When Should I Be Concerned About My Baby’s Developmental Milestones?
As a pediatric physical therapist, I often encounter concerned parents whose biggest worry is that their child may not be on track to reach fundamental milestones. It’s natural to feel uncertain when it comes to your baby’s development—especially since every child grows at their own pace. However, while some variation in timing is normal, certain delays or concerns may indicate that a child would benefit from extra support.
In this post, I’ll help you understand when it’s time to take action concerning your baby’s motor development and why early intervention, like pediatric physical therapy, can make all the difference in helping your baby reach their full potential. Try our pediatric physical therapy in Chandler, AZ.
Understanding Developmental Milestones and Motor Skills
When we talk about developmental milestones, we're referring to key physical, motor, and cognitive skills babies typically develop during their first year. In the context of pediatric physical therapy, we’re particularly focused on physical milestones—like rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking—that are essential to your baby’s growth and mobility and will create the foundation for other milestones.
For example:
By 3 months, babies should be able to lift their head and chest while lying on their tummy.
By 6 months, most babies will be rolling over and sitting independently.
By 9 months, they should be crawling on hands and knees.
By 12 months, many babies are standing, cruising along furniture, and even taking their first steps.
While there’s always some range of normal, delays in meeting these milestones may suggest the need for a more thorough evaluation by a pediatric physical therapist. Early detection is key in providing the right support for your child and can reduce the need for more serious intervention.
Signs to Watch For: When to Seek Pediatric Physical Therapy
1. Delayed or Absent Physical Movement
One of the most obvious signs is when your baby isn’t reaching key motor milestones on time. For example:
By 3 months, babies should begin lifting their head when placed on their tummy. If your baby seems unable to lift their head, this could indicate muscle weakness or low muscle tone, which a pediatric physical therapist can assess.
By 6 months, babies are typically rolling between their tummy and back. If your baby is not rolling over by this time or shows no interest in reaching for toys while lying on their stomach, it may signal motor delays.
By 9 months, most babies are moving in and out of sitting and starting to crawl. If your baby isn’t able to do these skills on their own, this may be an indicator that their core strength and coordination need attention.
Pediatric physical therapists can help strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and encourage more active movement in babies who are delayed in reaching these milestones.
2. Trouble with Balance or Coordination
Another area of concern is if your baby shows signs of poor balance or difficulty coordinating their body movements. Babies are constantly developing balance and coordination as they grow, and any significant delays in these areas might indicate a need for intervention.
By 6 months, babies typically begin to sit upright, often with some support. If your baby can’t sit up with assistance or seems unsteady when they do, it could be a sign of core muscle weakness or balance issues.
By 9 months, many babies begin to crawl, scoot, or use alternative methods of moving. If your baby is not showing any interest in moving or struggles with movement, it could be a sign of gross motor delays that a pediatric physical therapist can help address.
Pediatric physical therapists can help babies develop the balance, strength, and motor skills they need to meet these milestones. It is important to note that most physical therapists do not recommend using containers to assist children with these skills as it could lead to further delays.
3. Lack of Interest in Exploration or Play
Play is an essential part of a baby’s motor development. When babies start reaching and grasping toys, rolling over, and engaging with their environment, they’re not only building strength—they’re also learning how to interact with the world around them. If your baby seems uninterested in toys, doesn’t reach or grasp for objects, or avoids certain types of movement, this could be a sign of developmental concerns.
By 6 months, babies should start reaching for toys, rolling over, and playing with objects. If your baby isn’t showing interest in these activities or isn’t actively exploring their surroundings, it may indicate low muscle tone or other motor delays.
By 12 months, most babies are beginning to stand, cruise along furniture, or walk with assistance. A lack of interest or hesitation in moving toward toys, interacting with others, or standing up may suggest developmental challenges that a pediatric physical therapist can assess.
Pediatric physical therapy can help babies develop the physical confidence they need to engage in play and exploration, fostering not just motor skills, but social and cognitive development as well.
4. Difficulty with Transitions or Movement Milestones
A big part of motor development is the ability to transition from one position to another, such as rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking. If your baby is having trouble moving between positions or seems stuck in one stage, this could be an indication of a physical delay.
By 9 months, babies often start to crawl and may transition into a sitting position on their own. If your baby isn’t able to go from lying to sitting, or if they are unable to move between positions, a pediatric physical therapist can help guide them through exercises to strengthen muscles and improve coordination.
By 12 months, babies typically pull themselves to stand and may even begin cruising or walking with support. If your baby shows no interest in standing or lacks the strength to pull themselves up, a physical therapist can assess their core and leg strength to help them meet this milestone.
How Pediatric Physical Therapy Can Help
If you notice any of these concerns or delays, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician. They can perform a developmental checkup and, if needed, refer you to a pediatric physical therapist who can assess your baby’s motor development more closely.
Pediatric physical therapy is specifically designed to help babies and toddlers improve their physical development in a fun, engaging way. Through targeted exercises, play-based activities, and motor skill development, a physical therapist can help your baby:
Strengthen muscles
Improve coordination and balance
Enhance gross motor skills (like crawling, sitting, and walking)
Build confidence in movement and exploration
The earlier we catch any developmental delays, the sooner we can start working on strategies to help your baby develop the motor skills they need to thrive. And remember, even small improvements in muscle strength, coordination, and balance can lead to big gains in your baby’s overall development.
In Conclusion: Early Intervention is Key
It’s completely normal for parents to have concerns about their baby’s milestones—especially when every baby develops at their own pace. However, if you notice significant delays in physical milestones, lack of coordination, or trouble engaging in play, it might be time to consider pediatric physical therapy. Early intervention can provide the support your baby needs to reach their full potential, ensuring they’re on the right track for healthy physical, social, and cognitive development.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly here at Moving and Grooving PT if you have any concerns about your baby’s motor development. The earlier we address issues, the sooner your baby can start making strides toward meeting their milestones.
