When something's not right

Your baby might reach some developmental milestones ahead of schedule and lag behind on others. This is normal. It's a good idea to be aware of the warning signs of developmental delay, however. Consult your baby's doctor if you're concerned about your baby's development or you notice any of these red flags by age 3 months:

• Hasn't shown any improvement in head control
• Doesn't seem to respond to loud sounds
• Doesn't smile at people or the sound of your voice
• Doesn't follow moving objects with his or her eyes
• Doesn't notice his or her hands
• Doesn't grasp and hold objects

Remember that every baby is unique — but your instincts are important, too. The earlier a problem is detected, the earlier it can be treated.