Understanding Newborn Development Milestones: What To Watch For

Bringing your new baby home from the hospital is an exciting time as you begin the journey of watching your child grow and develop over the months and years to come. You should take some time to study the developmental milestones for newborns so that you’ll be prepared to discuss them with your pediatrician. At Pediatrics Unlimited in Oak Park, IL, Dr. Jeffrey Cabotaje and Dr. Elizabeth Wollensak can give you valuable guidance for newborn care and assist if your child experiences challenges during development.

What Are Development Milestones for Children?

Developmental milestones are points in a child’s growing process where they achieve certain goals. Each month, the child makes progress in developing speech, cognition, emotional responses, motor skills, and physical development. As the child’s parent, it’s important to monitor your child’s progress daily and note the changes as they happen so that you can discuss them with your Oak Park, IL, doctor and get valuable newborn care advice.

Newborn Development Milestones to Watch For

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published a chart for parents listing the key developmental milestones for newborns and toddlers. Some of the most important milestones include:

• The ability to make sounds and facial expressions at two months.
• Being able to grab things and push up with arms while resting on the stomach at six months old.
• Saying a few words, waving, and taking steps or standing up while holding a table by age one.
• Responding emotionally to others, saying two or more word sentences, running and walking by age two.
• Speaking in full sentences, drawing, putting on clothing, using utensils and going to the potty independently by age three.
• Following instructions, counting, writing and engaging in conversation by five years old.

What to Do If Milestones Aren’t Achieved?

A doctor should evaluate children who do not reach key developmental milestones by a certain age to rule out behavioral disorders as well as possible physical disabilities. The earlier you take action for your child, the better the chance that a treatment will help them get on the right track for learning and development. Treatments may include physical therapy, behavioral counseling, medications, and procedures to address any conditions the child may be diagnosed with (like a hearing or eye condition).

Schedule a Checkup for Your Child

Reaching each developmental milestone is a major accomplishment for your child and should be celebrated. Monitor these milestones and schedule regular checkup appointments for newborn care with Dr. Jeffrey Cabotaje or Dr. Elizabeth Wollensaka, the pediatricians at Pediatrics Unlimited in Oak Park, IL. Call (708) 383-3010 today to schedule your first visit.