Indicators

The main sign that a child might have CP is a delay reaching motor or movement milestones (such as rolling over, sitting, standing, or walking). The following are some other signs of possible cerebral palsy. Some children without CP also might have some of these signs.

                                       Babies

·         Low muscle tone (baby feels ‘floppy’ when picked up)

·         Unable to hold up its own head while lying on their stomach or in a supported sitting position

·         Muscle spasms or feeling stiff

·         Poor muscle control, reflexes and posture

·         Delayed development (can’t sit up or independently roll over by 6 months)

·         Feeding or swallowing difficulties

·         Preference to use one side of their body

Toddlers/Children

Although the brain of toddlers/children with cerebral palsy remains injured, the injury does not get worse as they develop.

Depending on the level of severity of their cerebral palsy, toddlers and children may experience difficulties with their physical development such as:

·         not walking by 12-18 months

·         not speaking simple sentences by 24 months

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The signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy vary from person to person. A person with severe CP might need to use special equipment to be able to walk, or might not be able to walk at all and might need lifelong care. A person with mild CP, on the other hand, might walk a little awkwardly, but might not need any special help. CP does not get worse over time, though the exact symptoms can change over a person's lifetime. 

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/facts.html
http://cerebralpalsy.org/about-cerebral-palsy/sign-and-symptoms/