Developmental Red Flags
When to seek medical review, age-by-age warning signs, and where to get early intervention support in Singapore.
Important: Ranges Are Wide
Developmental ranges are wide. A single missed milestone at a given age is rarely cause for immediate alarm - Babies develop unevenly across domains, and cultural, environmental, and individual variation is significant. Patterns matter more than single data points. But if you are concerned, raise it - Early review is always better than waiting.
Red Flags by Age
By 2 months
- ⚠Does not smile socially in response to your face
- ⚠Does not track a moving object with eyes
- ⚠Does not respond to loud sounds
- ⚠Does not bring hands to mouth
- ⚠Limbs seem very stiff or very floppy
By 4 months
- ⚠Does not hold head steady when held upright
- ⚠Does not coo, make sounds, or babble
- ⚠Does not reach for objects
- ⚠Does not make eye contact or respond to faces
- ⚠Social smile absent
By 6 months
- ⚠Does not roll in either direction
- ⚠Does not laugh, squeal, or make sounds of joy
- ⚠Does not respond to own name
- ⚠Does not show affection for caregivers
- ⚠Cannot sit with minimal support
By 9 months
- ⚠Does not sit without support
- ⚠Does not babble (consonant sounds: ba, da, ma)
- ⚠Does not show interest in other people's faces
- ⚠Does not point or gesture
- ⚠No object permanence - No searching for hidden objects
By 12 months
- ⚠Not standing with support
- ⚠No meaningful words (including mama/dada used specifically)
- ⚠Does not point or wave
- ⚠Does not follow simple one-step instructions
- ⚠No crawling or other purposeful movement
By 18 months
- ⚠Not walking independently
- ⚠Fewer than 10 words
- ⚠Not using single words purposefully or consistently
- ⚠No pointing to communicate or to share interest
- ⚠Does not make eye contact
By 24 months
- ⚠No 2-word phrases
- ⚠Fewer than 50 words
- ⚠Loss of previously acquired language or social skills
- ⚠Does not engage in any pretend play
- ⚠Cannot follow 2-step instructions
At any age
- ⚠Regression - Loss of skills already mastered
- ⚠Consistent absence of eye contact
- ⚠Extreme rigidity or distress in response to routine change
- ⚠Unusual repetitive movements (flapping, spinning)
- ⚠No interest in people - Prefers objects exclusively
What to Do If You're Concerned
Raise it at your next polyclinic visit
Don't wait for the 'right' appointment. Call your polyclinic and ask for an earlier developmental review if you are concerned. Singapore's Child Health Programme includes developmental screening - Use it.
Ask for a paediatric referral
If the polyclinic doctor shares your concern, they will refer to a paediatrician or developmental specialist. KKH and NUH both have Development & Behavioural Paediatrics departments.
Request a speech-language therapy (SLT) assessment
For language concerns, an SLT assessment can happen via polyclinic referral. Early speech therapy - Even from 18 months - Is highly effective.
Enquire about EIPIC
The Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children provides centre-based therapy and support for children with developmental delay or disability. Referral via paediatrician or polyclinic.
Trust your instincts
Parents consistently notice something is 'different' before formal screening catches it. If you feel something is wrong, pursue the review. False alarm is far better than late identification.
Developmental Services in Singapore
KKH Development & Behavioural Paediatrics
Specialist assessment for developmental delay, ASD, ADHD, and learning difficulties. Referral via GP or polyclinic.
KKH: 6225 5554
NUH Child Development Unit
Multidisciplinary developmental assessment - Paediatrics, psychology, speech therapy, occupational therapy.
NUH: 6772 2002
EIPIC (Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children)
Government-subsidised centre-based intervention programme for children aged 0–6 with developmental delay or disability.
Referral via polyclinic or paediatrician
Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS)
Therapy services for children with cerebral palsy and related motor conditions.
cpas.org.sg
SPARK Centre (SPD)
Early childhood intervention services including sensory integration therapy and speech therapy.
spd.org.sg
Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
Family support and counselling for families navigating developmental diagnoses.
samh.org.sg
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