Childhood growth and development refers to how your child grows and changes physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. It also involves checking your child’s cognitive and language development.
Assessing the growth and development of your child is a crucial part of the pediatric wellness exam. Growth and development assessment during regular physical exams allows healthcare providers to detect any potential developmental diseases or issues early on and prescribe necessary interventions to address those issues.
Let’s talk about the growth and development milestones and what common milestones for each age should be tracked during your kids’ physical exams.
What Are Growth and Developmental Milestones?
A child’s growth and developmental milestones are what a child can do by a certain age. These milestones vary from child to child, just as hair and eye color do. These milestones involve physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and communication skills that a child needs to learn as they develop and grow.
Most parents and caregivers also watch for different milestones. Besides, during an annual physical exam (which are different from sick visits), your child’s pediatrician will ask you about your child’s growth and developmental milestone and perform a growth and developmental assessment, which will allow them to alert you if your child is behind their peers on the particular skills and if they need further evaluation.
Developmental Milestones for Each Age
The following are the general guidelines for what you might see your children doing at different ages. It is pertinent to mention here that there are many different paces and development patterns, in the following guidelines are NOT precise. Therefore, always consult your child’s pediatrician if your child is not developing normally.
Developmental Milestones for Infants (Birth to 1 Year)
During this time, children learn to display social smiles, use utensils, identify familiar people, sit alone without support, get the first tooth, and pull themselves to a standing position. They should also be able to play “peekaboo”, say “Mama” and “Dada” using appropriate terms, understand “NO”, and walk while holding furniture or some other support.
Developmental Milestones for Toddlers(One to Three Years)
During this time, the children should be able to feed themselves neatly, start playing pretend games, say the names of familiar people, and dress themselves with only a little help. They should also master walking, recognize colors and labels, recognize between males, and females, and use more words.
Developmental Milestones for Preschoolers(3 To 6 Years)
As your child grows, you will notice new and exciting abilities that your child will develop over time. They should be able to achieve milestones like drawing a circle and square, singing songs, riding tricycles well, and hopping on one foot. Children should also begin to recognize written words, understand size and time concepts, and enjoy doing most things independently without any help or support.
Developmental Milestones for School-Age Child (6 to 10/12 years)
During this time, children should gain independence and competence quickly. A child may participate in team activities, look for acceptance from friends and peers, start thinking about their future, and clearly describe feelings and experiences. They will become more aware of their body and experience physical growth spurts, showcase an increased attention span, and visualize the point of view of others.
Growth and Developmental Assessment in Purchase, NY
If you notice any problem in your child’s normal growth and development and seek expert care and guidance, contact Westchester Park Pediatrics. We have a team of highly experienced and compassionate pediatricians who offer routine physical exams for children from birth up to 21 years and a comprehensive range of pediatric healthcare services. Our pediatricians are also skilled in assessing the important early childhood milestones and partner with you in raising a healthy, happy, and functional youngster.
To know more about childhood milestones or to set up a consultation with our pediatricians, contact our staff today at (727) 787-6335 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form.
