages
- celebrate their child’s development and progress
- know when to speak with a GP or child health nurse if they have concerns or their child has not reached a milestone for their age.
Important: The checklists should be used as a guide only. They do not cover every aspect of child development. If you have any concerns about your child's hearing, vision, growth, diet or sleep, speak with your GP or child health nurse.
Every child develops differently
Every child grows and develops at their own pace. Some milestones may look different for children from different cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Knowing what to expect can help you celebrate your child’s achievements and recognise when extra support may be needed.
If your child's development looks different from other children, it does not always mean there is a problem. If you have concerns at any time, speak with your GP or child health nurse. Getting advice early can help you understand your child's strengths, identify any challenges and access support if it is needed.
More information
Frequently asked questions
The Red Flags Early Identification Guide has been updated and replaced by two Milestones Checklists for Child Development, one for ages birth to 18 months and another covering 2 to 5 years.
The new checklists take a strengths-based approach that helps families track developmental milestones, celebrate children’s progress and know when to seek advice if concerns arise. They continue to support the early identification of developmental concerns while encouraging conversations between families, health professionals and educators.
The school-aged Red Flags Early Identification Guide is still current and can be used. A comprehensive review of this document will commence in 2027. Families with concerns about the development of an older child should continue to speak with their GP, school or healthcare professional.
No. Families should still speak with a GP or child health nurse if a child has not reached developmental milestones for their age or if they have concerns about their development.
Yes. Health professionals should transition to the Milestones Checklists for Child Development and update any local resources, websites and printed materials.
No. Existing referral pathways and clinical processes remain unchanged.
The checklists support conversations about child development and can be used by:
- parents and carers
- child health nurses
- general practitioners alongside the Milestones Checklist: GP Support Guide (in development)
- paediatricians
- allied health professionals
- early childhood educators
- community and family support services.
If you have concerns about your child’s development, don’t wait – flag it early. Speak with your GP or child health nurse. They can help determine whether your child needs further assessment or support.