Has Your Child Reached All Their Milestones? When should you consult a Pediatric Physical Therapist?
A Pediatric Physical Therapist is not always necessary in assisting in your child’s development. However, it is vital that if child milestones are missed that they at least have a consult with a pediatric physical therapist.
Developmental Milestones are markers that are set forth by early childhood experts as a tool to measure a child’s growth in four primary areas of development.
At some point, if milestones continue to be missed, it is considered a “red flag”. A red flag is an indicator that early intervention may be needed to help a child increase his/her developmental skills with not only his/her parents’ support, but through extra support of a pediatric physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech therapist. These experts are specifically set up to help increase a child’s abilities, skills, and to support the parents in doing the same.
The importance of Developmental Milestones is two-fold. It validates and reassures parents that they are providing the skills, information, and ideas needed to raise a happy, healthy, and well adjusted child. It also helps provide a child and the family with some extra support, through early childhood intervention, when needed, so a child can meet their full potential. Visit the Parent Education Network’s website for a list of developmentally appropriate activities and things to be on the lookout for so that you can give your child the best possible start in life!
Developmental Milestones from Birth to 1 Year:
Birth to 3 months:
• Raise head slightly when lying on stomach
• Hold head up for a few seconds, when supported
• Hold hand in a fist
• Lift head and chest, while lying on stomach
• Touch, pull, and tug own hands with fascination
3 – 6 Months:
• Roll over
• Reach for and touch objects
• Reach, grasp, and put objects in mouth
6 – 9 Months:
• Crawl
• Grasp and pull things toward self
• Transfer objects between hands
9 – 12 Months:
• Sit without support
• Stand independently
• Walk with assistance
• Roll a ball
• Throw objects
• Drop and pick up toys
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