Developmental Red Flags for Infants
Loving parents care about their baby’s development. They learn the developmental milestones expected at each age. They keep regular medical appointments to ensure their child is on track.
When around other babies, moms and dads may compare their little one’s skills with those of others and ask themselves questions, such as, “Why isn’t my girl holding her head up yet?” or “He’s already sitting up, and my child isn’t. Is something wrong?”
While babies develop on their timelines, most meet the developmental milestones around the same age (within a month or two). If the birth was premature, the pregnancy complicated, or the birth difficult, your child may experience some delays.
While your child’s doctor should track your baby’s development, parents can also be aware of developmental red flags and report them to the doctor. When a delay is present, intervening when the child is young is the best way to help a child catch up quickly.
Here are some developmental red flags between birth and one year of age. If your baby has any, report them to your pediatrician. Share on XBirth to 3 months
- Feeding difficulties, especially if the baby is irritable
- Prefers to turn their head to one side more than the other
- Flattening of the back or side of the head
- Prefers specific postures (back arched, head tilted, clenched fists, etc.)
- Decreased movement of one side of the body compared to the other
- Excessive arching of the back or the baby is stiff or floppy
- Difficult birth history (trauma, complications at birth, etc.)
4 – 6 months
- Consistent arching of the back in any position
- Keeping one or both hands clenched most of the time
- Difficulty rolling onto the side and/or staying on the side
- Consistently falling forward or extending backward when sitting (at 6 months)
7 – 9 months
- Scooting on the back, bunny hopping on the legs, or butt scooching instead of crawling
- Unable to get the hands together at the midline (center of the chest)
- Unable to sit without support
- Trouble bearing weight on hands or arms
- Limited desire to move, explore, or climb
- Uses one side of the body more than the other
- Sitting with legs spread wide or W-sitting
10 – 12 months
- Lack of desire to explore the environment
- Strong preference to use one side of the body more than the other
- Cruising along furniture in only one direction
- Consistently standing, cruising, or walking on tiptoes
- Waiting for others to do everything for them
- Struggling to grasp and release objects
At Higher Risk for Developmental Delays
- Low birth weight
- Alcohol and substance abuse during pregnancy
- Sudden or noticeable regression in abilities
Developmental delays are common and do not mean a child will not catch up. However, experts agree that early intervention services offer the best and fastest way for a kid to master those skills and get back on track.
If you have concerns or questions, talk to your child’s doctor.
Want to know more about your baby’s development? Join my Baby Support Group on Facebook.
(Photo: Canva)
