Developmental Milestones: What To Do If They Aren’t Met?

As a newbie mom, I was very obsessed with my first child’s milestones. I clicked pictures at every milestone he achieved and stuck it on his first baby record book. My son enjoys looking at them now and shows the pictures to every guest who comes home.

Developmental milestones are significant as they indicate the development of your child’s physical, mental, and cognitive abilities. Every child develops at a certain pace. But if you think your baby has missed any milestones these could be red flags for you. Let’s understand when you should be concerned about the missed developmental milestones:

The first month: The first month involves a lot of feeding, wiping, changing diapers, and putting the baby to bed. Your baby begins to identify your face, voice, and touch. He can lift his head slightly and turn to one side. But if he shows the following signs, speak to your doctor:

  • is feeding slowly
  • is too stiff or floppy
  • is not reacting to bright lights
  • unable to focus his eyes or see nearby objects

The fourth month: In the fourth-month babies are more socially responsive. He may even begin to roll over. But, If you notice that your baby is not up to the following things, it’s time to bring it up with your pediatrician:

  • is not responding to sounds
  • is not babbling
  • is not following the objects in his view with his eyes
  • is unable to support his head by himself
  • is not reaching out to hold toys and other things in his reach

The eighth month: The changes between fourth and seventh month are quite remarkable. Your baby will now be much more movable and clamorous. However, bring it up with your pediatrician, if you notice these things:

  • has unusual movements – more like that of newborns
  • has problem sleeping at length during night
  • still has colic or is frequently fussy
  • is not rolling over or sitting upright
  • is unable to bear weight on his legs when held up
  • is not holding his head steady when you lift him up by his arms
  • is not sociable – doesn’t respond to people who are affectionate to him
  • is not responding to sounds or not turning to locate sounds
  • does not put objects into his mouth
  • doesn’t try to get your attention in any way

The twelfth month: By the time your baby finishes his first birthday, watch out, he is entering his terrible twos. He wouldn’t attain major skills like that of a big kid because his development is still under way. Talk to your doctor if he is:

  • not trying to talk with words or is not babbling. One-year-olds speak words that can be recognized only by the mother and father
  • not crawling, walking, or running – one-year-olds will be on their toes or legs every waking moment.
  • not interested in games that are interactive and makes no attempt to search for hidden objects
  • not using any gestures such as waving, shaking, nodding, or pointing
  • not pointing towards any objects or pictures

Each baby develops at her/his own pace, but if you think there is something unusual or out of the ordinary with your baby, do take him to your pediatrician for a check up.

How quickly did your child attain her/his milestones? Let us know by commenting below.

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