How do I know if my baby is reaching developmental milestones on time?
INFANT
Monitoring your baby's developmental milestones is an essential aspect of ensuring their healthy growth and development. While every child is unique and may reach milestones at slightly different times, there are general age ranges during which most babies achieve specific milestones. As a parent, you can observe your baby's progress and consult with your pediatrician to ensure they are on track. Here are some key developmental milestones to watch for:
Birth to 3 months:
Can briefly focus on faces and objects
Follows objects or people with their eyes
Begins to smile, coo, and make sounds
Starts lifting their head and chest during tummy time
Has some control over their hands, such as opening and closing them
4 to 6 months:
Rolls over from front to back and back to front
Can hold their head up steadily without support
Begins to sit with support
Starts reaching for objects and grasping them
Begins to babble and make consonant sounds, such as "b" or "m"
7 to 9 months:
Sits independently without support
Begins to crawl or move around in some way
Starts to understand object permanence (realizing that objects still exist even when out of sight)
Begins to show separation anxiety
Responds to their name
10 to 12 months:
Starts to pull up to a standing position
May take first steps or cruise around while holding onto furniture
Begins to use a pincer grasp (thumb and index finger) to pick up small objects
Starts to say simple words, such as "mama" or "dada"
Begins to understand simple instructions, such as "no" or "come here"
May show preferences for certain people or toys
12 to 18 months:
Begins to walk independently
Starts to explore their environment more confidently
Begins to imitate actions of others, such as clapping or waving
Can identify familiar objects when named (e.g., "Where's your shoe?")
Starts to develop a sense of self, recognizing themselves in a mirror
18 to 24 months:
Begins to run and climb stairs with assistance
Starts to speak in short phrases or sentences
Can follow simple, two-step instructions (e.g., "Pick up your toy and put it in the basket")
Begins to engage in imaginative play
Demonstrates an increased sense of independence, such as wanting to do things on their own
Remember that these milestones are general guidelines, and every child develops at their own pace. If you have concerns about your baby's development, consult your pediatrician, who can assess your child's progress and offer guidance or referrals to specialists if necessary. Early intervention can be beneficial in addressing any potential