Quick Insight:
Mumma and Daddy, Dr Chandana, a pediatric occupational therapist with Tinyvers and mother of two, emotionally remarks, It is far more valuable to compare your baby this month to your baby last month than to compare your baby to your friend's baby. "Every baby is unique, and comparing them only adds unnecessary anxiety without providing value.”
Understanding Developmental Milestones and Parental Concerns
Many parents feel a pang when they hear about another child's milestones their own hasn’t reached yet. From sitting up to walking, the timing varies widely and is perfectly natural.
The urge to compare is natural, and Dr. Chandana understands this well. Here’s her advice if you're worried about your child's growth:
Is My Child Making Progress?
New parents often focus on major milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking. Dr. Chandana emphasizes noticing the smaller, less obvious steps that lead to these milestones. Celebrating these helps you see that, even at my own pace, I’m growing. If these key skills aren’t progressing as expected, she recommends seeking a developmental assessment.
Whose Child I Should Compare My Own To?
When tracking toddler development, it’s more helpful to compare my current skills to my past ones rather than to other toddlers. This approach focuses on personal growth rather than misleading and stressful competition.
When Should I Worry?
While developmental milestones often cause concern, Dr. Chandana points out that most worries stem from isolated delays. Here are situations where further guidance is crucial:
- Regression: Losing skills like sitting, making eye contact, or babbling requires immediate attention.
- Stalled Progress: If any developmental area shows no progress for 6–8 weeks, consult a specialist.
- Multiple Delays: Simultaneous delays in several areas signal the need for a thorough pediatric evaluation.
- While some children simply need more time, significant delays should be reviewed by a healthcare provider.
Consulting a Professional
it's essential to discuss any developmental concerns with my pediatrician. Development doesn’t follow a strict formula, and what’s “typical” can vary widely. Pediatricians can assess, refer, and often reassure you about my progress.
Dr. Chandana also suggests trusting your instincts and seeking a second opinion if you're not satisfied with the answers.
Conclusion
Worry is natural, but supporting my growth means knowing when to relax and when to seek expert advice. Remember, my journey is unique, and focusing on my progress will bring the greatest benefits and satisfaction over time.