Tracking Your Newborn's Milestones

Monitoring your child’s major milestones is key to healthy development. Watching your new person crawl, walk, and talk for the first time can be endearing and exhausting at the same time. The staff at Royal Oak Pediatrics in Marion, VA are happy to assist you with anything you may need to make sure your baby’s development is full and happy.

So what are the major milestones in your newborn’s life? According to the March of Dimes, these include babies making fists, sitting up, walking, and responding to their own names. Newborns should cuddle, feed properly, and learn how to sleep on schedule.

Track your baby’s progress with apps

Many apps are available to help you track your newborn’s milestones, such as:

• Kinedu
• Glow
• Hatch baby

The best part about these apps is that they are all free mobile apps and perfect for catching the milestone that occurred away from home.

Help your little one

To help your infant along with development, hold the child’s hand, and speak clearly and freely around them. Be sure to respond to crying, body functions, or requests that your newborn makes.

How do you know if development is taking longer than it should?

• Your child will not respond to your voice
• Is not interested in the environment, i.e. doesn’t touch or hold objects
• Has difficulty with motor function

If your child shows signs such as these, do not panic. Each child has their own way of learning about the world. Still, if these begin to impair other areas of the child’s life, start a conversation with your pediatrician about helping your child get back on track.

Need assistance with sorting out what to expect from your child’s development? Contact Royal Oak Pediatrics in Marion, VA to schedule an appointment for your child. You may reach us at 276-783-8183.