Child Developing Progress
Is your child a late developer? All babies have their own timetable and develop at different rates. If you suspect your child is a late developer, there are steps you can take to help him. The article was extracted from UK magazine, Mother & Baby (Nov 99 issue). Home, Back
Sitting up
Some babies may sit up as early as five months, but usually it is around six to seven months that his back is strong enough, and he has enough control of his muscles, to allow him to sit unsupported.
Why he may be late
Nine months is probably the latest time by which your baby will be sitting up - though babies born prematurely may take longer, because they have a lot of catching up to do. But sitting up unsupported is mostly due to the development of your baby's muscle control, and an increase in his strength, explains child psychologist Margaret McAllister.
How you can help
You could try putting your baby in a supported baby seat so he learns that he can have a different view of the world, says Margaret McAllister. Also, propping your baby in a safe position, well supported by cushions, will give him a good idea of what's to come.
Crawling
Some babies can crawl at six months - although this is very early - while others may not start until they are just under one year. On average, eight months is the most typical age. For crawling, your baby needs to be able to straighten his body so his chest and head are clear of the floor.
Why he may be late
As in sitting up, muscular strength plays a big part in when your baby begins crawling. It can also be down to how interested your baby is in getting around, as some are quite content to sit in a playpen and roll over instead, deciding to learn to crawl later, says Margaret McAllister.
How you can help
Give him lots of opportunities to practise - let him lie on his back or sit on a rug on the floor so he can roll over and get on his hands and knees. Encourage him by sitting in front of him and holding out your arms or a toy for him to shuffle towards. Try not to force him to do anything he doesn't want to - it may put him off.
Walking
Although some babies may begin walking as early as nine months, the average baby won't take his first steps until he's around 14 months. And even though most babies will be up and walking by 18 months, some don't begin until they are just under two.
If your baby is slow in taking to his feet, but his development in other areas seems normal, try not to worry too much. Once he has started to walk, he will catch up very quickly.
Why he may be late
If your child is a super speedy crawler, he might find it faster and easier to continue getting around at floor level rather than trying to get up on two feet. It may be that he simply hasn't had enough practise at walking, suggests Madeleine Portwood, an educational psychologist. It could also caused by physical immaturity, in which case, it's a good idea to try and encourage your child to walk by going through a series graded steps.
How you can help
Walking needs to be broken down into smaller areas. Arrange activities on the seat of a chair, so you're encouraging your child to stand up to play with them. then move his toys to another part of the room so he has to use the furniture to help him get there (cruising). Encourage him to walk holding on to your two hands, or give him a trolley filled with toys bricks so that he can push it along.
Talking
At around nine or ten months, your baby's babble will begin to resemble the sounds and intonations of adult speech, and it is most likely that your child will utter his first words, such as 'juice' or 'da-da', between the ages of 12-15 months. A very general rule is words at one year, phrases at two and sentences at three, says Marylyn Hill, who is deputy manager of the Speech and Language Therapy Department at South downs NHS Health Thrust.
Why he may be late
Late talking can be due to a lack of stimulation or a family history of delayed talking, although it can also be caused by a speech-and-language disorder, or learning disability, says Marylyn Hill. However we would be far more concerned if a child appeared unable to understand what was being said to him, rather than a lack of actual speech.
How you can help
The main thing is to talk to your child and use lots of simple language. Look at your child and use plenty of gestures and intonation. Don't have the TV, a video or radio on all day - background noise can inhibit speech - and make sure you have quiet times during the day when you read him stories and play together while talking to him all the time.
Follow your child's lead - if he blows you a raspberry, blow one back. children love repetition, so sing nursery rhymes (when he knows them well, try leaving out the last word for him to finish off), look at books and then point out to him the things he's learnt about when you're out with him. If your child indicates that he wants something - for example, some milk or a particular toy - reiterate his request: 'Do you want your milk?', 'Look, it's your cat'. Remember to listen to him even if you don't really understand what he is saying. if you have a conversation with him, listen, nod and ask questions, then he will maintain an interest in speaking recognisable words.
Feeding himself
By nine months, it is usual for a child to be able to hold finger food and to grasp a spoon, and by one year to hold a spoon, put it to his mouth and drink from a trainer cup. By 18 months, most babies can feed themselves relatively efficiently - making meal times a less hazardous experience than they once were. Learning how to feed himself is an important steps for your child - not only does it provide him with nourishment, but he also gain independence.
Why he may be late
If there are no other obvious developmental problems, a delay in learning to feed is often due to lack of stimulation and opportunity. Also many parents don't like the mess caused by a baby learning how to feed, or are worried about choking. It can also be a very time consuming process. But it is only with practise that your baby can learn to feed himself efficiently.
How you can help
Give him lots of opportunities to have a go. Feed your baby at family meal times, so that he sees you eating, and give him a spoon to hold as well. If you're worried about the mess, use a scooped plastic bib to catch any food, and put a mess mat under his highchair. Give him a variety of foods to try (after all, babies do get bored), and put his food in wide, shallow bowl, which is easier to dip a spoon into - yoghurt pots or small jars only make the feeding process more difficult for him to join in with.
Potty training
Although some children are ready for potty training before they are two, other children aren't out of nappies before their third birthday. The main indication of the right time to potty train your child is when he is ready - this means both his body and his understanding have to be mature enough. Physically, his body has to be able to control the muscles surrounding his bladder and anus, while mentally, he has to be able to understand what a full bladder feels like - and to be able to do something about it before it is too late.
Why he may be late
If the process is very slow or does not happen at all, then it's probably a sign that your child is not ready yet. In this case, it may be an idea to delay it for a month or so until he shows some interest. In addition, if there have been changes in the family, he may be resistant to the idea.
How you can help
Bide your time and just try and wait until he is ready. Meanwhile, keep a potty in the bathroom and get him used to sitting on it occasionally. If your child does begin using it, don't get cross when he has 'accidents' - they're inevitable. Be very enthusiastic and praise him when does get it right.