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The Path to First Milestones

Recognizing Early Motor Delays

By Sue Marquette Poremba

, are available to give parents a timeline on what developmental milestones should be met by a certain age. The experts agree that parental intuition shouldn't be ignored.

"Parents don't give themselves enough credit," says Dr. Carter. "Every time they interact with the baby, the child is learning skills." During that interaction, parents will pick up on whether their child is progressing properly, and if they are concerned, they should tell their pediatrician.

Girolami suggests parents keep a little notebook handy where they can keep track of milestones and anything that doesn't seem quite right. This allows parents to see if there are redundant behaviors, and it also provides a solid record to show the pediatrician and physical therapist.

Parents also should watch for a small child who is favoring one hand or side of the body. Handedness, when we favor the right hand or the left hand, doesn't appear until age 2. If it appears to happen when the child is younger than 24 months, it is usually a signal that one side of the body is weaker than the other.

Most important, the experts say be concerned, but don't worry.

"In most instances, kids are simply delayed, and with help, they catch up," says Dr. Sarwark.

Want to see more?

• Beyond Surprise and Shock: Learning Your Baby Has Special Needs
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