Baby Development
How to Spot Early Signs of Developmental Delay in Babies
How to Spot Early Developmental Delay Signs in Babies
Every parent wants their baby to grow and thrive. But sometimes, your child may miss key developmental milestones. While each child grows at their own pace, being aware of developmental delay signs helps you act early if something seems off.
Understanding Developmental Milestones
Most babies reach certain milestones—like sitting, crawling, and babbling—around the same age. However, missing one or two doesn’t always mean something’s wrong. Still, consistent delays might signal a deeper issue.
Premature babies, for example, may hit milestones a bit later. Doctors often track their development based on due dates, not birth dates. This method is used until they are around 2 or 3 years old.
Most importantly, always trust your instincts. If you sense that your child isn’t progressing normally, talk to your doctor without delay.
Common Red Flags by Age
Knowing what to look for at each stage can guide you. Let’s break it down clearly.
By 2 to 6 Months
- Doesn’t smile at people
- Can’t hold head up or roll over
- Shows no response to sounds
- Doesn’t coo, laugh, or squeal
- Arms and legs feel stiff or floppy
By 9 to 12 Months
- Doesn’t sit up with help
- No babbling or back-and-forth play
- Doesn’t recognize familiar people
- Doesn’t crawl or stand with support
- No use of gestures like waving
By 18 Months to 2 Years
- Can’t walk or follow simple instructions
- Doesn’t gain new words
- Uses fewer than six words
- Doesn’t use two-word phrases like “want milk”
- Loses skills they once had
By 3 to 5 Years
- Speech is hard to understand
- Doesn’t play pretend or with other kids
- Doesn’t express emotions clearly
- Doesn’t understand simple directions
- Struggles with dressing or using the toilet
These developmental delay signs may point to a range of challenges—motor, language, social, or cognitive.
Causes and Risk Factors
Sometimes a delay has a clear cause—like premature birth or genetic conditions (e.g., Down syndrome). In other cases, the cause is unknown.
Language delays can stem from hearing loss or neurological issues. Some developmental delays may appear after serious illness or injury.
However, many children with delays have no medical diagnosis. That’s why regular checkups and screenings matter.
How Doctors Check for Delays
Pediatricians screen your child at well visits—specifically at 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months. These checkups help catch early issues even if your child seems fine at home.
If your doctor suspects a delay, they may refer you to a developmental specialist or speech pathologist for a detailed evaluation.
Furthermore, children are also screened for autism at 18 and 24 months.
Why Early Detection Matters
Studies show 10 to 15 percent of children under age 3 show some form of delay. Yet, only a small fraction receive timely help. When delays are found early, intervention often improves outcomes significantly.
Some issues resolve naturally before school age. Others persist and may need ongoing support. Approximately 14 percent of children have lasting challenges, such as learning disabilities or speech impairments.
Among kids with delays, around 40 percent have more than one area affected.
What to Do If You’re Concerned
First, talk to your pediatrician. Don’t wait for the next checkup. Share what you’ve noticed. If needed, request an immediate screening.
Next, consider seeking a second opinion if concerns remain. Keep your child’s main doctor in the loop throughout the process.
Also, explore local early intervention programs. Many offer free screenings and evaluations if your child qualifies.
Don’t Wait—Take Action
Noticing developmental delay signs early gives your child the best chance to succeed. With support, many children overcome delays and meet milestones in their own time.
