What do My Baby's Development Milestones Mean?
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2009
by David Cummings
Bustling Baby
If you've ever overheard a new parent's conversation, you've probably heard something that sounded similar to: "My son Bobby took his first steps this week. Has your daughter Jessica begun walking?" It's no surprise that many new parents enjoy talking about each developmental milestone their baby achieves. But, when a child misses a parent's expected milestone, mom and dad become extremely worried. Before you become stressed about your baby's development, it's worth taking a little time to learn more about developmental milestones and what they mean to your child.
Developmental milestones are skills that babies and children learn. Research has established certain skill classifications that are expected for various ages, or milestones, that most babies will learn as they grow. These milestones are used by doctors to help identify how well a child is developing. This is why your child's pediatrician will ask if your baby is smiling, laughing, rolling over, among other things. Your baby's developmental skills fall into the following categories: Social - Cognitive - Gross Motor - Fine Motor - Language
There is typically an age range, not a specific age, in which a child should pick up a certain skill. For instance, most babies can sit up unassisted for a few moments between four and seven months of age.
What if My Baby Is Late?
Developmental milestones provide you with a guide to your child's development. As a parent, you must realize that all babies and children are different. Though some children may both walk and talk early, others may master their gross motor skills early and begin talking much later than other children. If your child is a bit late reaching a milestone, do not panic. Do what you can to encourage her to learn that skill, but let her develop at her own pace.
If you find that your child often misses typical milestones, it may be worth talking with your pediatrician. Often, it is not a cause for concern however, if your child does need help, most states provide access to early learning programs to help your baby catch up to the milestones. Early intervention is the key to helping a child with a true developmental delay.
My Baby Is Ahead - Is He a Genius?
Some babies develop certain skills early. They may be walking earlier than all other children or even talking in proper-sounding sentences before their first birthday. This can indicate that they are advanced, but this is not always the case. Many times all it means is that they reached a milestone ahead of their peers. As a proud parent, keep nurturing your child's strengths yet be careful to not push her too hard to continue an accelerated pace - let her enjoy childhood. If he is a genius, there will be plenty of time to tap into that knowledge later.
Avoid the Comparing Game
As a parent it is easy to compare your baby to other babies around you. Just because your best friend's baby was walking by age one does not mean your baby needs to be. Remember, your baby is an individual, with individual tastes, strengths, and weaknesses. Let your child develop at her own pace, she'll know when she's ready to move on to the next milestone, and let your doctor tell you when it's time to intervene. She will soon blossom into the delightful child you are imagining!
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David Cummings is a devoted family member and a regular author on parenting and family topics. He is devoted to helping other parents create quality time with their families and to assist children-oriented organizations put a smile on every child's face. David also manages BustlingBaby.com - a favorite website that keeps families moving through its large selection of products that make family travel easier and more enjoyable, such as the Safety 1st Acella Travel System
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