Memory, language, reasoning and thinking all begin developing during the first year of life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that it's important to monitor cognitive development during the first year to identify any delays. The earlier you spot a delay, the sooner you can initiate treatment.
Time Frame
Although children reach developmental milestones within certain age ranges, parents need to remember that all children are different. One child may begin to walk at 9 months, while another may take his first steps at 13 months. The KeepKidsHealthy website advises that all babies should be monitored, but they should not be compared with siblings or babies in other families. Talk with your pediatrician if you have any developmental concerns. She can tell you if a seeming delay is a concern.
Identification
An infant may be developmentally delayed if she does not reach one or more significant milestones within the standard range, according to KeepKidsHealthy. Delays in growth can affect fine or gross motor skills, language abilities or social development. A global delay means that an infant is failing to progress in all areas of development. Report changes to your pediatrician if your infant suddenly cannot do tasks that he previously mastered, which may indicate physical problems that could lead to developmental delays.
Significance
Developmental delays can signal a number of conditions. Children may have difficulty with language skills because of a hearing problem. Tests can determine whether a global delay is caused by a chromosome disorder, an infection or a metabolic disease. Cerebral palsy can also delay motor-skill development.
Considerations
Parents should monitor their infants for failure to reach various milestones. Infants should be able to bring their hands together by the time they are 4 months old and roll over by themselves by 6 months, according to KeepKidsHealthy. They should be able to hold up their heads and sit independently by 8 months, crawl by 12 months and walk by 15 months.
Expert Insight
Pediatricians routinely check for developmental milestones during well-baby visits. Babies often exhibit early signs of developmental delays that parents may not recognize. Babies who are born prematurely especially must be monitored closely for developmental delays. A preemie's developmental milestones should be adjusted to compensate for the early birth, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Screening for potential medical conditions that could cause delays should be done more often on preemies.
