My baby is not meeting milestones, now what?

Babies are amazing creatures. I know . I have 2. They grow up fast! As with everywhere else in the United states, moms in Mountain View, CA are smart. We know that babies need to meet certain developmental milestones as described by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). But it’s so confusing! We go to the pediatrician and we answer a bunch of questions. The doctor makes a decision if everything is going “ok” or if there is something to be concerned about. We wait with bated breathe to hear the words we want to hear, “all is well”. It is normal to feel concerned about your babies development. You need to trust your instincts. If you believe something is going on with your baby reach out early to your pediatrician or healthcare provider. Don’t want and see.

What about when it’s not?

There is nothing to be overly concerned about when your child has a delay. It just means that they have not met developmental milestones at the same rate as other children their age. All kids develop as their own pace. Getting help early is important. The first 5 years of childhood are the time of the most brain growth. There are lots of different resources:

1. Start with your child’s pediatrician. They know best.
2. Self refer to an Early intervention program. In CA and the Bay area, we can self refer to CA Early Start. It’s a FREE service!
3. You can reach out to a individual developmental service provider, such as TheraPeeps Occupational Therapy Services. (though pediatricians typically refer to these specialists so it’s always best to start with your doctor).

You can get educated!

While you’re waiting for your doctor’s appointment, you can start documenting your concerns. Video taping your baby in a variety of settings is super helpful.

1. On their belly, back, sitting up- what are they doing? The milestones are dependent on their age. Check out this great checklist from The CDC.
2. Feeding? What is expected? You can read up on what is typical. I found the book, Child of mine, Feeding with Love and Good Sense by Ellen Satter to be helpful
3. Brain development? One of my favorite books is, What’s going on in there? by Lisa Elliot, Phd. This book lays out the nitty gritty of brain development for the first 5 years of life.

What is the doctor says to wait and see? Get moving!

Babies grow and develop at different rates. Doctors sometimes tell parents that their baby can wait and see. True…ish. As a pediatric Occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience, I have yet to see a parent “wait and see”. So get moving!

Keep baby active! You can stimulate your baby’s brain simply by playing games with them. Peek a boo is my favorite. Parents can hide their face behind hands, under towels, blankets, and baby squeals with delight. If your baby tired of this, wait. Give her some time to calm. Some babies get a little over stimulated with this game and need time and space to regroup. Try again in a few minutes. Going slowly, moving slowly, speaking slowly will help your baby focus on you and enjoy a warm bonding interaction.

Not just for babies!!

Playing these engaging games will help to your baby.

1. Peek a boo
2. Splashing with water- baby’s love bath time! Gentle splashing can get your baby going!
3. Rocking back and forth- on your lap- let baby lay on her back and you can roll her side to side- a great ab work out for parents too!
4. Sing!! Anything. Make up a song to any tune, “row row row your diaper…”
5. Dance! Everyone loves a dance party! Try different genres of music. Baby might just love smooth jazz!