Cerebral palsy in children: Early signs parents should not ignore, from delayed milestones and unusual stiffness to early hand preference and toe walking; doctors explain why early assessment matters

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of conditions affecting movement, posture, and muscle control due to an injury or abnormal development of the developing brain. The signs may not always be obvious in the first few months of life. However, certain early clues should prompt parents to seek a neurological assessment.Parents, take note of these early signs in children, and early consultation with your doctor is very important, says Dr. Shiji Chalipat, Consultant Pediatric Neurologist,Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, Aundh, Pune. The doctor shares warning signs parents should not miss.Delayed milestones: Poor head control, delay in rolling over, sitting, crawling, standing, or walking can indicate a developmental or neurological problem.