What should I be on the lookout for in terms of motor delay in kids?

Speaker: Vibha Pathak

Vibha Pathak: Hello, my name is Dr. Vibha Pathak, and I'm occupational therapist at Children's Health Council (CHC). The question of the day is what should I be on the lookout for in terms of motor delay when I'm looking at my kids? And that's a very, you know, it's a very good question because as parents it's so important to be aware and to have early detection. I think the answer is twofold. First, we have the motor milestones that we look at, right? So we're looking at is my child rolling by 3 to 6 months of age, then sitting without support by 7 to 9 months of age, starting to walk, cruising by 10 to 12 months and then walking independently by about 13 to 18 months, right? That's one aspect of it. And the second aspect of it, which I feel is even more important is engagement and interaction. How is your child interacting with the environment, with their hands, with their body? Are they moving, grabbing at things, showing you things? Are they moving their body from various positions? And that is key and if you find that your child is not doing that it's a great conversation then to have with your pediatrician. Thank you.