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Don't worry if your child doesn't
walk or talk on schedule. According to experts, most kids have
caught up with one another by age 3, leaving little distinction
between the early birds and the late bloomers. Once they're 5,
you probably couldn't spot a late bloomer if you tripped over
one. In fact, studies of older children who were late bloomers
show that almost all go on to do just as well as their peers
in school and in organized sports.
Of course, if you have any concerns
about your child's development, you should bring it up with the
pediatrician. In some instances, being "behind schedule"
indicates a need for speech, occupational, or physical therapy.
Alert your pediatrician if your child hasn't mastered a skill
by the outside window of normal range:
- 5 months and hasn't rolled over
- 8 months and can't sit up (with
support)
- 12 months and isn't interested
in self-feeding or scribbling with a crayon
- 18 months and isn't walking
- 2 years and hasn't uttered his
first word
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