Question: Is Your Child Meeting Developmental Milestones?
Answer: What parent doesn't worry about developmental milestones and whether your pride and joy is developing normally? While there is a huge range of "normal" in human development, about 5 percent of children in the United States under age 3 are diagnosed with a developmental delay, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Parents have the ultimate responsibility in screening their children for normal progress. When in doubt, schedule a visit with your pediatrician to discuss your concerns.
What Flags Should A Parent Look For?
- Be concerned if your 6-month-old is not:
* Rolling
* Reaching, grasping or handling items such as rattles
* Smiling and making noises in response to parents
* Sucking well from the bottle or breast
* Attempting a variety of vowel syllables
* Exploring or following items visually
Be concerned if your 12-month-old is not:
* Using a long string of babbling
* Clapping hands or banging objects
* Using fingers to feed himself
* Sitting, creeping, or movint in or out of position
Be concerned if your 18-month-old is not:
* Walking
* Picking up objects with thumb and index finger
* Initiating or participating in interactive games (such as Peek-a-Boo)
* Eating table foods, drinking from a cup, drying to feed herself
* Using a few single words
Be concerned if your 2-year-old is not:
* Pushing a ride-on toy with feet
* Using hands independently of one another
* Exerting independence
* Chewing and swallowing solid foods
* Using language (words and/or gestures) to communicate wants and needsMore Child Care Q&A
