The best way to spot a potential problem with your child's physical development is to be aware of what's typical in children the same age. The development of your child's physical skills is usually measured in two parts. One, gross motor skills refer to using the large muscles in the body. Rolling over and walking are examples of gross motor skills. Fine motor skills, meanwhile, are movements of smaller muscles, like the hands. Holding objects and stacking blocks are both considered fine motor skills. Most children develop both forms of physical skills in predictable patterns. To monitor YOUR baby's development, be aware of the developmental milestones your child should be hitting. By just two months of age, your baby should pick her head up when you lift her from a back-lying position. When you hold your baby, she should rest comfortably, and should NOT feel stiff or floppy. At three to four months, your infant should be reaching for objects. Your little one should also be capable of raising her head and chest when lying on her stomach. And a four month old should push down on her feet when supported in a standing position. By the time your baby is six months old, your little one ought to be able to sit with help. And should also be able to roll from stomach to back and back to stomach. By your baby's eighth month, your infant should be comfortable sitting on her own, WITHOUT support. By 10 months, most babies have mastered crawling, and by one year, your infant should be moving independently, either by crawling, cruising, creeping or walking. Walking is a skill that takes some kids a bit more time than others, many perfectly normal children don't walk until they're 16 or 17 months old. By 18 months, however, your child should be walking. If your baby isn't developing in a way that seems normal to you, it's important to call the pediatrician. If the pediatrician suspects a gross motor delay, the doctor may refer you to a child physical therapist. If a fine motor delay is the problem, an occupational therapist may be called upon to help. While it IS possible that a developmental delay is due to a problem like cerebral palsy, mental retardation or autism 97% of the time, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics or AAP, a delay is NOT related to a severe disability. Remember that you know your child better than anyone! If YOU suspect there is a problem, take steps to get help.