The goal of every new parent is to have a healthy newborn. They may not immediately be aware if there are any problems, since a baby cannot communicate their issues. And since a newborn mostly eats and sleeps, they may not be aware if there are any delays or injuries at birth. It's extremely important that you are aware of what to expect in your baby's first few years. This way, you will know if there is a problem and can get your little one tested and in treatment if necessary.

Read Baby Guides

One way to know what is considered healthy and developmentally on target for a baby is by reading recognized baby guides. The popular “What to Expect” series takes you through pregnancy and the first few years of the baby's life. They tell you what to expect in each month and year for developmental milestones. Reading these books and other similar resources will help you get an idea of what your baby should be doing and when.

Talk to the Doctor

If you attend all of the regular visits with your baby, your doctor should ask you about any milestones the little one has met. They will be aware of signs for late development or birth defects or injuries which may cause a delay in your little one's growth. If they are concerned about any issues, you may feel better to talk to one of many birth injury attorneys if you're concerned about an incident during delivery.

Talk to Other Moms

Every baby develops at a different pace, so you can't compare your child to everyone else's. However, you can ask questions of different mothers to find out when certain milestones were met. You may find that one baby was behind with gross motor skills while another one was later developing speech skills. If there are mothers who have experienced a birth injury or other causes for delay, they can tell you what to look for. They will also provide support if you're worried.

There are different programs in every state and throughout many cities that focus on child development. You can contact your local school to find out which ones exist in your area. Contact those people who serve in the programs and ask about an assessment for your baby. They may be able to guide you on what to expect from your baby at different stages and what you can do to help them.