Being a parent can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also very stressful. As well as trying to raise your child and keep them alive and happy, you also need to consider their health and development. If you’re worried about your child’s health, know that it’s perfectly normal to have these concerns. But there is a need to have balance.
Stressing and obsessing over your child’s health can do more harm than good. Let’s explore a few things that you can keep an eye on, but without taking things too far.
Developmental Milestones
When you have a child, your doctor might mention something called developmental milestones. These are essentially ways to measure how your child is developing when compared to other children. It can be a good way to spot early signs of developmental problems or other issues.
However, it’s important to note that there’s an average for a reason. If your child is slightly behind some milestones, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s a problem. Children are unique; they develop at different rates, and these milestones aren’t a competition, just a measuring stick.
For example, while a baby being small can be a sign of health problems, it can also simply be a sign of having a small baby, especially if both parents are small and if the baby is still growing. So milestones should be taken in context.
If you are concerned, speak to your family doctor or pediatrician. They can help you determine whether your child potentially has a problem or if they’re just a little behind. You should get regular checkups for your child anyway, so your doctor can track their growth and progress.
Signs of Childhood Asthma
One of the difficulties with babies and toddlers is that they aren’t able to tell you clearly how they’re feeling. So, it’s important to be aware of your family history and conditions that might show up in your child.
Asthma is a really common health problem, especially for children. But the fact that it’s common doesn’t take away from the fact that asthma can be dangerous. When untreated, it can cause breathing problems and make your child more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.
You might notice that your child coughs often, is short of breath when they shouldn’t be, or wheezes while breathing. These symptoms might get worse with specific triggers, like cold air, exercise, or even sleeping. If your child also struggles to recover from colds, take them to the doctor.
Childhood Deafness
Before your child is even a year old, they might respond to your voice and try to communicate verbally by babbling. By about age two, most children will have already said their first word and might say short phrases.
If you notice that your child isn’t responding or picking up speech, this could be a sign of pediatric deafness. It’s a good idea to get hearing tests for pediatric development, especially if you have a family history of hearing problems or your child is significantly behind on these milestones.
