Factors That Influence Your Baby's Development Explained

You've heard it before: children develop in their own time and developmental milestones are just a guide. But it's hard not to worry when friends' babies seem to reach every milestone on time. Understanding the different factors that influence your baby's development will give you a clearer idea whether your baby is simply on their own schedule or a chat with your doctor is needed.

Your baby's temperament is the strongest influence on their development. A persistent, stubborn or easily frustrated baby is more likely to learn new skills quicker, practising rolling over until they master it and abandoning crawling for walking to reach a favourite toy. A sweet-natured, placid baby is likely to be content with crawling and will take their time to stand, cruise or walk.

Is your baby surrounded by doting aunts and uncles who hold them all the time? Don't be surprised if a coddled baby takes longer to roll over, sit up or crawl. Helpful hint #1: if older siblings do everything for them, fetching toys or flagging a stinky diaper before they cry, your baby may take longer to verbalise what they want, since everyone is so good at anticipating their needs. Babies from multiple births also tend to be late talkers because they talk to each other in their own special language.

Some babies have low muscle tone, which makes it harder to master gross motor skills such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling and walking. They may take more time initially, but most children with low muscle tone outgrow it in a few years and catch up with their peers. If your baby is a bit floppy when you pick them up and doesn't move as quickly, they probably have low muscle tone. You can try these exercises to help their muscle development.

If your baby isn't that skilled with a crayon, it might be because they're more interested in movement and spend more time running and jumping. Likewise, a very vocal baby might be a bit behind with walking. Your baby's development won't necessarily be even; instead they'll put all their effort into mastering the one skill they're most interested in first and leave the others for later.

There is a large window for your baby to master each milestone, so you don't have to worry if your baby takes longer to reach some or all of them. As long as they're making slow and steady progress, they'll get there in their own time, and most children catch up to their peers by age 3, whether you have an early bird or a late bloomer. Helpful hint #2: premature babies have some catching up to do, so use an adjusted age that takes their prematurity into account rather than their chronological age.

Some developmental delays could mean your baby needs speech, occupational or physical therapy. Speak to your doctor if your baby reaches the following ages without these milestones:

You should also pay special attention if your child favours one side, for example only reaching with the right hand or dragging the left leg, or if they lose skills they've already learnt.

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