Early Childhood Developmental Delays
Normal Child Development or a Medical Condition?
Babies develop skills at their own pace and on their own time schedule. Most babies who are slower to achieve certain skills than other babies will likely catch up in time. If there’s concern that this isn’t the case, the baby should be checked by a physician.
Child Development
There are two types of motor skills. Motor development can be referred to as gross or fine motor skills. Gross or large motor skills are those skills needed for rolling over, crawling, sitting up and walking. Fine or small motor skills are those that deal with more intricate movements such as hand-eye coordinations that allow a baby to grasp and pick up small objects.
Birth Defects and Premature Babies
Premature babies or babies who have medical challenges at birth or shortly after birth are often slower to catch up with other babies their age. For instance, a breech baby could have issues with a dislocated hip that might need to be addressed before he can properly crawl. A baby born with group B strep who spends time in the NICU can also be delayed. Birth defects such as cerebral palsy can cause developmental delays too. Neglected babies without proper stimulation will need extra attention to get them up to par.
Social Skills
The quiet baby is more likely to stay in place and won’t necessarily venture out to explore his surrounding environment. He’ll be content to stay in place and will usually develop social skills earlier than other more active babies.
Medical Conditions
Slow motor development doesn’t necessarily mean a baby will experience developmental delays. Some babies just need a bit of extra time to reach each milestone. Even if the baby is diagnosed with medical conditions that will affect the development of his motor skills, occupational therapy and physical therapy can help encourage the child to reach his fullest potential.
Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy
Constant interaction with the baby will encourage motor development. Occupational therapists and physical therapists can teach the parent and baby games and activities that encourage contact and movement and that will help stimulate his skills. Even simple activities like handing him toys will encourage him to roll or perhaps crawl when reaching for them. Leg muscles can be developed by holding the baby up and encouraging him to put weight on his legs. The therapists can help in these areas if the baby has true delays.
Enjoy the new baby and let him develop at his own pace. Always check with the baby’s physician if there are concerns about child development. In most cases, the physician will reassure the parents that the baby’s development is fine. If there are concerns, the physician will guide the family in getting the genetic testing or occupational therapy needed so the baby can reach his highest potential.
Early Childhood Developmental Delays
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