First signs of cerebral palsy
Parents and caregivers are often the first to notice signs of cerebral palsy in a child. Typically, parents suspect a problem when their baby does not reach developmental milestones at predictable times.
Early signs of developmental delays possibly related to cerebral palsy Age Developmental delay 3 months
Baby does not:
- Turn to a sudden noise or familiar voice.
- Follow objects with his or her eyes.
- Smile or show other facial expressions.
5 months
Baby does not:
- Hold his or her head straight.
- Lift his or her head up when pulled from a lying flat position to a sitting position.
6 months
By 6 months: Baby does not roll over.
After 6 months: Baby pushes food out of his or her mouth with the tongue rather than accepting it, as most babies would at this age.
8 months
Baby does not sit without support.
12 months
Baby either does not crawl or crawls dragging one side of the body or both legs.
Before 18 months
Baby always prefers using one hand over the other.
| Author: | Sabra L. Katz-Wise Ralph Poore | Last Updated: November 20, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics | |
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