Baby's Motor Development: Key Concerns for Parents

Development of Baby's Motor Skills

Hello Dr.
Hong,
I have three questions to ask you:
1.
My son (born on December 9, 1989) was able to hold his neck up straight when he was about 2 to 3 months old, and when held upright, he would kick his legs as if trying to stand.
However, now that he is five months old, his legs seem to be soft and he no longer exhibits the standing motion.
When lying down, he kicks his legs up or forward with great effort.
Is there a problem with this?
2.
When my son is lying down, he lifts his head, and when he is on his stomach, he can also raise his head, but he cannot push up with his arms or roll over.
Is this development considered slow?
3.
My son does not like to drink plain water and often chokes when he does.
Some people have suggested adding glucose, but I am concerned that he will get used to sweet drinks and will not drink plain water in the future.
Is it necessary for infants to drink plenty of plain water? Is it okay to give him glucose water?
Thank you!

Mona, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/05/10

Dr. Hong Shaohui reply Pediatrics

(1) Based on your description, your son may be at risk for cerebral palsy.
It is recommended that you take him to a pediatric neurologist for a thorough examination as soon as possible.
(2) The difficulty in drinking water is related to his condition.
As long as the baby is getting enough milk, it is not necessary to drink a lot of water.
Drinking grape water does not provide any benefits.

Reply Date: 2001/05/10

More Info

Dear Parent,
Thank you for your questions regarding your baby's motor development and hydration. It's great that you are actively seeking information to support your child's growth. Let's address your concerns one by one.

1. Motor Development and Standing
It's quite common for infants to show varying degrees of strength and coordination as they develop. At five months, many babies are still refining their motor skills. The fact that your son was able to hold his head up and show interest in standing at two to three months is a positive sign of his early motor development. However, if he seems to have lost some of that strength and is not actively pushing against your hands or trying to stand, it may be worth monitoring.
Infants typically begin to show more consistent standing and walking behaviors around 9 to 12 months. If your son is kicking his legs vigorously while lying down, this is a good sign of muscle tone and strength. If you have concerns about his muscle tone or strength, it would be advisable to consult with a pediatrician or a pediatric physical therapist for a thorough evaluation.

2. Head Control and Rolling Over
Regarding your son's head control and ability to roll over, it is important to note that each child develops at their own pace. By five months, many babies can typically roll over and have better control of their head and upper body. If your son is able to lift his head while lying on his stomach, that is a positive sign. However, if he is not able to push up with his arms or roll over, it may indicate a delay in his gross motor skills.

Encouraging tummy time is essential for developing the muscles needed for rolling over and eventually crawling. You can also engage him with toys placed just out of reach to motivate him to reach and roll. If you continue to have concerns about his motor skills, a developmental assessment may be beneficial.

3. Hydration and Water Intake
As for your question about hydration, it is crucial for infants to stay hydrated, especially as they grow. While breast milk or formula provides adequate hydration for babies under six months, introducing small amounts of water can be beneficial as they start to eat solid foods. However, it is not necessary to force water if your baby is not interested.
If your son is having difficulty drinking water and tends to choke, it may be better to wait a little longer before introducing water again. You can try offering water in a sippy cup, which may be easier for him to manage. Adding glucose to water is not recommended as it can create a preference for sweet tastes, which may lead to issues with hydration in the future.
In summary, it's essential to monitor your child's development and consult with a pediatrician if you have concerns about his motor skills or hydration. Regular check-ups will help ensure that he is on track with his growth milestones. Remember, every child develops at their own pace, and with your support and encouragement, he will continue to thrive.

Best wishes for you and your little one!
Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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