Growth and Development,Ages 2 to 5 Years - When to Call a Doctor
Although your child grows at an individual pace, be aware of signs of a developmental delay. The earlier you identify a delay, the better chance you have of getting appropriate treatment for your child that can prevent or minimize long-term problems.
In general, talk to a doctor anytime your child:
- Does not seem to be reaching developmental milestones as expected.
- Is not growing at a steady pace. Each year between ages 2 and 5 years, expect your child to gain about 3lb to 5lb and grow about 3in.. Although your child's height and weight are measured at routine well-child exams, call your doctor if your child's growth pattern concerns you in between these visits.
- Is not able to do some of the things he or she used to do, such as talking or running.
- Makes you so angry or frustrated with your child that you are worried about what you might do next.
- Acts overly aggressive, violent, or verbally abusive.
- Does not seem to be doing well, even though you can't pinpoint what makes you uneasy. Friends and other caregivers may also be concerned.
Call your doctor if by age 2 your child:1
- Walks on his or her toes frequently and does not use a normal heel-toe pattern most of the time.
- Does not speak or use 2-word sentences.
- Does not imitate actions of others.
- Is not able to follow simple instructions.
Call your doctor if by age 3 your child:2
- Falls frequently while trying to walk or is not able to go up and down stairs.
- Drools frequently, does not speak clearly, and can't talk in 2- or 3-word sentences.
- Does not make regular eye contact.
- Can't build a tower of more than 4 blocks, move small objects, or copy a circle.
- Does not play "pretend" or like to play with toys and other children.
- Has problems separating from you.
Call your doctor if by age 4 your child:2
- Does not know how to throw a ball overhand, jump in place, or ride a tricycle.
- Can't hold a crayon between the thumb and fingers.
- Responds only to family members and does not enjoy being around other children.
- Does not use sentences with more than 3 words or use pronouns correctly.
- Shows no interest in playing "pretend."
- Has frequent temper tantrums.
- Is not toilet trained.
- Regularly resists getting dressed in the morning or going to sleep at night.
Call your doctor if by age 5 your child:2
- Goes from one activity to another without being able to focus on one thing for at least 5 minutes.
- Does not like to play "pretend" or try new activities.
- Regularly resists using the toilet, sleeping, or eating.
- Speaks unclearly or can't use plurals or other basic parts of speech.
- Has trouble building a tower out of blocks, holding a crayon, getting dressed, brushing teeth, or washing hands. These are all tasks related to motor skill development.
- Often behaves in ways that seem unusual. For example, he or she
may seem:
- Afraid, unable to separate from you easily, overly quiet, or unhappy.
- To have little or no emotion.
- Not to enjoy playing with other children or people other than close family members.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
April 24, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.



