Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving "bye bye" are called developmental milestones. If you have concerns that your baby isn't reaching these milestones you should tell your child's pediatrician.

Ramona Johnston, a mother of three says, "You never know, there may be something you can do to prevent something."

Dr. Eric Jones with Gulf Coast Hospital explains, "You're looking at language development, cognitive development, emotional, any kind of interactive development, social development all of those things come in to place and they're all closely connected."

Pediatrician Dr. Eric Jones also says that often times it is the parents who first notice that their child is not progressing at the same rate as other children their age. "It's kind of double edge sword to compare your children to other children but sometimes it does actually raise some flags. So, anytime a parent has a concern we take that very seriously and we start doing a little bit more screening for developmental problems."

Associations like the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that all infants and young children be screened for developmental delays periodically in the context of an office visit.

"We screen kids at every single well child visit for development from the first one to the last one. So, every time they come, even for sick visits we're looking at them developing and making sure they're ok."says Dr. Jones.

You can also do your part in your child's development by making sure they're getting proper nutrition, exercise, and rest. Spending time with them is also very important.

A comprehensive evaluation will provide a clear description of your child's needs and with early intervention; most children will make a successful transition to school. Development delays are normally treated with therapy not medication.