Healthy Child Checklist

Parenting is both challenging and rewarding. I think the biggest challenge new parents face is after they get home and say to themselves “now what do I do with this baby?”

To add to the confusion, babies don’t come with a childcare manual like a TV or a fridge does.  As a new parent, you are expected to just ‘know’ what to do.

Each child is a unique person with a unique personality and set of needs. As children grow and unfold into themselves, their needs change and many of these needs cannot be predicted despite our best intentions and attempts.  You cannot predict when a growth spurt will start or what the first signs will be.  You cannot predict when they will catch their first cold or first bug bite. And you cannot predict when they will speak or what their first word will be.

True to Dr. Google and the benefits of the internet, there are many milestone charts available that might be helpful to a new parent.  However, worrying about whether your child is meeting these milestones can be extremely stressful.  Perhaps it may be less stressful and equally helpful to discuss some signs that could indicate that your baby may need help or just another set of eyes.  These signs include:

Difficult or painful latch while nursing

Arching of the back during or after a feeding

Irregular or infrequent bowel movements

Raw, irritated rashes like eczema

Spitting up more than 1 tablespoon at a time

Projectile vomiting

An inconsolable baby who cries for more than 3 hours a day

A baby who holds her/his head at an angle or prefers one side over another

Misshapen head including a flat spot usually on the back of the head

Frequent congestion or illness

Or delayed milestones such as:

Holding their head up

Tracking voices and sounds

Rolling over

Sitting up

Crawling

Walking

If you think your baby is showing any of these signs, schedule a visit with your pediatrician or lactation consultant. Oftentimes working with another health care provider such as a lactation consultant, chiropractor, or a trained therapist can facilitate a healthy childhood and avoid preschool delays or concerns.