Among the most reliable markers for cerebral palsy are abnormal general movements. Two specific patterns of abnormal general movements predict cerebral palsy: (a) cramped-synchronised general movements at preterm and term age, they lack the usual smoothness and fluent character of typical movements, and limbs and trunk muscles contract almost simultaneously and thereafter relax almost simultaneously and (b) the absence of fidgety movements at 3–5 months post-term age, and fidgety movements are small movements of the neck, trunk, and limbs in all directions and of variable acceleration. Besides high predictive values (sensitivity >94%; specificity >81%), the assessment of general movements is non-intrusive, easy to acquire, and cost-effective. In all these fields, the early markers for CP are reviewed.