A Childs Development
Fargo-Moorhead Pediatric Therapy, Ltd.
Sometimes a new born baby or child needs special help with certain areas of development.
Normal development:
By 3 months
Pushes up on arms
Holds head up
By 6 months
Sits with support
Holds head up
Straight back
By 8 months
Sits without support
Arms free to reach and
grasp
By 12 months
Pulls to stand
By 15 months
Independent standing
or walking
Signs for concern of a special need for your baby include:
By 3 months
Unable to lift head or push up on arms
Stiff legs
Pushes back with head when lying on back
Constantly fisted hand and stiff leg on one side
Difficulty turning side to side
By 6 months
Unable to lift head, and/or a rounded back
when held in sitting, stiff arms; arms are held back
Legs are stiff and may be crossed when held in standing
By 8 months
Sits with a rounded back
Poor use of arms for play
Stiff legs, pointed toes
In pulling baby to sit, poor head control, difficulty to get arms foward, arches back-stiff legs
In supported stand, poor ability to lift head, will not take weight on legs
By 12 months
Difficulty getting to stand
Stiff legs, pointed toes
Cannot crawl on hands and knees
Uses only one side of body to move
By 15 months
Walks on toes on one side of body
Holds arms stiffly and bent
Excessive tip-toeing when walking
Sits with weight to one side
Uses predominantly one hand for play
One leg may be stiff
(90% of babies do these movements by the ages indicated.
Correct your child's age for prematurity.)
This Growth & Development Chart is provided with permission from
Pathways Awareness Foundation
(800)955-2445: www.pathwaysawareness.org
Providing special help for special children.
