When something's not right

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

Consult your baby's health care provider if you're concerned about your baby's development or your baby:

• Does not crawl or consistently drags one side of the body while crawling.
• Cannot stand with help.
• Does not use gestures, such as waving or shaking the head.
• Does not babble or attempt words such as "mama" or "dada."
• Does not search for objects that are hidden while your baby watches.
• Does not point to objects or pictures.

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