While not every child learns in the same way, there are some milestones that children reach within a few months of each other. For example, by 6 months of age, most babies squeal or laugh when playing with their parents, according to Baby Center. Although it can be difficult for parents to imagine, it is important to be aware of the warning signs of a developmental delay in relation to his age.
Ages 4 to 6 Months
During this time, your child should begin to make babbling noises, such as "ga" or "goo", according to Keep Kids Healthy. If your child is not making these noises or other sounds such as laughing and squealing, this can be a sign of a developmental delay, according to Baby Center.
Ages 6 to 15 Months
During this time span, your child is developing at a fast pace and will begin using more verbal forms of communication with you. If your child is not responding to her name, gesturing or does not speak at least one word, these can be signs that her development is not progressing, according to Baby Center. Your child also should use "mama" or "dada" for the correct parent, according to Keep Kids Healthy.
Ages 18 to 24 Months
At this time, your little one's vocabulary should begin expanding---he should be saying at least six to 10 words, according to Baby Center. Other milestones should include joining words to make two-word sentences, such as "want food" or "want toy," according to Keep Kids Healthy. Your baby should also respond and understand simple commands, such as "put that down." If he does not, these could indicate a developmental delay.
Ages 30 to 36 Months
While as a parent, you can likely decode your child's speech, now is the time when others, such as family members and friends should do so as well, according to Baby Center. By age three, your child should be able to speak well enough to be understood by others and yourself. Your child also should begin asking questions, such as about an object or why something works the way it does. These are the signs of engagement in a child. When your child does not appear interested in play or conversation, this can be a sign of a developmental delay, according to First Signs. Children, particularly young children, want to be a part of the action and excitement---disinterest in doing so can indicate a cause for concern.
