This post is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente Orange County.
I know it seems like after 4 kids I should be an expert on how they develop and grow, but you'd be surprised how many things as a parent you forget with each kid. Having Dani almost seven years after Vann is almost like being a first time mom again. At least in the sense that I am forgetting the baby stuff...like at what age she should hit certain milestones.
On top of that, so many things have changed since I had my fourteen year old...even since my seven year old. So I was happy to be able to have a one-on-one chat with Kaiser Permanente Orange County pediatrician Julia Castillo, M.D.
Dr. Julia Castillo was able to go over baby's first year of milestones with me to refresh my memory. She updated me on things that have changed and also what to look for as Dani grows and develops.
It was very nice to have this refresher course, and Dr. Castillo was very helpful and knowledgable. she answered even the simplest questions informatively and put my mind at ease with any concerns I had with Dani. She had all the qualities I would look for in a pediatrician.
I'm sure a lot of moms would also like a little refresher course on baby milestones, so I thought I would jot them down here. these are just the major ones, and if you have any specific questions, be sure to ask your own pediatrician.
It's a good idea to write down all questions on your phone and present them at your baby's well visits. As it's very easy to forget things you want to ask when you are in the moment, so Dr. Castillo reminded me to keep a running list between each visit of any questions you may have.
2 Month Milestones
at 2 months, baby should make eye contact with you and others, be able to smile, and to turn their head toward sounds. at this age, they should also be getting tummy time every day and lifting their head up for 30–60 seconds during this time.
4 Month Milestones
At 4 months, baby should be able to coo...making vowel sounds like ooo and ahh. they can now laugh, reach for objects or toys with their hands, track people and objects well, and keep their head steady. They may be able to roll....at least to one side, and look to sounds they hear.
At 4 months, your baby may be ready to introduce to first foods. you will know they are ready if they have moved past the kick out food reflex. The reflex where the tongue automatically pushed food back out of their mouths. If you give baby food and they push it back out, then wait a few weeks and try again.
It's a good reminder that once baby starts to roll, do not leave them alone on the bed, changing table or couch ever. this is when falls start to occur.
6 Month Milestones
At six months, your baby should be vocal, like to play, talking to sounds, transferring objects from hand to hand, roll back forth from each side, babbling, and sitting up. once baby is mobile, make sure to baby proof your home. This is the time you need to lower the crib mattress, block off any stairs and make sure there are no objects around that baby can choke on.
When it comes to feeding, you can start to introduce foods if you haven't already done so. The kick out food reflux should be gone by now. At this age and up to 12 months, there should be no juice given to baby. they should have the same milk intake with food being complimentary.
9 Month Milestones
At nine months, baby should have reached all of the six month milestones as well as being able to sit well, grabbing table food, standing to feet...especially in the crib and on the furniture around the house.
12 Month Milestones
At 12 months, baby should have reached all of the nine month milestones as well as be able to cruise or crawl around the house. Baby should be able to say three words such as mama, dada, one other such as bye bye. They may already be walking, but if not yet, no worries.
18 Month Milestones
At eighteen months, baby should have met the twelve month milestones as well as being able to say 7 words. They do not have to say the words perfectly as long as they are consistent with each word they use to address a person or thing. They should also be able to point to things, hold a fork, and follow simple directions.
2 Year Milestones
At two years, baby should have met their eighteen month milestones as well as being able to say 20-50 words. They should also be able to help around the house doing simple chores such as picking up their toys.
Dr. Castillo reminded me that these are just generic guidelines for when baby should meet these milestones. baby's that are born premature may reach them later. also, if baby has not met certain milestones that are recommended, it should be brought up to your pediatrician at your baby's well-visit. make sure to talk to your own pediatrician about any concerns that you have and also make sure to discuss any vaccines that baby is due for. use your mother's instinct when you sense a problem. you know your child better than anyone. don’t be afraid to ask your pediatrician even the simplest questions. being a parent is not always easy and it is always a good thing to have a little extra advise to help navigate on our journey of raising kids.
It was refreshing to get to talk to Dr. Castillo to remind myself of all the things babies do. even after four kids, I am still looking for advise. I can tell that Kaiser Permanente Orange County has a great team of doctors that have made me feel comfortable as a parent. the great thing about Kaiser Permanente Orange County, is everything is under one roof.
Most Kaiser Permanente Orange County locations include pharmacy, lab, X-ray services and more. plus, there are locations throughout Orange County, as far north as Brea and as far south as San Juan Capistrano, including Tustin Ranch, Foothill Ranch and the new Radiation Oncology Center located at the Anaheim Medical Center. wow…this is the kind of service I look for in my healthcare.
If you have missed the posts I have written about them, here they are:
My Trip to the Kaiser Orange County Farmers Market
Tips for Having a Healthy Pregnancy
Our Family’s Visit Thrive Walk at the Orange County Great Park
Great Tips on Mens Health
Tips for Helping Families Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season
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