The short answer
In the UK, contact your health visitor or GP to discuss development at three, especially if there is a new concern. NHS information describes a routine review at two to two-and-a-half years; this is different from the US three-year doctor visit. Local services can assess concerns and arrange appropriate referral or further assessment.
In this guide · 12 sections
Keep in mind
- Ongoing monitoring and standardized screening are different.
- A milestone checklist supports discussion but does not replace a validated screening tool.
- US and UK routine review arrangements differ.
- A concern or lost skill deserves attention before the next scheduled visit.
How can development be reviewed in the UK?
NHS information describes a routine health and development review at two to two-and-a-half years, usually through the health visiting team. It does not describe the US three-year doctor visit as a universal UK appointment.
At three, raise new developmental, hearing, vision, dental, or other health concerns with your health visitor or GP. Assessment and referral depend on local arrangements and your child’s needs.
What is developmental monitoring?
Development is followed over time through family observations, contact with health professionals, and information from nursery or other carers when relevant.
The clinician may ask about conversation, play, social interaction, movement, and everyday tasks rather than relying on one observation in the room.
What is standardized screening?
Screening uses a validated tool to look more systematically for possible developmental concerns.
It complements clinical observation and monitoring. A screening result is not itself a diagnosis.
Is there a universal UK screening visit at 36 months?
The NHS review information cited here describes a two-to-two-and-a-half-year review supported by a questionnaire. Arrangements can differ between UK services; ask your local team about any follow-up.
The US AAP nine-, eighteen-, and thirty-month general screening schedule is not a UK timetable. A new concern deserves assessment now, even after the routine review.
What does the CDC checklist do?
CDC’s three-year list describes skills most children show by that age in social interaction, language, thinking, and movement.
It can help organise observations, but CDC states that it does not replace standardized, validated screening tools.
Which skills might you discuss?
Examples include joining other children’s play, back-and-forth conversation, questions, naming an action, saying a first name, and being understood most of the time.
You may also discuss drawing a circle after a demonstration, putting on some clothes, and using a fork. These examples guide conversation rather than establish a diagnosis.
Why ask about skill loss?
Tell your health visitor or GP about any skill your child used to have but no longer uses, with concrete examples and when you noticed the change.
Report regression promptly rather than waiting for a routine checkup or assuming a checklist will explain it.
How can you prepare?
Write down everyday examples: how your child talks, plays with peers, manages tasks, or does something differently from before.
A CDC checklist can help organise observations, but it is a US reference list, not a substitute for a locally used validated assessment. Include nursery or carer observations where helpful.
What can you do today?
Add questions about language, play, sleep, meals, social development, and safety to any questions about growth or vaccinations.
If there is skill loss, a missed milestone, or a significant concern, contact your GP or health visitor now rather than waiting until the next routine appointment.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Loss of previously acquired language, social, thinking, play, or movement skills needs prompt assessment.
- Persistent concern in one or several developmental areas deserves discussion.
- Do not wait for a routine visit if development appears to have stopped progressing.
Sources used for this guide
- NHS — Your baby's health and development reviews
- NHS — Help your baby learn to talk
- www.cdc.gov — regional guidance
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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