Developmental Delay
Developmental delay is described as a child not meeting expected milestones such as rolling, crawling, walking, and jumping by an appropriate age. Each child is unique and develops at their own rate, which is why there is a wide range of “normal” in development. Also if your child was born premature this will affect how we consider milestone development. Babies born premature are at an increased risk for experiencing developmental delay, due to positioning used in the hospital, required treatments and procedures performed, and decreased sensory development while in utero. Always go by their adjusted age when tracking milestone development until the age of 2.
Usually the family is the first to notice their child is not progressing at the same rate as other children their age. If you are concerned about your child not meeting milestones please contact me, and I can determine the underlying issue causing the delay, address these concerns, and help your child achieve their developmental goals.
Listed below are some general milestones to keep in mind when looking at how your child moves:
Birth – 2 months:
Raises head slightly off floor when on tummy
When on back is able to kick legs and move arms
Able to roll from side to back
3 - 5 months:
Able to prop on forearms when on belly and keep head lifted (Head is more controlled with some bobbing still seen)
Brings hands to midline for play
Rolls from stomach to back
6-8 months
When on back brings feet to mouth
Able to reach for objects when on belly
Turns in circles when on belly
Rolls back to belly
Army crawls
Sits alone and reaches for toys to play with
Will transition from sitting to belly
9-11 months
Crawls on hands and knees
Moves from laying down to sitting up
Pulls to stand at support surface
Cruises at support surface
12-15 months
Transitions to stand from floor
Stands without support
Walks independently
16-18 months
Rarely falls when walking
Able to walk upstairs with hands held
24 months
Walks down stairs with hands held
Can run with decreased fluidity
Jumps in place
2-3 years
Jumps forward and down from a raised step
Runs with more mature form
Stands on 1 foot briefly
Navigates playground equipment
Goes up and down stairs independently
3-4 years
Rides a tricycle
Gallops
4-5 years
Hops on 1 foot 2-3 times
Throws, kicks, and catches a large playground ball
Rides a bike with training wheels
5-6 years
Rides a bike without training wheels
Skips
Hops on 1 foot 10 times
Stands on 1 foot 10 seconds
