Growth & Development
We provide a guide on set milestones a child should have attained by certain ages. It is worth noting that the cut offs are based on studies done in developed countries and in general, it is believed that African children achieve these milestones earlier. Some milestones are also dependant on exposure. For example, if at home you do not use cutleries to eat, it is unlikely that your child will know how to use knife and fork at the expected age of four years.
The various stages of growth and development vary within a couple of months. When assessing the growth and development of your child, there are particular areas you should follow up and assess:
- Muscle strength and activity - neck support, sitting up, standing, walking, climbing, running etc.
- Coordination and handling of small objects
- Vision
- Hearing
- Speech and interactions with others, interest in surrounding
- Play
- Ability to feed self
- Ability to put on and remove clothes
- Toilet training
You should consult a paediatrician if your child:
- Has no social smile by 2 months
- Has not achieved eye contact by 3 months
- Is not reaching for objects at 6 months
- Is not sitting with support at 9 months
- Is not walking unaided at 18 months
- Is not saying single words with meaning at 18 months
- Has lost previously acquired skills
- Has gross discordance between the various areas of development
