Parents know best: Ask about baby's physical delays

Many parents keep track of their baby's first moves, like rolling over, sitting, standing and walking. Early achievers delight their parents. But what if your baby seems to be taking her time to get moving?

"Some kids develop a little more slowly than other kids, and that is OK. But it could be a sign that they have a medical problem," said Dr. Garey H. Noritz, M.D., FAAP, an American Academy of Pediatrics member who cares for children with disabilities.

Motor delays that are most common include those due to cerebral palsy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy. Some babies have very stiff muscles or very weak muscles. Babies can seem floppy, or they might make jerking movements.

"Most of these disorders aren't going to be detected either in prenatal testing or on the newborn screen," said Noritz. "Even kids that have a normal birth history might have a motor problem."

Parents should not wait to talk to the pediatrician.

"Trust your instincts as a parent. Bring it to the doctor's attention when there's something that doesn't seem right," Noritz said.

The child can be examined by a developmental pediatrician, child neurologist or other specialist. A child doesn't need a diagnosis to receive therapy and early intervention services, Noritz said.

"Both of these things should happen at the same time," he added.

Getting help early makes a big difference for children with spinal muscular atrophy. There is a medication that works best the earlier the child starts taking it, Noritz said.

The AAP has an online checklist at motordelay.aap.org for parents who are concerned about their child's physical development. They can fill out and print the checklist to show their pediatrician.

Parents also can download the free Milestone Tracker app (for Android or Apple) from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones-app.html. Parents can join support groups for more resources, information and to meet other families going through similar situations.

"Trust yourself. Trust your doctor," Noritz said. "If you're worried about it, then we want to know about it."

• Children's health is a continuing series. This week's article is courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics in Elk Grove Village. For more information, visit www.healthy children.org.