As a parent, you must feel overwhelmed when your baby doesn’t respond or doesn’t develop their milestones as expected. If your baby doesn’t move or talk like normal babies at their age range that might be the reason for developmental delays. In this blog, we will learn about in what range your baby would behave, react, and their physical, when to be concerned, and what should be done. That information will make you less overwhelmed if you overthink a lot.
What are Developmental Milestones?
This is an act as checkpoints in a child’s development to determine what the average child is able to do at a particular age. These are such terms to understand a child’s physical or behavioral changes that come to the surface. For example, rolling over, crawling, walking, and talking are considered developmental milestones.
Key Milestones by Age Group
The milestones are different for each age. At what range a child will behave or respond these are basically key milestones. Let’s take a look to better understand this topic.
0-6 Months
Cognitive:
At the age of 2 months, they may want to go to familiar faces. They can try to remember the faces, eyes, and mouths of families and other people they may see. They start moving their head and body when they hear any music playing or follow the music.
Social and emotional:
In their early months, babies try to look at people. At first hand, they just look at the family members or at the people who are close to them. Human face is the main object to interact with, they find a way to interact with people.
Babies are drawn to people, when they find their favorite person they look happy and sometimes they smile.
Language:
Around 4 to 6 months babies start to make some babbling noises with vowel words such as ba-ba, da-da.
Around 2 to 3 months babies start to laugh. In response to expressing their enjoyment, they laugh a lot. During their playtime seeing some funny faces or tickling makes them laugh.
Movement/Physical:
Around 4 to 6 months babies turn towards sounds. They start to respond to any familiar voices, sounds, and music. And, turn their head or eyes towards the sound. Around 3 to 4 months babies start to lift their heads while lying on their stomachs.
6-12 Months
Cognitive:
Between 6 to 12 months babies try to pull their hands to their mouths. Babies explore their surroundings during this period by putting everything in their mouths, including their hands.
Social and emotional:
At this stage babies show interest in playing with people. They like to interact with people by playing things such as peek-a-boo, clapping hands, or passing toys back and forth.
Language:
Babies may begin to react to their names between the ages of 6 and 12 months. When they hear it, they may look in the direction of who is calling, turn their head, or even smile.
Movement/Physical:
Babies may start to stand up by themselves with support. Holding onto furniture, like a couch or table, they may raise themselves to a standing position.
1-2 Years
Cognitive:
At this stage, babies start using blocks to build towers. They may start to build two or three blocks on top of one another.
Babies start picking up basic directions. Basic instructions like “come here,” “wave bye-bye,” or “give me the toy” may be understandable.
Social and emotional:
Babies can start to help with basic tasks, such as putting away toys. They may start to mimic behaviors, including putting toys in a basket or giving items to a caregiver.
Language:
Babies start to understand a number of words. They might be able to identify some common words like “mama,” “dada,” or the names of their favorite things and people.
Movement/Physical:
At this age, babies are able to get dressed on their own. Kids start to learn how to assist with dressing.
Children start learning how to run when they are 1 or 2 years old. They are still developing their balance and control at this age, so their running may appear more shaky.
2-3 Years
Cognitive:
Children start to learn how to solve problems and might be able to solve basic three- or four-part puzzles.
Social and emotional:
At the age of 1 or 2 years old, babies start to pick up emotions, both in themselves and others. They start to show basic emotions like happiness, sadness, and anger or they may cry in some events.
Language:
While some may use single words or brief phrases, most kids start speaking in sentences of two to three words between the ages of 2 and 3 years.
Movement/Physical:
Between the age of 2 or 3 years toddlers start to develop some physical skills that might form in jumping and running towards. At this age range their jumping might not be as proper as adults.
When to be Concerned?
If your child is not behaving the way they are supposed to be at their age it might frighten you.
You should notice some crucial symptoms if your baby is delayed
- Delaying in roll over, sit up, and walk
- Face issues like understanding what people say.
- Trouble with thinking, remembering, and problem-solving.
- Issues with social skills.
- Problem with talking or talking late.
What Should You Do If There is a Developmental Delay?
If you notice that your child is showing some symptoms of having developmental delays then you should take action immediately. No matter how little they are affected you should see a pediatrician, create a caring and comfortable environment, and consider connecting with experts like therapists.
Consult with a Pediatrician
Share your observations with the pediatrician. They can assess your child’s growth and refer you to specialists if necessary.
Early Intervention Services
Seek early intervention therapies that can help your child’s development, such as occupational, physical, or speech therapy, if advised.
Observe and Document
Keep track of your child’s behavior, skills, and any concerns you have about their development.
Provide a Stimulating Environment
Provide toys that promote cognitive, motor, and social skills, such as puzzles, stacking toys, or art materials.
Encourage Social Interaction
Develop positive social connections by offering a greeting, expressing gratitude and “please,” and expressing sensitivity.
Be Patient and Supportive
Celebrate small achievements, even if they seem minor. Positive reinforcement boosts confidence and encourages further progress. Recognize that each child develops at their own speed.
Consider a Specialist
Depending on the type of delay such as speech, motor skills, or social development, seeking a specialist like a speech-language pathologist or physical therapist for improvement.
Stay Informed
Regularly check in with professionals to track your child’s progress and stay updated on the latest approaches to support their development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the growth of your child can be greatly impacted by early invention of a developmental delay and appropriate action. Your child can achieve their full potential if you keep them informed, seek competent advice, and create a nurturing environment. Every child develops at their own rate, so keep in mind that they can flourish given the correct tools and patience. Understanding the assignments will make your child’s life better in the future. In Meaningful Beginnings, we care for your child to achieve the milestones.
