Red flags in Development : 0-6 months
SNIPPETSDEVELOPMENT
Dr Praful Gowda
2 min read
The first 6 months of life are full of small but powerful milestones—your baby begins to move, react, smile, and connect. But what if your baby doesn’t seem to be keeping up?
As a pediatrician, I often remind parents that while every child grows at their own pace, there are certain signs that should not be ignored. Catching delays early—especially in these first months—can make all the difference.
This article will walk you through what to expect, what may be a red flag, and what to do next.
What to Expect by 6 Months
Here are some typical developmental milestones your baby should be reaching by 6 months of age:
Motor
Lifts head steadily during tummy time
Rolls from tummy to back (and vice versa by late 6 months)
Pushes up on arms when lying on belly
Begins to sit with support
Opens and shuts hands, brings hands to mouth
Language
Coos and makes vowel sounds (“ah”, “oo”)
Laughs out loud
Turns head toward sound
Social & Emotional
Smiles at familiar people
Enjoys looking at faces
Shows excitement when seeing caregiver
Cognitive
Looks at nearby objects and follows them with eyes
Brings things to mouth
Starts reaching and grabbing toys
Red Flags: Signs That Warrant Concern
If your baby shows any of the following signs, it’s a good idea to consult your pediatrician for a developmental evaluation.
By 2–3 Months:
Does not respond to loud sounds
Does not follow moving objects with eyes
Doesn’t smile at people
Doesn’t bring hands to mouth
Has very stiff or very floppy body tone
By 4–6 Months:
Doesn’t show affection for caregivers
Doesn’t roll over in either direction
Cannot hold head steady
Doesn’t laugh or squeal
Doesn’t reach for things
Doesn’t push down with legs when feet are placed on a firm surface
If you notice more than one of these signs—or if you have a gut feeling that something is off—it’s important not to wait.
What Should Parents Do?
If you notice red flags:
Trust your instinct—you know your baby best.
Discuss concerns with your pediatrician. Don’t wait for the next routine visit.
Request developmental screening—tools like the Denver II or ASQ may be used.
Start early therapy if needed—even simple exercises at home can help.
What Could These Signs Mean?
A red flag doesn’t always mean there is a permanent problem. Some common causes of early developmental delay include:
Prematurity
Vision or hearing impairment
Muscle tone disorders (like hypotonia)
Genetic or neurological conditions
Environmental deprivation
Sometimes, delays are temporary and improve with support. But the earlier we step in, the more we can help your child succeed.
What’s the Next Step?
Track development weekly.
Book a consult if delays are persistent.
Ask about referral to early intervention programs (especially for high-risk infants).
Don't panic—early help is available.