Last Updated on March 14, 2025 by monalishamund1987@gmail.com
A. Developmental Delays : 06 months but less than 09 months
(if child is not doing below mentioned activities, s/he should be consulted with Doctor) :
- Either way, the child rotates or rolls over.
- A child uses both hands to hold a small object, securing it in the palm’s center.
- When you whisper behind them, the child will turn his or her head or eyes to find the source of the voice. Children’s consonants, such as “p,” “b,” and “m,”.
- The infant does not tilt their head when watching TV or playing with any toy.
- The child raises their hands for the parents to select them.
- A child searches for a dropped spoon or toy.
b. 09 months but less than 12 months (if child is not doing below mentioned activities, s/he should be consulted with Doctor) :
1. The child sits by themselves.
2. A child moves an object from one hand to the other.
3. The child’s reaction to his or her name
4. Examples of child babble include “ba,” “ba,” “da,” “da,” “ma,” and “ma.”
5. The child moves without running into anything.
6. The child likes to play pick-a-boo, or hide-and-seek.
Early Detection of Developmental Delay in a Child (6 to 12 Months): A Parent’s Guide with Love and Hope
Parenting is a journey filled with joy, surprises, and deep love. As your baby grows, you eagerly watch for their first smile, giggle, roll-over, and attempt to sit or crawl. These moments mark important developmental milestones. However, if your baby is not reaching these milestones as expected, it may indicate a developmental delay.
The first year of life is crucial for brain development, motor skills, social interactions, and communication. Early detection of developmental delays can help ensure timely interventions, allowing your child to get the support they need to thrive and grow beautifully.
In this guide, we will discuss:
✔️ Key developmental milestones between 6 to 12 months
✔️ Warning signs of developmental delay
✔️ Ways to support your baby’s development
✔️ When to seek professional help
Let’s explore how you can help your baby reach their full potential with love, care, and hope.
💡 Developmental Milestones from 6 to 12 Months
Every baby develops at their own pace, but most follow a general growth pattern in these areas:
🗣️ Speech & Communication Milestones
✅ Responds to their own name by 6-9 months
✅ Babbles with “ba,” “da,” “ma” sounds by 6-9 months
✅ Understands simple words like “no” or “bye-bye”
✅ Begins to wave, clap, or make simple gestures
✅ Tries to imitate speech sounds by 9-12 months
🏃♂️ Motor Skill Milestones
✅ Rolls over in both directions (front to back, back to front)
✅ Sits without support by 6-8 months
✅ Crawls or starts to scoot by 8-10 months
✅ Uses pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger) to pick up objects by 9-12 months
✅ Stands with support and may take assisted steps by 10-12 months
🤝 Social & Emotional Milestones
✅ Smiles and laughs in response to interactions
✅ Enjoys peek-a-boo and other simple games
✅ Shows attachment to caregivers and may have separation anxiety
✅ Expresses emotions like joy, frustration, or surprise
✅ Responds to facial expressions and tone of voice
🧠 Cognitive & Problem-Solving Milestones
✅ Explores objects by putting them in the mouth, shaking, or banging them
✅ Recognizes familiar faces and reacts to strangers
✅ Looks for objects that are partially hidden (object permanence)
✅ Understands the concept of cause and effect (e.g., pressing a button makes a sound)
If your baby is not meeting multiple milestones, it may be a sign of developmental delay. Early recognition of these signs allows for timely support and intervention.
🚨 Warning Signs: Possible Developmental Delays (6 to 12 Months)
🗣️ Speech & Communication Delays
🔴 Does not respond to their own name by 9 months
🔴 Does not make babbling sounds by 8 months
🔴 Shows no interest in sounds or voices
🔴 Does not gesture (wave, point, reach out) by 10 months
🔴 Cannot imitate simple sounds or facial expressions
🏃♂️ Motor Skill Delays
🔴 Does not roll over by 7 months
🔴 Cannot sit without support by 9 months
🔴 Does not attempt to reach for objects by 6-7 months
🔴 Shows stiff or floppy movements when trying to move
🔴 Does not bear weight on legs when held in a standing position by 10-12 months
🤝 Social & Emotional Delays
🔴 Does not smile or laugh at familiar faces by 6-9 months
🔴 Does not show affection toward caregivers
🔴 Avoids eye contact or lacks expressions
🔴 Does not respond to caregiver’s voice or interactions
🔴 Shows no interest in playing games like peek-a-boo
🧠 Cognitive & Problem-Solving Delays
🔴 Does not track moving objects with eyes by 7 months
🔴 Does not explore objects by grabbing, shaking, or putting them in the mouth
🔴 Shows no curiosity about surroundings
🔴 Does not recognize familiar faces by 9-12 months
If you notice any of these red flags, consult a pediatrician or child development specialist. Early action leads to better outcomes.
💖 How to Support Your Baby’s Development
Your love, encouragement, and engagement can help boost your baby’s progress.
🗣️ Encouraging Speech & Communication
✔️ Talk, sing, and narrate daily activities (“Now we’re changing your diaper!”)
✔️ Respond to babbling and encourage sounds
✔️ Read colorful picture books
✔️ Play music and nursery rhymes
🏃♂️ Boosting Motor Skills
✔️ Give tummy time daily to strengthen muscles
✔️ Encourage grasping objects and transferring between hands
✔️ Offer safe spaces for rolling, crawling, and pulling up
✔️ Use interactive toys to promote movement
🤝 Strengthening Social & Emotional Growth
✔️ Smile, cuddle, and maintain consistent interactions
✔️ Make eye contact and respond warmly
✔️ Play games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake
✔️ Expose your baby to different textures, sounds, and sights
🧠 Enhancing Cognitive & Problem-Solving Skills
✔️ Introduce cause-and-effect toys (e.g., toys that make noise when pressed)
✔️ Show and name everyday objects
✔️ Let your baby explore safe household items (e.g., wooden spoons, plastic cups)
✔️ Encourage imitating actions (clapping, waving, blowing kisses)
📌 When to Seek Professional Help
If you suspect your baby may have developmental delays, seek guidance from a:
✔️ Pediatrician (for initial assessment)
✔️ Developmental specialist (for milestone evaluation)
✔️ Speech therapist (for communication delays)
✔️ Physical therapist (for motor skill development)
✔️ Early intervention programs (for personalized support)
The earlier delays are identified, the greater the chance of improvement.
💡 A Message to Parents: Hope & Love Make a Difference
Realizing that your child may have a developmental delay can be worrying, but remember—you are not alone. Many babies who experience early delays catch up with the right support.
🌟 Your love, patience, and proactive approach can shape your baby’s future. Small progress is still progress! Celebrate every effort, and trust that your child will grow and thrive at their own pace.
💕 Parenting is a journey of love, hope, and discovery—embrace it with confidence!
Leave a Reply