Why are milestones so important in the first year?

Most kids end up walking - eventually.. So, why does the doctor even bother with a questionnaire to check on development?

We know that most kids will eventually walk.  I hear from parents all the time, "they will walk when they are ready." 

There are a few major shifts in behavior in kids in their first year of life.  The first comes along when you see that they are starting to get motivated to move by any means possible.  They are exerting their independence and showing a desire to move and explore, which is one of the ways babies learn.

The second shift comes along when babies learn how to move fast, by crawling (some by scooting).  They have just opened their world and can access a much broader range of the environment to learn from.  Their learning opportunities increase exponentially.

The third shift comes when they get upright and mobile - meaning walking!  Their world suddenly shifts from being 1 foot off the ground to a couple feet.  They can see whole rooms better than before, they can get to things faster than before and once again their learning opportunities increase exponentially.

When a child is delayed in walking (or crawling) it isn't often that we worry that the child will never walk, it's more that we worry about all of the learning opportunities the child is missing out on.  Learning is exponential in many ways as babies.  Once they learn one thing about the world they then learn 10 more things from that one thing, then they learn 10 more things from each of the prior 10 things, and on and on. 

When a child is stuck on the floor for too long they miss out on many of these learning opportunities.  Studies have shown that if a child is behind it's really hard for them to catch up in learning (not learning to move but learning about the environment, life, etc.).  I would give you links to research articles, but this blog isn't really about quoting research, its about life as a mom and my experience as a PT.

So, what should you do if your child isn't crawling or walking on time? 

1. The first thing is to call your Early Intervention office and get an evaluation scheduled (I know I sound like a broken record with this, but it is the easiest, best support you are going to get for FREE).
2. Secondly, make sure your child has access to as much of the world as possible.  Don't leave them sitting in one place all day - move them around the house so they can see different rooms, hallways, everywhere.  Make sure you aren't using too many "contraptions" or containers (pack and plays, chairs of any sort, bouncers, etc).  The best way for your child to learn is to get out there on the floor moving!  Not be stuck in some sort of contraption.
3. Third, talk, talk, talk.  Talk to them about everything and anything!  This is great to do even if they are on schedule with movement.
4. Talk to your doctor about resources to help you and your child and to ensure there is no medical reason your child isn't moving.

When should you get worried?  Try not to worry, all kids are so different but use these loose guidelines:

1. Not moving in circles or backwards on their stomach by 7 months
2. Not crawling (or sometimes scooting) by 11 months
3. Not walking by 15-18 months

Happy learning for you and your child!