The wide range of symptoms can seem confusing, but there are a few reliable hallmarks to watch for. A baby over two months old may feel stiff or floppy, and may arch his back and stretch out his neck when you hold him in your arms. An older baby might use only one hand to reach for a toy, or use only one side of his body when crawling. Many babies with cerebral palsy are slow to reach milestones such as rolling over, sitting up, smiling, or jabbering. They may also have trouble swallowing and sucking.
Parents are often the first ones to notice an unusual behavior in their child.
This can be troubling, so it's important to share concerns with your pediatrician right away to get a clearer sense of what might be going on. It's normal for infants to develop at different rates, of course. But if you sense that your child is noticeably behind the curve, or if there are other behaviors that worry you, seek advice. Regular check-ups also help screen for cerebral palsy and other problems. Since there's no single test for cerebral palsy, your pediatrician will usually make the diagnosis through careful observation.