So, we have already given you a peek at your baby’s first-year growth developmental milestones and talked to you about how you can help their development.
But do you know when to be concerned?
As a father, do you know when to act early and consult with your child’s doctor about their lack of progress?
Remember that all children are different and develop at varying paces. We have put a short and easy list together, to help fathers (and mothers) determine when they need to err on the side of caution and talk to a qualified medical care professional.
2 Months
- Doesn’t respond to loud sounds.
- Doesn’t bring hands to mouth.
- Doesn’t watch things as they move.
- Doesn’t smile at people.
- Can’t hold head up when pushing up when on the tummy.
4 Months
- Doesn’t watch things as they move.
- Doesn’t smile at people.
- Can’t hold the head steady.
- Doesn’t coo or make sounds.
- Doesn’t bring things to mouth.
- Doesn’t push down with legs when feet are placed on a hard surface.
- Had trouble moving one or both eyes in all directions.
6 Months
- Doesn’t try to get things that are in reach.
- Shows no affection for caregivers.
- Doesn’t respond to sounds.
- Has difficulty getting things to mouth.
- Seems very floppy, like a rag doll.
- Doesn’t make vowel sounds (“ah”, “eh”, “oh”).
- Doesn’t roll over in either direction.
- Doesn’t laugh or make squealing sounds.
- Seems very still with tight muscles.
9 Months
- Doesn’t bear weight on legs with support.
- Doesn’t sit with help.
- Doesn’t babble (“mama”, “baba”, “dada”).
- Doesn’t play any games involving back and forth games.
- Doesn’t respond to own name.
- Doesn’t seem to recognize familiar people.
- Doesn’t look where you point.
- Doesn’t transfer toys from one hand to another.
12 Months/1Year
- Doesn’t crawl.
- Can’t stand when supported.
- Doesn’t search for things that you hide.
- Doesn’t point to things.
- Doesn’t learn gestures like waving or shaking head.
- Doesn’t say single words (“mama”, “dada”).
- Loses skills they once had.
This information has been curated from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC. Always consult with a qualified medical professional or childcare expert when taking important decisions regarding your child and their health.
Impress your partner with key facts, take better co-parenting decisions and be 'in the know'. Visit our Partners & Parents resource center for more.
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