When something's not right

Your baby might reach some developmental milestones ahead of schedule and lag behind a bit on others. This is normal. It's a good idea, however, to be aware of the signs or symptoms of a problem.

Consult your baby's doctor if you're concerned about your baby's development or your baby:

• Doesn't crawl or consistently drags one side of the body while crawling
• Can't stand with help
• Doesn't use gestures, such as waving or shaking the head
• Doesn't babble or attempt words such as "mama" or "dada"
• Doesn't search for objects that are hidden while he or she watches
• Doesn't point to objects or pictures

Trust your instincts. The earlier a problem is detected, the earlier it can be treated. Then you can look forward to the delights and challenges that lie ahead.