Growth and Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months

When to Call a Doctor

Talk to your doctor any time you have concerns about your baby's:

• Physical development. It is important to talk with your doctor if your baby's growth seems to slow significantly or if he or she is not consistently eating well.
• Cognitive development. Cognition is the ability to learn and remember. If your baby is not becoming increasingly alert or active, talk to your doctor.
• Emotional and social development. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about how you and your baby interact or if you feel unable to nurture or emotionally connect with your child.
• Language development. If your baby doesn't babble as expected or respond to your voice, talk to your doctor. These may be signs of a hearing problem.
• Sensory and motor skill development. If your baby does not consistently meet motor skill development milestones, such as purposeful rolling over or crawling, talk to your doctor.

Also see your doctor if your child has lost a skill that he or she had previously mastered.

Remember that babies reach developmental milestones at different times. Just because your child is slow in one area does not mean that he or she has a health problem or developmental delay. But it is important to talk to your doctor whenever you have concerns. Identifying problems early usually offers the best opportunities for successful treatment. Seek other information sources if you feel your concerns are not addressed or if you have any other communication problems with your child's doctor.

Your physical and mental health are also important in helping your baby reach his or her potential. Talk to your doctor if think you might be depressed or if you feel detached or unable to care for your baby in any way.

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Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: April 3, 2008
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics
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