Expert: Jene Aviram - 7/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I am worried about my 4 month old daughter. At her well visit, she wouldn't smile or coo at the doctor. Instead she cried when he tried to play with her. He said she is young for stranger anxiety. She does cry when some people hold her other than her family. She does look at people. Her eye contact is normally very good. She smiles and coos with me all the time. She has only laughed once, but giggles pretty often. She does not often turn her head towards the direction my voice. I don't know if she is too young for that. She grabs objects, but isn't rolling over. She is trying to sit up. I suspect my half-brother may have Aspergers, but he hasn't been diagnosed, I'm just assuming by his behavior and personality. Should I be worried?

ANSWER: Hi,

You should absolutely NOT be worried.  You are probably fearing your daughter's well being because of your concerns regarding your half brother.  

Your daughter sounds like she is exactly on track.  At 4 months old, babies are not consistent.  They're in the very early development stage.  She didn't smile or coo at the doctor, but next time she probably will.  And the time after that, she might not.  That's how it goes with young babies.  Your daughter is learning to distinguish all the sounds around her now.  She is not expected to look at you every time you call her.  It would be unusual if she did!

She is grabbing objects which is great.  She is giggling which is great.  She is interested in the world around her which is great.  Many babies are still learning to roll over at this stage and it's great that she's trying to sit up.  Most babies don't start doing that until 6 months of age.

Bonnie - I know you are nervous but it sounds like you have nothing to fear.  Enjoy these precious moments with your daughter.  Time goes by so fast!

I hope this has been of some help.

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response. A couple other things I have
noticed is that she loves watching the TV. I will turn her
around so she can't see it and she will try to turn her head
to watch it. She used to stare at the ceiling fan, but she
doesn't as much anymore. Another thing that I'm not sure if
it is normal is that at times I will be on the side of her,
and clap my hands or make some other noise, and she will not
turn and look. She passed her newborn hearing test the
second time. Also, she does not often react when I play
peekaboo with her. Sometimes I will get a small smile, but
usually when I get her attention and hide my face, she loses
interest the moment she can't see me. She is a demanding
baby, very active and curious. Other than being a little
wary of strangers at times, at home she is social with us.
She is starting to use consonants now. One more note, our
doctor noticed at her 4 month appointment that she has an
asymmetric cry, but I don't know if that makes a difference,
he said it is not uncommon. She holds a pacifier in her
mouth okay.
Thanks again.

Answer
Hello again,

I still don't think you have any cause for concern.  As your baby grows, you'll find that she does more and more.  Babies develop at different rates, and her behavior is not unusual for her age.

I know it's hard not to worry.  But I do think that you have no cause for concern.

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com