Understanding Newborn Developmental Milestones

The dedicated pediatricians of Clearwater Pediatric Care help new parents care for their smallest family members. The first year of life can be a whirlwind as a parent, but maintaining a great relationship with your Clearwater, FL, pediatrician helps us monitor their growth and development. Keep reading for what you can expect in your baby's first year and when to call us for help with newborn care in Clearwater, FL.

What Are Developmental Milestones?

Developmental milestones help your pediatrician measure your child's growth and development in comparison to children of a similar age. A milestone can be a marker of growth, like getting taller, or a marker of development, like saying their first words.

Milestones are indications that the child has developed cognitive and problem-solving skills, language and communication skills, or social-emotional skills. Your pediatrician specializes in newborn care in Clearwater, FL, to monitor your baby's growth and development and ensure they get a healthy start to life.

Milestones In The First Year

The first 12 months of life are crucial to your baby's development. We monitor their development closely for accomplishments your child should achieve as they learn and develop in the first year. The CDC publishes a guide of milestones to look for at the age of 2, 4, 6, and 9 months and one year. Some examples of milestones reached in the first year are:

• Reaching for objects
• Raising their head
• Looking others in the face
• Rolling over
• Crawling
• Sitting up
• Seeking attention
• Displaying curiosity
• Saying first words
• Self-feeding

Assessment and Intervention

Assessment for developmental disabilities includes brief screening tests for your child and a thorough interview. For very young children, the assessment will include a detailed questionnaire for you about your child. Ask your pediatrician any questions you have about your child's habits and behavior.

If your child is dealing with a developmental delay, your pediatrician can connect you with the right resources to give them the support they need. Occupational therapy and speech therapy can help improve the quality of life for kids who are struggling.

Call Us Now

Keep up with your children's annual checkups to ensure they are hitting developmental milestones, and contact your pediatrician whenever you're worried about your child's development. Call Clearwater Pediatric Care for an appointment for your newborn in Clearwater, FL, at (727) 461-1543 today.