By 12 months your baby should:

• Look for and find where sounds are coming from.

• Know his or her name most of the time when you call it.

• Wave goodbye.

• Look where you point when you say, “Look at the _____.”

• Take turns “talking” with you. (Your child listens when you speak, then babbles when you stop.)

• Say “da-da” to Dad and “ma-ma” to Mom and at least one other word.

• Point to things he or she wants.

Between 12 and 24 months your baby should:

• Follow simple commands, like “Pick up your toy.” (You may need to point to the toy at first.)

• Get things from another room when asked.

• Point to a few body parts when asked.

• Point to things or events to get you to look at them.

• Bring things to show you.

• Name a few common objects and pictures when asked.

• Enjoy pretending, like having a tea party.

By 24 months your toddler should:

• Point to many body parts and common things when asked.

• Point to some pictures in books when asked.

• Follow 2-step commands. (For example, “Get your toy and put it in the backpack.”)

• Say about 50 to 100 words.

• Say many 2-word phrases like “Daddy go,” “doll mine,” and “all gone.”

What the Doctor May Do

After you talk about your concerns, your child's doctor may:

• Ask you some questions about your child.

• Check how your child is developing.

• Order a hearing test.

• Refer you to a speech therapist for testing. The therapist will check how well your child expresses himself or herself. The therapist will also check how well your child understands words and gestures.

• Refer you to a developmental-behavioral specialist*. This specialist will check all areas of your child's development.

It's OK to say you are still concerned if the doctor says your child will “catch up in time.” You can also ask for a referral* to a developmental-behavioral specialist. This specialist may refer you to others for more help.

Programs That Can Help

Your child's doctor may also refer you to a developmental or school program. These programs help children with different kinds of growing and learning problems. The program staff may want to do their own tests with your child.

If your child is younger than 3 years, the doctor may refer you to an Early Intervention Program (EIP). Or you can contact the program yourself. The government pays for these programs. EIPs help children with delays and other problems.

If your child qualifies for help, EIP staff will work with you to make a plan. This is called an Individualized Family Service Plan, or IFSP. It may include training and support for you as well as therapy, special equipment, and other services for your child. After 3 years of age, the EIP staff will refer your child to the local school district.