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5 signs you should be concerned about your baby's motor skills

Here are some warning signs to watch out for — and what to do about them

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Originally published on TodaysParent.com January 27, 2012

It’s a common worry for new parents: Is my child developing normally? Thankfully, most are, but there are some signs to watch for.

1.  You feel concerned.

Dr. Emmett Francoeur, a paediatrician in Westmount, QC, uses the Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) questionnaire with families in his practice. Two of the questions are “Do you have any questions about how your child uses his or her hands and fingers to do things?” and “Do you have any concerns about how your child uses his or her arms and legs?” Research shows these questions are very reliable in identifying problems, Francoeur says. “Parents know their babies best, and even a vague, general concern about the child’s development means it should be checked into.”

2. Your baby is not sitting up steadily by seven months.

“There is a great deal of variability in when babies reach various developmental milestones, but this is one I would be concerned about,” says Francoeur.

3. Your baby is not walking by 18 months.

This is the second of the two “markers” Francoeur says would warrant further investigation.

4. Your baby is able to do things with one side of his body but not the other.

For example, when he crawls, he always pushes with his right leg and the left leg drags behind.

5. Your baby is not able to do things she was able to do previously.

Either of these last two observations may indicate a medical problem that should be checked out.

Worried? Find out what to do about it.

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