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The Importance And Basics Of Milestones With Children

24 November 2020 by Freddie Cox

When you have a child, you will bring him or her to the pediatrician more in the first couple of years than you might expect. Children need well-visits for a number of reasons, and one reason is to check the child's milestones. As a new parent, you might not know what this means, but you will soon learn. Checking your child's milestones is a vital part of raising children, and here are several essential things to know about milestones.

The Purpose of Checking Milestones

Children grow up quickly and learn new things all the time. When you go to the pediatrician's office for visits, the doctor will ask you questions about your child's developmental skills. These questions relate to milestones. The purpose of this is to determine if your child is developing at the right pace. Doctors ask questions about physical development skills, as well as cognitive and emotional skills. By asking these questions, your doctor can determine if your child is developing at the right pace.

The Types of Milestones That Doctors Check

Pediatricians have milestone lists they use at well-visits, and they have a list for each age increment. For example, by the age of three months, your child should be able to put their hands in their mouth. The child should also be able to raise their upper body off the ground while lying on their stomach. Your doctor will test milestones at every visit for the first couple of years.

The Results of These Tests

When your child is doing all the things that he or she should be doing, it means that your child is developing at a normal pace. If your child does not meet the milestones on the lists, your doctor might have some concerns. Your doctor might initially keep an eye on your child to see if he or she catches up by the next visit. If your child continuously lags behind, the doctor might refer you to a specialist for additional help and evaluation. If this is the case, you should follow through with these recommendations, as your child might need a little extra help.

One thing you should know is that all children develop at different paces. If your child is not reaching all the recommended milestones for a certain age, it does not necessarily indicate a problem. Your pediatrician might want to keep an eye on your child, though, if this happens. If you have questions about milestones, talk to your local pediatrician today.

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