As your baby grows and develops, you and your doctor will want to keep your eyes out for signs of possible developmental delays. Such delays could indicate any number of health problems, including neurological issues. While you, of course, do not want your child to experience any delays, if those delays are present, noticing them early can help ensure your child gets the treatment they need to minimize the impact on their life and development, going forward.
Six months is the age at which signs of delay often first become evident. Here are some of the possible signs of developmental delay at 6 months.
1. Not rolling over.
Most babies will have figured out how to roll over from front to back, and also from back to front, by the time they reach six months. If your little one still is not rolling over, this could be a sign of increased muscle rigidity, which is a symptom of some conditions that are associated with developmental delay. Some babies just take a little longer than others to figure this out, but definitely mention to your doctor that your baby is not yet rolling over.
2. Will not bear weight on legs.
When you hold your baby up with their feet on the floor, they should be starting to bear some weight on their legs by this stage. They won't stand fully yet, and you won't get the idea that you can let go of them and keep them standing — but you should at least feel like they're supporting some of their own weight. A failure to bear weight may indicate a delay in muscle development or a neurological condition.
3. Does not respond when talked to.
Your baby probably won't be saying names yet, but they should at least respond when you speak to them. They should look your way when you call their name, and probably smile at you or make a face. If your child does not respond to your voice, this could be a sign of a neurological delay.
4. Does not reach for and grasp for objects.
Most babies start reaching for and grabbing objects around three months of age, and some take a little longer. If your baby is not grasping for items around them by six months, then they are considered delayed in this milestone, which could indicate any number of issues. They could simply have a problem with muscle development in their hands, or they could have a neurological issue that interferes with their instinct to grab.
Don't be afraid to bring any concerns with your baby's development to the attention of your doctor. Every baby is different, and some babies who experience one or more of the delays above are completely healthy and normal. It's simply best to be vigilant.
For more information about child development, contact a clinic like a Northeast Wyoming Pediatric Associates PC.
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