Developmental milestones (Samskara)

संस्कारोहीगुणान्तराधानमुच्यते l

Developmental milestones - Samskara

Having a new born in the family will be the most exciting and enthusiastic time. Observing a baby’s growth is really a curious and overwhelming experience. The touch, cuddling, sweet chatters, loving looks, smiles etc. of parents, siblings and other family members supports the emotional and social development of the child. The child is always keen to observe everything around and tries to explore the new world. Here comes the importance of understanding the major developmental milestones of children. Though, there will be variations between each child, the basic knowledge about this helps the parents to analyse childhood and also to enjoy their parenthood. Ayurveda also explains about the various developmental stages of children collectively called as Samskara (ceremonies).Dr.Gupta’s IAFAis aimingto make the parents aware about the steps in the physical, mental, emotional and social development of their child. IAFA is introducing Ayurpediatrics department for ensuring the overall wellbeing of children.

Ayurvedic Reference of Developmental milestones-Samskara

Major Milestones in the Development of Children

The stages of development in children are divided into 4 major categories based on area of development. They are:

Gross Motor Development
Fine Motor Development
Language Development
Personal and Social Development

1. Gross Motor Development

It refers to the overall physical response of the baby to the surroundings. Following are the important gross motor developments acquired by children and its corresponding age.

Neck holding- 3 months
Sitting with support -5 months
Sitting without support – 8 months
Walking with support – 10 months

Crawling-11 months
Standing without support-12 months
Walking without support-13 months

Ayurveda explainsUpavesanaSamskara (Sitting ceremony) at six months of age. Here baby is suggested to be seated without support to observe growth and activities. Baby should not be seated continuously for more than 48 minutes.

2. Fine Motor Development

This refers to the fine movements of child including grasping, holding etc.

Grasps a rattle or ring when placed in hand – 4 months
Holds objects with both hands- 5 months
Holding objects with crude grasp from palm – 7 months
Holding small objects between index fingerand thumb – 9 months

3. Language

It includes development in communication of the baby.

Turns head to sound- 1 months
Single letters – 6 months
Two letters – 9 months

2 words with meaning – 1 year
Simple sentence – 3 years
Telling a story – 3 years

4. Personal and Social Milestone

This category includes interaction of baby with the surroundings.

Social smile – 2 months
Recognizing mother- 3 months
Smiles at mirror image- 6 months

Waves – bye bye- 9 months
Plays a simple ball game – 1 year

In Ayurveda, NishkramanaSamskara (outing ceremony) is advised during fourth month. This is meant to acclimatize baby to the external environment. This helps to improve the personal and social development of child.

“Dr.Gupta’s IAFA is aiming to make the parents aware about the steps in the physical, mental, emotional and social development of their child. Institute of Applied Food Allergy® is introducing Ayurpediatrics department for ensuring the overall wellbeing of children.

Make IAFA the finest destination for ensuring your Family Health!!!

-Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFAⓇ