Growth and Developmental in Children | Dr. Abhimanyu Sengupta

As a parent, one of the most fulfilling experiences is watching your child grow and develop new skills—from smiling for the first time to taking their first steps. However, every child grows at their own pace, and understanding developmental milestones helps you ensure your child is on the right track. Dr. Abhimanyu Sengupta, a highly experienced Consultant Senior Pediatrician in Aundh, Pune, explains what parents should monitor at different stages of growth and when to seek expert guidance.

What Are Developmental Milestones?
Developmental milestones are a set of functional skills or age-specific tasks that most children can do within a certain age range. These milestones are typically categorized into five major areas:

• Gross Motor Skills (e.g., sitting, crawling, walking)
• Fine Motor Skills (e.g., grasping toys, holding a spoon)
• Language and Communication (e.g., babbling, speaking words)
• Cognitive Skills (e.g., recognizing people, solving simple problems)
• Social and Emotional Skills (e.g., smiling, interacting with others)

Key Milestones to Monitor by Age
Birth to 6 Months

• Responds to sounds and smiles.
• Begins to babble and make eye contact.
• Rolls over and starts holding the head up steadily.

6 to 12 Months

• Sits without support.
• Begins to crawl and may start standing with assistance.
• Responds to name and understands simple words like "no."

1 to 2 Years

• Walks independently.
• Starts forming simple sentences and follows instructions.
• Engages in pretend play and shows increasing independence.

2 to 3 Years

• Climbs and runs with better coordination.
• Uses short phrases and starts asking questions.
• Plays alongside peers and begins to show a wider range of emotions.

3 to 5 Years

• Speaks in complete sentences and tells stories.
• Can dress and feed self with minimal help.
• Begins to understand time, routines, and more complex emotions.

When Should Parents Be Concerned?
Dr. Sengupta emphasizes that while some variation in development is normal, parents should consult a pediatrician if:

• The child isn't meeting multiple milestones.
• There is a loss of previously acquired skills.
• Language, social, or motor skills seem significantly delayed.

Importance of Regular Pediatric Visits
Routine checkups help monitor your child’s physical growth (height, weight, and head circumference) and assess developmental progress. Early detection of delays ensures timely intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes.

Book an Appointment Today
If you have any concerns about your child’s growth and development, don’t hesitate to consult Dr. Sengupta at his clinic in Aundh, Pune. Early care makes a lifelong difference.