Is Your Child Reaching these Milestones?

Becoming a parent gives you a front row seat to the amazing progress a child makes from birth to adulthood. Right from the start of life, learning and growth seem to happen at an astonishing pace. 

Sometimes, though, it’s hard to have a clear picture of your child’s overall development, since you’re so close to their lives. You may worry if they take longer to vocalize or manage their first few steps. There’s a wide range to some aspects of normal development, so your pediatrician’s perspective is important in these cases. 

The doctors at Katy Pediatric Associates use your child’s well visits, medical history, and their own developmental screening experience to stay alert for evidence of delays or issues in your child’s growth. That includes communication and thinking skills as well as physical development. They’re your first resource for answers when you have questions about your child’s growth. 

Individual timetables

Each child learns at their own pace, so comparing children of similar age may not always be an accurate measure of “normal” development. Some children may be walking on their own as early as eight months, while others take up to 18 months. Anywhere inside that range is considered normal. Following any developmental timetable is sure to be a mix of both hitting the mark and exceptions from the schedule. 

There are, however, certain measures that may indicate a child needs more in-depth observation. When your doctor identifies slow development, early intervention often leads to better long-term results. Your concerns plus your pediatrician’s observations can usually pinpoint a problem that exists versus a child who’s merely on the later side of normal. 

Typical milestones

Your child’s caregiver at Katy Pediatric Associates performs a much broader assessment, but here are a few typical milestones you can expect to see in most children. 

Between birth and one year

• Their first tooth erupts
• Able to say mama and dada
• Can pull themselves to standing position
• Can walk while supporting themselves on furniture

From one to three years

• Able to feed themselves with a minimum of mess
• Can run, turn, and walk backwards, unsupported
• Know and can speak their first and last name
• Can recognize and identify body parts and other common objects
• Able to dress themselves with minimal assistance
• Begin to share toys with others without prompting

Ages three to six

• Able to draw stick figures of increasing complexity
• Display better balance and coordination
• Begin reading and writing skills
• Can play independently
• Can ride a tricycle and may be ready for a bicycle
• Understand concepts like time and size

From six to 12

• Develop sports and games skills
• Baby teeth give way to adult teeth
• Peer interaction develops and becomes important
• Can follow instruction sequences
• Girls begin to show signs of adolescence

Adolescence 12 to 18 

• Reach sexual maturity
• Develop body hair
• Grow to adult height and weight
• Able to grasp abstract mental concepts
• Friends and peer interactions become vitally important

Your child’s growth is as important to their pediatricians as it is to you, so you have a partner to help guide your child to maturity. Contact Katy Pediatric Associates by phone at 281-492-7676, or book an appointment online for your child to make sure they’re on the right developmental path.