Daniel Williams
21 Mar 2023
What to look for in your baby or toddler — and when to speak to a professional
Many parents notice that something doesn’t feel quite right before a diagnosis is made. Maybe your baby seems a little floppy… or perhaps they’re stiff, not reaching milestones, or using one side of their body more than the other.
These small differences can be worrying, but they don’t always mean something is wrong. However, in some cases, they can be early signs of cerebral palsy (CP).
This article explains what signs to look out for, when to speak to a health professional, and why early identification is so important.
Why Early Signs Matter.
Cerebral palsy is caused by a problem in the developing brain — usually before, during, or shortly after birth. The signs don’t usually appear all at once. Instead, they often show up slowly over time as your child begins to move, interact, and try to reach developmental milestones.
Spotting concerns early means that:
Your child can be assessed and diagnosed sooner
Therapies like physiotherapy can begin earlier
You can access the support you need as a parent
Your child can build skills while their brain is still highly adaptable
You don’t need to know everything — just trust your instincts and ask questions if something feels off.
General Signs to Watch for in Babies
In the first 6 months:
Feels unusually floppy (low muscle tone)
Feels very stiff or rigid (high muscle tone)
Head falls back when picked up
Difficulty holding head up on their own
Stiff legs when you try to put feet flat on the floor
Hands stay tightly clenched most of the time
Not reaching for toys or responding to movement
Around 6–12 months:
Not rolling over in either direction
Struggles to sit without support
One hand used much more than the other
Difficulty bringing hands together or to the mouth
Trouble with crawling (may drag one side)
After 12 months:
Not crawling or pulling to stand
Not walking by 18–24 months
Walks on tiptoes or with an unusual gait
Seems unsteady, stiff, or awkward
Poor coordination, frequent falls
Delayed speech or difficulty using mouth muscles for eating
Asymmetry: A Common Clue
One of the most common early signs of cerebral palsy is asymmetry — when one side of the body works differently from the other.
This might look like:
Always reaching with one hand
Dragging one leg or arm when crawling
Leaning to one side when sitting
Using one side more for chewing
These can be early signs of hemiplegic CP, where one side of the body is affected.
What About Speech or Communication?
Some children with CP may also have delays in:
Babbling or vocalising
Making eye contact
Using gestures (like waving or pointing)
Saying first words
These delays can be linked to muscle control issues in the face and mouth (called Oromotor difficulties), or to other developmental conditions that can co-occur with CP, such as learning difficulties or hearing impairment.
Important: Signs Can Vary
Not all children with CP show the same signs — and not all delays mean a child has cerebral palsy.
Mild cases may not become obvious until later, especially when a child begins walking or trying more complex movement. Some children appear to develop typically for a while and then show signs as they grow.
If you’re unsure or have concerns, trust your instincts and speak to your health visitor, GP, or paediatrician.
What Happens If You Raise Concerns?
If a health professional suspects your child may have CP or another developmental condition, they may:
Monitor your child more closely
Refer you to a paediatrician, physiotherapist, or neurologist
Suggest an MRI or brain scan
Arrange a developmental assessment
You may hear terms like motor delay, low tone, or global developmental delay — these are often used before a firm diagnosis is made.
Early referral does not always mean something serious is wrong — but it means your child will get the right help, at the right time, if they need it.
Final Thoughts...
Spotting early signs of cerebral palsy isn’t about diagnosing your child yourself — it’s about feeling confident to raise concerns if something doesn’t seem quite right.
Every child develops at their own pace, but if you're worried, it’s always okay to ask. You’re not being overprotective — you’re being proactive.
And remember: even if your child does have cerebral palsy, support, therapy, and early intervention can make an incredible difference.
You are your child’s best advocate — and you’re doing the right thing just by learning more.