First signs of cerebral palsy

Parents and caregivers are often the first to notice signs of cerebral palsy in a child. Typically, parents suspect a problem when their baby does not reach developmental milestones at predictable times.

**Early signs of developmental delays possibly related to cerebral palsy**
Age	Developmental delay
3 months	Baby does not: Turn to a sudden noise or familiar voice. Follow objects with his or her eyes. Smile or show other facial expressions.
5 months	Baby does not: Hold his or her head straight. Lift his or her head up when pulled from a lying flat position to a sitting position.
6 months	By 6 months: Baby does not roll over.
6 months	After 6 months: Baby pushes food out of his or her mouth with the tongue rather than accepting it, as most babies would at this age.
8 months	Baby does not sit without support.
12 months	Baby either does not crawl or crawls dragging one side of the body or both legs.
Before 18 months	Baby always prefers using one hand over the other.

Credits

Author	Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics
Last Updated	October 14, 2008