
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.
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.
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.
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.