Besides nutrition children need appropriate stimulation in order to reach their development potential. Both parents and health workers need to know the normal developmental milestones.
Developmental milestones
| Developmental milestone | Normal limits |
|---|---|
| Can lift head when prone | 4 weeks |
| Social smile | 4–6 weeks |
| Good head control | 3–6 months |
| Turns to origin of the sound | 2–3 months |
| Extends hand to grasp a toy | 2–3 months |
| Sitting without support | 5–9 months |
| Standing | 7–13 months |
| Walking | 12–18 months |
| Talking | 9–24 months |
- Any child whose milestones are delayed needs careful assessment to identify the cause and offered appropriate therapy. If you cannot deal with the problem refer.
- Children need simple culturally appropriate toys to play with. Parents can be taught how to make simple toys with materials available in the home.
- Encourage parents to spend time with their young children. Encourage parents to talk to their children often, even the babies; they won’t understand the words, but they will learn about interaction.