Could My Baby Have Global Developmental Delay?

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. You notice the little things - the way they smile when they see you, how they kick their legs during nappy changes, how they explore the world in their own way. So when something doesn’t quite feel right in their development, those niggling questions can start to creep in:

• Why isn’t my baby rolling yet?

• Shouldn’t they be sitting up by now?

• Why are they crawling like that?

• Are they behind compared to other babies?

  
  

Let me reassure you - you’re not the only person who has had these thoughts! In fact, I’ve been there too. As both a children’s physiotherapist and a mum, I know just how heavy those thoughts can feel. The worry, the comparison, the wondering if you're doing something wrong - it’s a lot. When I had my first two children I hadn't yet specialised in Paediatrics, and I was just like every other parent, unsure what was “normal” and constantly second-guessing whether I was doing enough.

But now, after years of working with children and helping families through exactly these concerns, I’m here to support you with both professional guidance and personal understanding. At Ribble Valley Children’s Physiotherapy, we walk alongside you through the wobbly moments - because the early years are full of questions, and you don’t have to navigate them alone.

What Is Global Developmental Delay?

Global Developmental Delay (GDD) is a term used when a child is significantly behind in reaching multiple areas of developmental milestones. These usually include:

• Gross motor skills (e.g. rolling, sitting, walking)

• Fine motor skills (e.g. picking up objects, using a spoon)

• Speech and language

• Cognitive development

• Social and emotional interaction

  
  

If your little one isn’t meeting these markers in more than one area by around age five, Global Developmental Delay might be explored more formally. But every child is different, and getting a diagnosis isn’t about putting a label on your child - it’s about understanding how best to support them.

What Can Cause Global Developmental Delay?

I wish I could give you one simple answer here. I get asked this a lot, and the truth is, there isn’t always a clear reason.

Sometimes it’s linked to something we know about - like a genetic condition, premature birth, or an illness. Here are some of the known or possible contributors:

⭐ Before birth:

• Genetic conditions such as Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome

• Brain malformations or abnormal brain development in the womb

• Exposure to infections during pregnancy (e.g. rubella, cytomegalovirus)

• Premature birth or low birth weight

• Maternal drug or alcohol use

  
  

⭐ During or after birth:

• Birth trauma (such as a lack of oxygen)

• Serious illness or infections (e.g. meningitis or encephalitis)

• Severe jaundice in the newborn period

• Environmental factors, such as limited positional exposure

  
  

Sometimes Global Developmental Delay is part of a broader condition, such as cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, or a chromosomal difference. Other times, it’s just... unexplainable. And that can be the hardest part as a parent. You want to know, to understand, to fix. But often, there’s no single cause to point to.

What really matters is what we can do to support your child, right now.

What Should My Baby Be Doing? (A Quick Look at Gross Motor Milestones)

While every baby develops at their own pace, here’s a rough guide to key physical milestones:

• By 3 months: Lifting their head during tummy time

• By 6 months: Rolling over, starting to sit with help

• By 9 months: Sitting independently, rocking on hands and knees

• By 12 months: Pulling to stand, cruising along furniture

• By 18 months: Walking independently

  
  

If your baby isn’t quite there yet, that’s okay. It doesn’t necessarily mean something’s wrong. But it’s always worth checking in, just to understand what’s going on underneath. Sometimes a small bit of extra help can make a huge difference.

How Can Physiotherapy Help with Global Developmental Delay?

Now

this is where our work really shines! Paediatric physiotherapy focuses on helping children build the strength, coordination, balance and confidence they need to move and explore their world. We tailor everything to your child’s needs. Whether they need help learning to roll, sit, crawl or walk, we guide them step-by-step using gentle, play-based therapy techniques.

At Ribble Valley Children’s Physiotherapy, we can:

• Encourage milestone progression through purposeful play

• Improve strength, posture and body awareness

• Reduce the impact of altered muscle tone or stiffness

• Provide advice and home exercises so you feel confident supporting your child

Why Families Choose Us

We know that dealing with concerns about your child’s development can feel overwhelming. You want reassurance, expert support, and someone who gets it.

At Ribble Valley Children’s Physiotherapy, we take a truly collaborative, family-centred approach to care. Here’s what families often say they value most about working with us:

• 🧡 Years of specialist experience in paediatric physiotherapy

• 🧸 Child-led, welcoming sessions in a calm, baby-friendly space

• 💬 Clear, supportive communication - no confusing jargon or rushed explanations

• 🏡 Flexible options, including in-person and soon-to-launch online support

• 🧠 A whole-child approach - we look beyond movement alone and consider how everything connects (development, play, feeding, sensory needs)

• 🧾 Thorough assessments that explore your child’s movement, strength, coordination and overall development

• 🤝 Ongoing collaboration with parents - you’re the expert in your child; we’re here to support, guide, and empower you

• 🔗 Links to wider healthcare services - if your child would benefit from seeing a paediatrician, orthopaedic specialist, neurologist, occupational therapist, speech and language therapist, or another professional, we’ll help ensure the right referrals and support are in place

• 📄 Written reports and home plans, so you feel confident continuing progress between sessions

• 🧩 Adaptable strategies for children with additional needs, including neurodivergent children or those with medical complexities

  
  

You won’t be left to figure things out on your own. We’ll help you understand your child’s unique needs and your options, support their progress, and make sure your child is supported in the right way, by the right people, at the right time.

Coming Soon: Online Baby Development Courses

We’re so excited to launch our brand new online baby development courses - designed to empower you as a parent to support your baby’s gross motor development at home.

These self-paced, milestone-specific courses cover all the big ones: head control, rolling, sitting, crawling, and more. With easy-to-follow videos, physiotherapy insights, and tips for adapting activities to suit your child’s unique needs, they’re perfect for families looking for guidance and progress from the comfort of home.

Want to be the first to know when our baby development courses launch? Subscribe to our newsletter here and stay in the loop!

If You're Worried, You're Not Alone

It’s completely natural to have concerns when your baby’s development doesn’t seem to be following the expected path. What matters most is seeking guidance early - because early support can make a real difference.

If you’d like to speak with someone about your child’s development, we’re happy to help. Whether it’s a chat about your concerns, a developmental review, or a one-to-one physiotherapy session, we’ll work with you to find the right approach for your child.

Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to talk things through. We’re here to listen, support, and guide, pressure free.