You want what's best for your baby, which means that you want to know that they are hitting their milestones on time.There are a number of signs you can look for to make sure your baby is developing normally.While you shouldn't be too worried about your baby hitting every milestone on time, you should be paying more attention to what's going on with the baby.If you notice an issue, your doctor will be able to point you in the right direction.
Step 1: Take a look at how many diapers you're going through.
A baby will go through eight wet diapers a day.If your baby is not eating well, that could be a sign of a health or developmental problem.
Step 2: You should look for regular sleeping patterns.
As your baby gets older, they should be sleeping on a regular schedule.Babies can sleep for at least half the night before being fed.On a semi-regular schedule, they'll be able to nap several times a day.Talk to your doctor if your baby is having trouble sleeping.
Step 3: Pay attention to how sleepy you are.
Another sign of a happy, healthy baby is that they start to notice the world around them.By about a month old, your baby should be taking time out from crying and sleeping to notice what's going on around them.
Step 4: Don't forget to pay attention to large motor skills.
Gross motor skills are one aspect of development.A baby's ability to make large movements is called this skill.When your baby is on their stomach, they should be able to lift their head a bit by 1 month.By 3 months, they'll be rolling over, pushing themselves up with their arms.By the time your baby is 6 months old, they will be able to sit on their own.They will enjoy using their hands.Your baby should be crawling by one year, but they could have already moved on to walking.They'll have to stand and sit on their own.
Step 5: You should watch for fine motor skills.
Developing fine motor skills is an aspect.Fine motor skills focus on baby's ability to grasp small objectsAt 1 month, your child will not be able to do much.By 3 months, your baby should be grabbing at objects and lifting some to their mouth.Your baby will be able to get small objects to their mouth by 6 months.They'll be able to eat with their hands by one year.
Step 6: Listen for words.
Your baby uses language to communicate and respond to the world.They won't be able to express their needs through crying when they're younger.They will start making sounds that will become words as they get older.At a month old, your baby should be making different sounds for different needs, such as hunger, happiness, or pain, and by 3 months, they'll be babbling as well as recognize your voice.They will be able to distinguish singing.By 6 months, your baby will be babbling away in their own language and will start making vowels and consonants.At 1 year, your child will most likely say "mama" or "dada."
Step 7: Notice how people interact.
The ability to interact with others is called socializing.That means smiling and recognizing your face for your baby.By 3 months, your baby will start smiling at you if it's less than a foot away.When it's called, your baby will know their name.They will be able to detect what you want by the tone of your voice.By the time your child is one, they will be able to show you what they want.
Step 8: If you notice red flags, call your doctor.
You should be on the lookout for signs that your baby is not developing correctly.The signs are tied to specific stages of development.You should contact your doctor if you notice these issues.Tell your doctor if your baby can't do something.
Step 9: There are red flags at 1 month.
Not feeding well at 1 month is a sign you should be concerned about.If you notice your baby is limp when you hold them, talk to your doctor.If they aren't focusing on objects with their eyes, you should notice.They don't startle when they hear a loud noise.When someone flashes a light at them, they don't startle.
Step 10: There are signs at 2 to 3 months.
If your baby isn't paying attention to new faces or moving objects at 2 to 3 months, you should be concerned.Your baby is not lifting their head is one of the signs to be concerned about.Your baby is not happy.When your baby hears a loud noise, it's not a big deal.The baby is not making noises.
Step 11: At 4 to 7 months, pay attention to issues.
At 4 to 7 months of age, you should be concerned if your baby isn't interacting well with their family.There are red flags that your baby is not trying to grab objects.They are not holding their head straight.They are limp or stiff when you hold them.
Step 12: At a young age, check for signs.
By a year, you should be worried if your baby isn't crawling or dragging one side while standing.If your baby displays these signs, you should be worried because they aren't looking for things you hid from them.They haven't uttered a word yet.They don't want to be able to show what they want or nod yes.
Step 13: There is a milestone checklist.
It can be hard to keep up with what your baby is doing.One way to remind yourself is to print off a list, such as the one at thecdc.gov/ncbddd/act early, so you can have it on hand.
Step 14: Every baby is different.
Not every baby is going to meet every milestone at the same age.Not every baby will meet every milestone.After their first birthday, your baby may decide they don't want to crawl and end up walking on their own.
Step 15: If they catch up, watch.
If your baby misses a milestone, they'll catch up soon.Most babies will make up the milestone in a month or two.
Step 16: You should talk to your doctor.
It's important to talk to your doctor if you suspect your baby has a delay.They can let you know if it's an issue that needs to be addressed or not.At every appointment, your baby's doctor will check to see if they have reached their goals.Take your baby for a check up at one, two, four, six, and nine months of age.