Growth and Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months

When to Call a Doctor

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

• Physical development. It is important to talk with your health professional 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 health professional.
• Emotional and social development. Talk to your health professional 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 indications 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 health professional.

Also see your health professional 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. However, it is important to talk to your health professional 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 health professional.

Your physical and mental health are also important in helping your baby reach his or her potential. Talk to your health professional 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:	Douglas Dana Amy Fackler, MA	Last Updated: July 31, 2006
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics
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