Developmental Milestones...When should I worry?

by Emilie Nina

Your baby's milestones can bring so much joy and excitement. The first time they smile, roll over, grab a toy, sit up, crawl and then eventually walk. However, for some, the milestones can bring a lot of anxiety and worry. If you become too fixated on the time frames given, it is easy to become anxious when your baby doesn’t do what they are ‘suppose’ to do at the ‘right’ time.

It is important to remember the ages given for certain developmental milestones are a guide. Every baby, including your own, is individual. They will do things in their own time. Some babies will do things by themselves and others need a little more guidance, reassurance and encouragement. Celebrate even minor achievements and encourage your baby to try things for themselves. Your enthusiasm will give them the courage to keep trying.

It is also important to remember there are certain situations (like being born prematurely) that may mean your baby will be slightly delayed in reaching their milestones. This is perfectly ok. Adjust the dates to their corrected age, not actual age (based on their due date, not birth date). For example, if your baby is 6 months old but was born at 32 weeks (2 months early), then look at the developmental milestones for a 4 month old.

Try to avoid comparing your baby to others around you. This isn’t helpful and only leads to disappointment and unnecessary pressure for you and your baby.

So what ‘should’ your baby be doing and when? AND when is it time to seek help if they aren’t reaching their milestones?

Month of Age	Advanced
ONE Lifts head Stares at faces ‘Oooh’s and ‘ahhhhs’ Follows objects	Smiles Laughs
TWO Follows Objects Holds head up for short periods Smiles responsively Smoother movements	Holds head up steadily Lifts head and shoulders (like a mini push-up)
THREE Laughs Recognises voices	Roll over Bring hands together
FOUR Holds head up steadily Coos when you talk to him/her Can weight bear on legs Grasps at toy	Imitates speech sounds (dada)
FIVE Can roll over Plays with hands and feet Recognises own name May be ready for solids	Sit without support Mouths objects
SIX Blows bubbles Rolls in both directions Sits without support Reaches for objects and puts them in mouth	Starts crawling Drags objects towards him/her

If at any stage you feel like your baby is not reaching their milestones the best thing you can do is to speak to your doctor or child & family health nurse. Having a professional assess your baby will either help to put your mind at ease or to identify an issue straight away. The sooner a developmental delay is diagnosed the sooner interventions can be implemented and your baby will have the best opportunity at reaching their full potential. A delay doesn’t always mean long-term issues.

Follow your intuition. You know your baby the best. Speak to a healthcare provider if you are concerned.

And as always, be kind to yourself, you are doing the best job you can!

Developmental Milestones...When should I worry?

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