Why Are Some Babies Slow to Develop Motor Skills?

by Jules Stark

Overview

Babies can have problems developing motor skills for a variety of reasons. A slight or temporary lag in development is common, but developmental delay is a major factor in areas like social, language, or motor skills that could result in long-term complications (see Reference 2).
Signs

In developmental delay, you may notice that your child has not reached a particular developmental milestone on time, such as being able to hold and reach for objects by the time they are three or four months old. It is important to familiarize yourself with expected milestones so you can find and treat developmental problems as early as possible (see Reference 1, page 2).

Causes

Several conditions can be responsible for developmental delay, including genetic causes like Down syndrome and complications relating to birth and pregnancy, like prematurity or an infection (see Reference 2). According to Henry Shapiro, a developmental pediatrician at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, most cases of developmental delay do not have a specific medical cause (see Reference 1, page 3).
Premature Babies

Premature babies sometimes take longer than other babies to reach certain stages of development. Most doctors will gauge a premature baby's development by due date rather than the actual birth date (see Reference 1, page 2).
Early Intervention

Every state has an early intervention program: a collection of services to help infants and young children with developmental delay or disorders. Services can include special educational, therapeutic, or health services (see Reference 3).
When to See Your Doctor

If you suspect your child may be developmentally delayed, you should speak with your primary care physician, who may refer you to a specialist. Diagnosis of developmental problems is generally made under strict guidelines (see Reference 2).