Every child develops at an individual pace. Comparing your baby to another is not wise because that would only add up to your anxiety. Better watch closely how your child is growing. That way, you will know if something is a cause for concern.
Developmental delays must be taken seriously and addressed immediately. That’s why parents should be aware of child development ages and stages. They should have proper judgment if it is still suitable to wait for the baby to come around or they already need to consult an expert. For example, some babies develop speech at a slower pace, but if it is too slow, intervention through sessions of speech therapy for children might be needed.
Worried that your child is not keeping up with the standard stages of development recommended for their current age? Here is a list of common milestones at each period to help you track how your child is faring, including the usual factors that might get in the way.
0-3 months
Newborns sleep most of the time, but as they grow bigger, they become more responsive to their environment. Gradually, they lift their heads and keep them upright for longer. They can also follow objects and sounds with their eyes and cry differently for every need but start to become calm once spoken to. This is also a stage where babies show interest and smile at people.
4-6 months
At the second stage, babies become more responsive to signs of affection from people they are familiar with. They start to laugh and babble and make other sounds. They also love to play with people and could reach for things that they see. Some babies are also able to roll over during this stage.
6-9 months
Babies become more personable at this next stage, but at the same time, they are also aloof when strangers are around. They roll, they bounce, and some of them could already sit without support. Some babies this old can respond to their name and may start to communicate with gestures.
9-12 months
Before babies hit the 1-year-old mark, they become more communicative and active as well. They start to understand the difference between a ‘yes’ and a ‘no’ and imitate many gestures and sounds. At this stage, babies also begin to crawl and stand with little to no support. Some babies can even walk a few steps before they celebrate their birthday.
12-18 months
At past 1, babies continue to flourish the skills they have managed to learn. They can start to become more independent – standing up on their own, walking with more stability, climbing a step or two, and holding their cup to drink. This is the stage when babies say mama, dada, no, and other simple words.
What may keep your baby from developing the way mentioned above? For one, it may just be their pace. For another, it may be the kind of environment they are growing in. If your child is past the age when important milestones should have been displayed, consult with a child development expert. Through different screening techniques, you will know if there is something to be worried about or not.
