We believe that  monitoring a child’s development from birth is key to a healthy and  happy child.  Parents can  help make this happen by paying attention to your child’s growth, development, and health from the time they are born.  Many health or behavior related difficulties that a child may face can be identified early, if parents are paying attention to the pattern of their child’s growth and development.  

New parents are prepared for childbirth thanks to the education and health monitoring by the doctors and healthcare workers.  However, when the child is born, parents are not always prepared for what to do next.  They know that the child will have  checkups by  their doctor at various developmental milestones, but  what may be happening to the child between those doctor visits is  when clues to development can be observed.
Parents are not always  aware of what factors are important to report to the doctor.

Studies show that a child  will benefit from early intervention  when there is a  pattern or event that indicates something is not right about the child’s health, development or behavior.

This site will provide the following information and resources for parents so they are able to be aware of their child’s development and patterns of growth and behavior which could indicate a need for early intervention by health professionals.  We recommend that parents download the CDC Milestone Tracker App.  Available  free in the Apple or Google Play App store.  

“Milestones matter! Track your child’s milestones from age 2 months to 5 years with CDC’s easy-to-use illustrated checklists; get tips from CDC for encouraging your child’s development; and find out what to do if you are ever concerned about how your child is developing.

From birth to age 5, your child should reach milestones in how he or she plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves. Photos and videos in this app illustrate each milestone and make tracking them for your child easy and fun!” (CDC’s Milestone Tracker App | CDC).

For more information regarding the CDC’s Milestone Tracker App and important information from the CDC to help parents be aware of their child’s healthy growth and development.  Our best advice to parents of all ages is, Early Intervention, gives your child a better chance to mitigate any difficulties he/she may face along the way.  

If you are not using the CDC Milestone Tracker App, keep a journal of your child’s days, weeks, months as they grow and interact in your family.  Keep dates, short video/photo of important  events or information as it is the best way to  let healthcare professionals and others see what you see.  They can then help you determine if it is a concern or part of natural development.  

The CDC also provides a Digital Online Tracker also on their website, www.cdc.gov/MilestoneTracker
You can see what the development of your child should be from 2 months old to 5 years.  It will give you an idea of what to look for at each stage of your child’s growth.