When it comes to a baby’s growth and development, parents usually picture the big moments — like first steps and first words. While these are undoubtedly very important, there are other lesser-known developmental milestones that matter as well. Below, this pediatrician in Northwest Indiana is going to explore some of the key early childhood milestones you might not have heard of.
Hand regard
Babies usually start recognizing and using their hands by the time they are three months old. They might put their hands or fingers in their mouth, swat at toys, or just stare at their hands in front of their face. This last one is called “hand regard” and can sometimes be mistaken for a seizure.
If you see your child making twitching and jerking movements while doing this, it could just be that your baby is amazed by their hands. But if you are at all unsure, you can always reach out to your local pediatrician in Northwest Indiana to be safe.
Developmental drooling
There are two types of salivary glands. The first type is tiny and is found in the lips, tongue, inner cheek, and the lining of the mouth and throat. Then, there are the larger parotid glands that are located just in front of the ears. The parotid glands don’t mature until a baby is about 3 to 4 months old, which coincides with the baby’s ability to chew and put their hands in their mouth easily.
Parents often assume that a drooling 3 or 4-month-old is teething, but it is usually due to the parotid glands maturing. This behavior is normal and not a sign of early teething.
The fencing reflex
If your baby is 2 to 3 months old, you might see them in a fencing position — when your baby is lying on their back with their head turned to one side, and one arm stretched out while the other is bent at the elbow. This is called the fencing reflex or the tonic neck reflex. This reflex is a normal part of your baby’s growth and usually goes away by the time your kid is six months old.
6-month cough
When babies are around six months old, they often start the “6-month cough.” This is when they start coughing on purpose as they learn to make new sounds. The cough usually sounds throaty and does not come with other symptoms like a runny nose or fever. This purposeful coughing can be funny to watch and is a normal part of your baby’s growth.
Ear grabbing
Newborns have little control over their arms and legs, so they don’t even know that they have ears or a nose during the first few weeks. By six months, babies get better at exploring their bodies and might put their hands and feet in their mouths or play with their belly buttons.
Around 8 or 9 months, babies discover their ears and start pulling and poking at them. When your baby has a sudden fascination with their ears, you might worry about an ear infection. But if the baby is not fussy and does not have a cold, it is usually nothing more than part of your child’s body exploration.
Knowing these lesser-known milestones can help you recognize and appreciate your baby’s amazing growth. And if you are ever worried about your baby’s development, it is a good idea to consult your pediatrician in Northwest Indiana.
Looking for an Affordable Pediatrician in Northwest Indiana?
Are you currently searching for a pediatrician you can trust? If so, and if you are looking for a reputable pediatrician in Northwest Indiana, look no further than our team at 219 Health Network. Our licensed pediatricians provide high-quality healthcare services to children of all ages. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to get started.