What is a developmental warning sign for a child aged birth to 8 months?

A developmental warning sign for a child aged birth to 8 months is that they show little interest in social contact. At this age, infants are typically expected to engage with their caregivers through eye contact, smiling, and cooing. When a child demonstrates minimal interest in interacting with others, it can suggest potential developmental delays, especially in social and emotional domains. Social engagement is a crucial aspect of early development, as it lays the foundation for later communication skills and social relationships. Noticing a lack of social interaction encourages caregivers to seek guidance or support to ensure the child's developmental needs are being met.

In contrast, following a pointed finger indicates emerging attention to social cues and shared experiences, while using simple sentences is an indicator of language development that typically occurs later. Engaging in social games like peek-a-boo reflects typical social development and enjoyment in interaction at this age.