Development & milestones

A calm, non-alarmist guide to the early signs of autism — what pediatricians screen for at 18 and 24 months, the M-CHAT-R/F, and why 'act early' beats 'wait and see.' You don't need to be sure to ask.

Will two languages confuse your child or cause a speech delay? No — the research is clear. Here's what bilingualism actually does to development, how to count words, and why mixing languages is normal.

Your toddler runs to you, shoves you off, then wants you again. It feels like rejection — but it's usually a sign of healthy attachment and growing independence. Here's what's really happening.

A 14-month-old who's cruising but not walking independently is squarely inside the normal range — first steps land anywhere from about 9 to 18 months. Here's the real range, the sequence to watch, and when to check in.

Lots of babies drool and chew on their hands at 3 months — and it usually isn't teething. Early drooling is normal development as the salivary glands switch on, and most first teeth arrive around 6 months. Here's what's going on.

Your newborn's eyes drift and cross, and it's worrying to watch. In the first few months, intermittent eye-crossing is common and usually normal as the eyes learn to work together. Here's the typical timeline, why it happens, and when constant crossing means an eye check.

You've noticed a flat spot on the back or side of your baby's head and you're worried. Positional flat head (plagiocephaly) is common, usually harmless, and very often improves with simple repositioning and tummy time. Here's why it happens and how to help.

True hand dominance usually doesn't settle until well into toddlerhood, so a strong one-hand preference before the first birthday is one of the few things worth a calm, early mention to your pediatrician. Here's why — without the alarm.

Babbling blooms across a range, and at 6 months many babies are just getting started. Here's what early sounds typically look like, how to coax more out, and the signs — like no babble by around 12 months — worth raising with your pediatrician.