Parents often get excited when the baby says their first word or takes their first step. These little moments can be termed as “developmental milestones”. Milestones are the signs that your child’s body gives you to show that they are growing and developing! What happens if these milestones get delayed? Should you panic? Let's explore milestones and how to handle delayed ones in this article.
What exactly are milestones?
Milestones are basic skills that are part of a child’s developmental journey. For instance, a child would start crawling (or at least attempt to move) by the age of 6-10 months. However, if the baby does not at least attempt to crawl or move even by 9-10 months of age, it means that the milestones are delayed, and it can be a cause of concern.
Why are milestones important?
Milestones can give insight into a child’s behaviour and development. It can also give an idea about the child’s cognition. Professionals and parents can track milestones to gain an idea of a child’s growth and behavioural patterns. If the child’s milestones are delayed, some early interventional services can be provided to them. These services include speech therapy, physical therapy, etc.
Age-based developmental milestones:
Some of the age-based milestones are given below:
Infant (Birth to 1 year):
Able to sit without assistance.
Able to drink from a cup.
Identifies and plays peek-a-boo.
Babbles.
Get the first tooth.
Toddler (1-3 years):
Able to feed oneself.
Can share their toys with other children.
Able to climb up and down the stairs.
Can dress themselves with minimal help.
Can walk and run.
Preschoolers (3-6 years):
Can skip and hop.
Ability to grasp concepts of time and size.
Can recognize and make shapes (square, circle, etc).
Can ride a bicycle.
Can do the majority of the activities independently.
Can participate in team sports or activities.
Begins to gain permanent teeth.
Menarche begins (in girls).
Can understand and follow directions.
Improvement in comprehension and reading skills.
Adolescent (12-18 years):
Increase in the adolescent’s height and weight.
Development of secondary sexual characteristics (In boys- development of pubic and chest hair, voice changes, whereas in girls, there is development of breasts and arrival of periods).
Can grasp abstract concepts.
Mood swings and impulsiveness occur due to hormonal changes.
Develops a stronger sense of self.
Delayed milestone: What needs to be done?
You can alert your pediatrician if there are multiple signs of developmental milestones being delayed. Every child has a unique way of growing or developing, so if some milestones are delayed, it is fine; however, multiple milestones being delayed are a red flag.
Conclusion:
Milestones aren’t a race or competition. They are developmental goals that are a part of a child’s growth. The key to a child’s developmental journey is to celebrate these little milestones while also looking out for a health professional if you suspect that something is off. That is exactly what makes parenting a chaotic adventure!
