The present study aimed to describe the scales (tests or inventories) commonly used to evaluate the development of babies, in terms of objectives, population in which it is destined to, suggested material, what is evaluated and evaluation criteria. It also intended to analyze studies which employed instruments here described, from the late 90s, considering the objectives, the population evaluated, and the main results obtained and, finally, it aimed to identify health professionals who have employed it, since the articles published. The study highlights the important role of evaluating babies, as information source which help decision taking about the elaboration of essential or early intervention programs. However, it is difficult to find standardized instruments for Brazilian child population.
scales of infant development; babies' development; essential stimulation; early intervention