The importance of tracking your child’s growth and development cannot be overstated. Not only does it allow you to spot potential developmental problems early enough so that they can be dealt with, but it also puts you in a better position to be able to contribute to your child’s development.
When you know the progress of your child’s development, you will also be able to give them developmentally-appropriate education and training. This will be more beneficial to them as it caters directly to their unique set of needs and their level of understanding.
Here is a closer look at the differences between normal and abnormal development:
Birth to 4 weeks
Normal:
- Actively moving hands and feet
- Move mouth towards stimuli and start sucking
- React to certain sounds, eg the sound of a bell
Abnormal:
- Hands and feet are not moving actively
- No reaction to the sound of a bell
4 to 6 weeks old
Normal:
- Has some control of their head in an upright position
- Can bend the elbow slightly
Abnormal:
- Cannot contro the position of the head in a sitting position
- Straight elbows with no flexion
6 weeks to 3 months
Normal:
- Can lift the head slightly when lying on the belly
- Can support their own body weight with both arms
Abnormal
- Unable to lift the head
- Unable to turn the head to the side
3 to 6 months
Normal:
- Able to roll over
- Able to push the body forward
- Can pull themselves up to cling on something
- Can reach out and touch objects
- Can grip objects with the hands and bring it to their mouth
- Pays attention to moving objects and sound-producing items
Abnormal
- Cannot roll over to lie on the belly
- Moves slowly to reach or pick up objects
6 to 9 months
Normal:
- Able to sit with support
- Able to get themselves to a sitting position
- Can pick and bring objects closer to themselves
- Can transfer objects from one hand to the other
- Can support their own body weight when seated
Abnormal:
- Unable to sit with support
- Makes limited use of their hands for activities
- Cannot balance the body when seated
8 to 10 months
Normal:
- Able to crawl
Abnormal:
- Unable to crawl
9 to 12 months
Normal:
- Able to stand independently
- Able to walk with assistance
- Able to play with balls
- Able to throw objects
- Able to pick up objects using the entire hand and making use of all the fingers
- When they drop objects, they are able to pick them up again
Abnormal:
- Unable to stand independently
- Unable to pull themselves up to stand with assistance or support
1 to 2 years
Normal:
- Able to walk confidently
- Able to squat
- Able to walk up and down stairs while holding on to something for support
- Able to kick a ball
- Able to run
Abnormal:
- Unable to walk
- Unable to run
This is a general outline of the growth and development of children up to the age of two years. If you notice that your child is missing any of these milestones, consider consulting your pediatrician for further assistance.
Tracking your baby’s development: Baby Trackers
One of the methods you can use to track your little one’s development is baby trackers. Keep in mind that they are not designed to be substitutes for medical advice. However, you can use them to gain some valuable insights into your child’s development.
Most apps these days come with social options that allow you to get connected to other mothers who have children of around the same age as yours. This will give you a first hand look into how your child’s age mates are doing, making it easier to identify any red flags faster.
There are a lot of options out there when it comes to baby trackers. A few great examples include:
- What to Expect Pregnancy and Baby Tracker App
- Baby Center Pregnancy Tracker and Baby App
- Glow Pregnant and Baby App
Final Thoughts
Keep in mind that every child is different and will develop differently. You can use a growth tracker app to keep track of your little one’s development, but remember that they are just apps. If anything concerns you, talk to your doctor about it.
