Don’t wait for doctor’s detection
Dear Dorie, I noticed the other day that my 9-month-old tends to lift her head way back when she looks at things. What does this mean? — Watching Her Watch Dear Watching, Hopefully, and probably, nothing. But a head gesture like that could indicate a vision issue or other developmental scenarios. It should be brought up with your pediatrician just to be safe. At 9 months old, you probably just visited the doctor and won’t see him or her again until your well-baby check-up at one year. Don’t wait. Call and schedule an appointment for this specific question. Jot down specific details when you observe the gesture and include as much information as possible (time of day, location of object, lighting, etc.). You are your child’s advocate and “better safe than sorry” is the accepted mantra. Good luck.
Dorie (Dorie Meek is director of the Infant & Family Support Program, provided by Saint John’s Health Center in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Meek answers questions concerning children ages birth to 5 years old. Submit your questions to “Dear Dorie” at, or call (310) 452-6132; fax (310) 452-6392).
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 26, 2005. Read the original PDF.