Source: bing.comBecoming a new parent is an exciting time, but it can also be daunting. There’s so much to learn about caring for a baby, and one of the most important things is making sure your little one is developing normally. But how do you know if your baby is hitting all the right milestones? In this guide, we’ll go over some key signs to look for to ensure your baby is developing as they should.
Table of Contents
Physical Development
Physical development is one of the most obvious ways to tell if your baby is developing normally. Here are some things to look for:
- By 3 months, your baby should be able to hold their head up while lying on their stomach.
- By 6 months, they should be able to sit up with some support.
- By 12 months, they should be able to stand and take a few steps.
- By 24 months, they should be able to run and jump.
Of course, every baby is different, and some may hit these milestones earlier or later than others. But if your baby is significantly behind in any of these areas, it may be worth talking to your pediatrician.
Language Development
Language development is another important area to keep an eye on. Here are some things to look for:
- By 3 months, your baby should start cooing and making vowel sounds.
- By 6 months, they should start babbling and making consonant sounds.
- By 12 months, they should say their first words.
- By 24 months, they should be able to put together short sentences.
Again, every baby develops at their own pace, but if your baby is not making any sounds or seems significantly behind in language development, it’s worth talking to your pediatrician.
Social and Emotional Development
Social and emotional development is another important area to consider. Here are some things to look for:
- By 3 months, your baby should start smiling and making eye contact.
- By 6 months, they should start showing stranger anxiety.
- By 12 months, they should start showing attachment to familiar people.
- By 24 months, they should start showing independence and wanting to do things on their own.
If your baby seems to be struggling with social and emotional development or seems significantly behind in any of these areas, it’s worth talking to your pediatrician.
Frequently Asked Questions about How To Tell If Baby Is Developing Normally
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to tell if your baby is developing normally:
- What should I do if I’m concerned about my baby’s development? If you’re concerned about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician. They can help assess your baby’s development and refer you to any necessary specialists if needed.
- How often should I take my baby to the pediatrician? In the first year of life, it’s recommended to take your baby to the pediatrician for regular check-ups at 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. After that, regular check-ups are typically recommended once a year.
- What can I do to encourage my baby’s development? There are many things you can do to encourage your baby’s development, such as providing plenty of tummy time, talking and reading to them, and providing toys that encourage exploration and problem-solving.
- What are some red flags to look for in baby development? Some red flags to look for include not meeting physical, language, or social and emotional milestones, not making eye contact, not responding to sounds or voices, and not seeming interested in their surroundings.
- What if my baby is premature? Premature babies may hit milestones later than full-term babies. Your pediatrician can help assess your premature baby’s development and provide guidance on what to expect.
As a new parent, it’s normal to worry about your baby’s development. But by keeping an eye out for these key milestones and talking to your pediatrician if you have any concerns, you can help ensure your baby is developing normally. And remember, every baby is different, so try not to compare your little one to others!