Developmental Red Flags

Every baby develops at his or her own pace, and each developmental milestone occurs at different times for different babies—usually within the range of a few months.

Sitting, for example, may occur between 4 and 7 months of age, depending on the baby. Some babies may take a little longer to achieve this milestone, and that’s absolutely normal.

If your baby does not achieve a milestone within the expected range of time, it’s always a good idea to let his or her healthcare provider know. There may or may not be a developmental problem; if there is, the earlier it’s caught, the earlier it can be addressed.

Developmental Delays

Know the developmental milestones typical for your baby’s age (or corrected age if your baby was born prematurely).

Monitor your baby’s or child’s development carefully. The CDC offers a free milestone tracker app.

Tell your baby’s doctor if you have any concerns about your baby’s development.

If your baby’s doctor identifies a developmental delay in your little one, you may be referred to a pediatric development specialist for an evaluation.

It’s normal to feel anxious about this. But follow through and make the appointment. Your baby may not have a serious delay, and the evaluator may take a “wait and see” attitude. Or he or she may recommend physical, occupational, speech-language or other therapeutic treatment.

If that’s the case, the earlier that treatment happens, the more successful it can be. Many developmental delays can be fully corrected with treatment.

Developmental Delays

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