Skip to Content
UW Health SMPH

UW Health Services

Cerebral Palsy: Early Signs

Topic Overview Back to top

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.

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.

Related Information Back to top

Credits Back to top

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics
Last Revised September 20, 2012

Last Revised: September 20, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics & Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2013 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.