Signs of Slow Motor Skill Development in Babies

Birth to 3 Months

• During the first few weeks of life, your baby's movements are jerky and her hands are often in fists. During the next few months, his movements will become smoother, and he will gain control over his neck muscles to be able to lift his head while on his stomach. By 3 months old, he should be supporting his head independently while you hold him at your shoulder. Some causes for concern during these first few months include excessively floppy or loose limbs or stiff arms and legs when you are dressing or changing your baby, according to AbilityPath.org.

4 to 7 Months

• Sometime after 4 months of age, your baby should be learning to roll over from both his stomach and his back. He should be able to lift his chest off the floor with his arms when he is placed on his stomach. This will be a sign he is ready to sit with support from you or with pillows behind him for balance. If your baby is not able to roll over in either direction by the time he is 5 months old, it could be a sign of a possible motor delay, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

8 to 12 Months

• By the time your baby is 8 months old, he should be able to sit unsupported, eventually developing enough trunk strength to lean over and pick up nearby toys. During the next few months, he will likely master crawling, although some babies never actually crawl, according to the AAP. Instead, he might scoot on his bottom or pull himself along on his stomach. The important thing is that he is learning to coordinate his movements and using both sides of his body equally. If you notice weakness on one side, it could be a sign of a delay, according to AbilityPath.org. By the time your little one is nearing his first birthday, he should be able to stand while holding onto low furniture or with you holding his hands. If he can not bear weight on his legs by the time he is 12 months old, it is a cause for concern.

12 to 24 Months

• Many babies begin to walk in the months after their first birthday, but if your little one is not walking by the time he is 18 months old, it is a sign of a possible motor delay, according to the Northwest Center Child Development Program. During this time, you should also watch your baby to ensure he is using both sides of his body equally, and not using one hand or leg much more than the other as he plays and moves. Once your baby reaches his second birthday, he should be walking with a heel-to-toe stride, and it is a cause for concern if he is consistently walking on his toes, according to AbiltyPath.org.

Where to Turn

• If you notice any signs of a possible delay in your baby at any age, talk with your pediatrician about your concerns. she can reassure you if your baby is just slightly behind in developing or continue watching for further signs of a delay. The delays you are seeing could be caused by an underlying medical condition that your doctor may be able to identify, according to the APTA. Your doctor can perform a screening of your baby's motor skills and if he or she feels that a more in-depth evaluation is necessary, you might need to see a physical therapist. The therapist will be able to determine whether your little one's skills are delayed and, if so, by how much.