What Are Some Of The General Developmental Milestones That Parents Should Assess In Their Baby?

Dr. Filipek answers the question: 'Developmental Milestones In Babies?'

By
Pauline Filipek, M.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics & Neurology University of California, Irvine
October 15, 2008, 11:21 AM ET
1 min read

Oct. 23, 2008 -- Question: What are some of the general developmental milestones that parents should assess in their baby

Answer: Babies are innately social creatures. There is a myth that babies don't see until they're 3 or 4 months of age, and that is not true. Babies should be looking at their parents, really looking at their parents at birth, or shortly after birth.

And as they get a little older, 3-6 months of age, babies should be actively engaging people around them. They should also be becoming noisier and noisier as they get older. Quiet babies, potentially, could have a hearing problem as well as a potentially could be developing signs of autism.

So, if your baby is not looking at you, is not making a lot of sounds, and is not interacting with you, you should seek out advice from your primary care providers or your early intervention services in your community.