As a parent, it can be challenging to keep track of all the developmental milestones your child should be hitting, or the immunizations and screenings they should receive. However, monitoring these aspects of your child's growth is essential to ensure their well-being.

That is why AltaMed is here. We are your community health care provider, and we know what your baby, toddler, adolescent, tween, and teen need when it comes to key health services.

Birth to two years

Your child will undergo rapid physical and cognitive development during the first two years of life. At birth, babies can typically move their arms and legs and turn their heads toward sounds and light. However, they are entirely dependent on their caregivers for all their needs.

By six months, babies start to sit up, roll over, and crawl. They can also understand simple commands and respond to their name. By 12 months, they can stand on their own and begin to take their first steps. They also start to develop their language skills, saying simple words such as "mama" and "dada."

Health Needs: Children at this age should receive several vaccines to protect them against preventable diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that infants receive vaccines for hepatitis B, rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcal disease, and polio. Your pediatrician will also conduct regular checkups and developmental screenings to monitor your child's progress.

Two to five years

Your child's physical development will continue to progress rapidly, and their language and social skills will also develop at an increasing rate. They will become more independent and start to form strong bonds with family members and friends.

By age two, most children can run, climb stairs, and jump with both feet. They can also speak in simple sentences and understand basic concepts such as "more" and "mine." By age three, they can ride a tricycle, dress themselves, and use the toilet independently. They also start to play with other children and engage in imaginative play.

Health Needs: Your child will continue to receive vaccines, including those for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), chickenpox, and the flu. Your pediatrician will also conduct regular checkups and developmental screenings to monitor your child's progress.

Six to 12 years

Children continue to develop their cognitive and social skills, and their physical abilities will become more refined. They will start to form strong opinions and interests and develop a sense of their own identity.

By age six, most children can ride a bike, are able to learn to swim, and participate in organized sports. They can also read and write and understand basic math concepts. By 10, they can engage in complex social interactions, have a deeper understanding of abstract concepts, and develop critical thinking skills.

Health Needs: Your child will receive vaccines for tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap), human papillomavirus (HPV), meningococcal disease, and the flu. Your pediatrician will also conduct regular checkups and developmental screenings to monitor your child's progress.

13 to 18 years

During this period, your child will undergo significant physical, cognitive, and emotional changes. They will become more independent and start to plan for their future.

By 14, most teenagers can engage in complex reasoning and have developed a sense of their own identity. They may also experience significant emotional changes, such as mood swings and increased stress. The part of their brain that allows them to make reasonable decisions has not formed yet, which explains a lot of why they do what they do. By 18, they are legally considered adults and are responsible for their own decisions.

It is important to continue monitoring their development during this period to ensure they remain healthy and receive necessary care. They should continue having regular checkups and developmental screenings with their pediatrician. These screenings can help identify any developmental delays or health concerns that may require further attention.

Health Needs: Necessary vaccines may include the tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, meningococcal disease vaccine, and the flu vaccine.

As teenagers start to become more independent and make their own decisions, it is essential to encourage open communication and discuss the importance of preventive health care measures such as regular check-ups and vaccinations — like regular flu and COVID-19 shots. By doing so, you can help ensure that your child receives the necessary care to support their continued health and well-being.

With You from the Start

AltaMed provides a complete host of pediatric services, including age-appropriate immunizations and screenings. For information or to make an appointment call (888) 499-9303.