Neuro-Motor Development in Infants: Key Milestones and Delays. Dr. Narmin Azizova

Articles in English

07 May 2025

General Information

Neuro-motor development in infants is a natural process in which control over the body’s muscles and movements gradually forms as the nervous system matures. This development starts with primitive reflexes – rooting and grasping – and progressively advances to more complex skills like rolling over, sitting, and walking.

Most infants begin walking between 12-15 months, with approximately 90% reaching this milestone by 18 months. Genetic factors, the environment, early experiences, and physical activity all impact the speed and quality of development. Research indicates that children who are active from an early age tend to develop motor skills more effectively in later stages.

Causes of Delayed Neuro-motor Development in Infants

Genetic Disorders – Down syndrome, Cerebral palsy
Premature Birth – Infants born before 37 weeks may have underdeveloped organs and systems, leading to delayed development.
Environmental Factors – Exposure to toxins, poor nutrition, and lack of stimulation can negatively impact motor and cognitive development.

Signs of Developmental Delay

Mental Development Concerns

Age	Signs
0-1 month	No reaction to loud sounds
2 months	No response to sounds or facial expressions
4 months	No smiling, not following objects, no sounds
6 months	Not holding objects, no response to sounds, no cooing
9 months	No reaction to familiar people, silent
12 months	No response to name, doesn’t understand “no”
15 months	Doesn’t say simple words, no gestures
18 months	Cannot express 6 words, doesn’t understand object functions
24 months	Doesn’t follow simple commands, doesn’t form two-word sentences
36 months	Doesn’t form three-word sentences, can’t play pretend games
48 months	Doesn’t understand “same and different,” no response to questions
60 months	Doesn’t recognize colors, can’t distinguish real from imaginary games

Psychological-Emotional Development Concerns

Age	Signs
6 months	No smiling, no joyful reactions
9 months	No reciprocal facial expressions or sounds
12 months	No response when called by name, no babbling or gestures
15 months	Doesn’t use gestures to communicate, no vocabulary
18 months	No pretend play or gestures
24 months	Doesn’t form meaningful two-word sentences
Any age	Loss of previously acquired skills (babbling, social interaction, etc.)

Motor Development Concerns

Age	Signs
4 months	Weak head control, difficulty sitting with support
9 months	Cannot sit unsupported, no support when standing
18 months	Cannot walk unsupported
Any age	Asymmetry in hands and feet, loss of previously mastered skills

Normal Neuro-Motor Development by Age

Age	Skills
2 months	Hands are in a fist, can lift head, makes sounds
3 months	Holds head steady, tracks objects with eyes, coos
4 months	Reaches for objects, turns head toward sounds
5-6 months	Rolls over from back to stomach, transfers objects from hand to hand
7-8 months	Sits with support, reaches for objects, repeats syllables
9-10 months	Sits unsupported, stands with support, waves “bye-bye”
11-12 months	Walks with help, says simple words, follows basic commands
13-15 months	Walks independently, can point to objects, can scribble
18 months	Climbs stairs, throws a ball, builds a tower with blocks, identifies body parts
24 months	Runs, forms 2-3 word sentences, turns book pages
2-3 years	Runs smoothly, toilet training begins, climbs stairs with ease
4-5 years	Stands on one foot, rides a bicycle, draws circles
4-6 years	Jumps on one foot, dresses independently, plays pretend games

Conclusion

Neuro-motor development encompasses the process from an infant’s reflex movements to more complex activities like walking, running, and tasks requiring coordination. Genetic factors and the environment play significant roles in this development. Timely identification of delays and intervention is crucial for the child’s future development.

Narmin Azizova, the founder of Pediatriya.az