New parents may be surprised at just how quickly their babies will grow. That's why early quality newborn care in Hoffman Estates & Algonquin, IL, is necessary for any parent. The Pediatric Care Associates team has cared for many newborn babies. The doctors understand all the growth milestones your little one should achieve, especially in the first year. While monitoring various phases of development, doctors check for issues and provide necessary intervention.

What Are Development Milestones to Look for in Newborns?

Your local pediatricians will observe your baby's physical, emotional, and cognitive development. You should bring your child in for checkups within the first few days of birth. For the first four months, you should bring the child in every month. The following wellness visits should happen in months six, nine, and 12.

Your doctors will expect your child to have certain milestones ranging from showing emotions to motor development. Within the first year, your baby should go from cooing to babbling to forming their first words. Babies can also begin to express emotion by laughing and eventually start to point. During newborn care visits in Hoffman Estates & Algonquin, IL, your doctor will note if your child shows awareness of their environment by following objects and people with their eyes, particularly their parents and other people they should be familiar with. By six months, your little one should be able to sit up without your assistance. During this time, the baby will gravitate to walking between nine and thirteen months.

How Do Doctors Measure Such Milestones?

Pediatricians have several ways of checking whether your child seems to have delays. They often work from their initial observation of how your child reacts in their office. The pediatrician also makes note of any issues parents bring up, such as sleep issues or resistance to feeding. During each wellness visit, your doctor documents the growth progress by taking the weight and length of your child. Pediatricians also work from developmental surveillance checklists from the American Academy of Pediatrics. By giving your child vaccines, doctors help them develop a healthy immune system that protects them from viral infections and diseases. 

Newborn care in Hoffman Estates & Algonquin, IL, involves monitoring your baby’s emotional, physical, language, and cognitive growth. The Pediatric Care Associates doctors have the expertise your child needs to ensure milestones are reached, and proper intervention can happen if delays occur. Give your child the medical support they need by calling either office at (847) 884-7710.