Problem Solving Milestones

This category is one that most parents have some difficulty grasping.  It encompasses the cognitive domain.

By two months a child should be following things with his eyes and getting bored if activities don't change.  At 4 months a child should let you know if she is happy or sad, respond to affection and play peek a boo.  By 6 months a child should enjoy playing with others, recognize strangers and enjoy looking at himself in the mirror.  At 9 months a child should look at things as they fall and look for toys that she's seen you hide.  At 12 months a child should be able to look at a picture of a common object when you name it.

I hope that this has helped to demystify things for you.

Kevin M. Windisch MD, FAAP
Sparks Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
975 Roberta Lane # 101B
Sparks NV 89431
775-359-7111

Social Milestones

Here are some common social milestones.  I hope that this helps you to understand where your baby is.  When in doubt ask your pediatrician to screen your child with one of the validated screening tools that are so widely available:

At 2 months your child should smile at you in response to your smile at 4 months your child should stare at his own hand and smile spontaneously.  At 6 months your child should reach out for a toy.  At 9 months  should be able to feed herself fingerfoods.  at 12 months, most babies can play pat-a-cake.  At 15 months most babies can begin to imitate work around the house and hold a cup.

I hope that this helps you to see what we are looking for with our patients.

Kevin M. Windisch MD, FAAP
Sparks Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
975 Roberta Lane # 101 B
Sparks NV 89431
775-359-7111