As a new parent, you are probably watching everything your baby does and enjoying the rewarding experience of bringing a child into the world. However, you are probably also worried when you notice something that you did not expect or a developmental milestone that your friends’ babies reach at a certain age, while yours does not.
Every baby develops at their own pace, and just because they are not meeting all the milestones in the “normal” timeframe, it does not mean there is something wrong with your baby. However, there are some signs of birth injuries that you should keep in mind. This is not to scare you, but for you to feel secure and know what to do if you see any of these signs.
Understanding your baby’s milestones
Developmental milestones are certain skills or behaviors that most children can do by a certain age. These milestones encompass various areas of development, including:
- Physical
- Cognitive
- Language
- Social
- Emotional
Generally, babies hit these milestones within a certain age range. For example, between birth and three months, most babies lift their heads when they are placed on their stomach and can follow objects with their eyes. Between the ages of four to six months babies usually can roll over in both directions and can sit with support.
At this point you usually hear lots of sounds from your baby, even if they cannot yet speak. By seven to nine months your baby is probably crawling, and by one year, they may be able to stand alone (with some support), perhaps take a few steps and say “mama” or “dada”. They might also develop a fear of strangers as they develop a strong attachment to their parents and regular caregivers.
What are signs that something has gone wrong?
While it is critical to remember that each baby is unique, certain signs can indicate that a child is not developing normally as expected and may have experienced an injury at birth. Some of those signs include:
- Lack of movement
- Delayed milestones
- Poor eye contact
- Limited social interaction
- Unusual responses to stimuli
- Lack of responses to sounds
- No reaction to strangers
If you are wondering when you should seek help, or if you have concerns about your child’s development, it is essential that you consult with your child’s pediatrician. Early medical intervention can help with recovery.
In addition, you may also want to discuss any concerns regarding potential birth injuries with your attorney. Sometimes birth injuries are not obvious until much later–usually within the first year. Trust your instincts and do not hesitate to seek professional help, ask questions and remain alert.