The information and tips found in this section will help you understand your child’s development. If your child is not meeting milestones, contact your health care provider. The sooner you address a concern the better it will be for your child.
Speech, language and literacy |
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How your child communicates changes over time.
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Infant hearing |
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Hearing is an important part of your child’s development. If you have concerns about your child’s hearing or speech and language milestones, talk with your family physician and consider a referral to Early Expressions, the local Preschool Speech and Language program. A hearing test will be requested as part of intake to Early Expressions, to rule out any hearing concerns. Resources:
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Vision |
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Healthy vision is important from an early age. Regular eye exams can identify conditions that may be treated if found early. An eye exam is recommended at 6 months and 3 years of age, then every 12 to 24 months. A regular eye exam with an eye doctor (optometrist) is free for children and youth up to 19 years of age with a valid OHIP card. Learn more about healthy vision including tips for eye health, vision development, what to look for, and how to get help if you have concerns. |
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Physical literacy |
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Just as children learn language skills through reading and writing, they also need to learn movement skills – like running, jumping and throwing - through playing and trying new things. Giving your child plenty of chances to move their body each day will help them develop physical literacy: the confidence, motivation and ability to be physically active for life. Start early by providing your baby with tummy-time several times each day. Later on, reaching and grasping, rolling over, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking will help your baby to develop motor skills and build strength and coordination. The older your child gets, the more energetic play they need, such as hopping, jumping, skipping, and bike riding. Learn more about the benefits of physical activity and the recommendations for active play at all ages. |
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Dental |
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Healthy baby teeth allow your child to chew food properly. Most children have some of their baby teeth until they are at least 12 years of age. Baby teeth maintain the space for adult teeth to come into the mouth in the right position. Take your child for their first visit to the dentist by their first birthday so that any problems are found early. Visit the dentist regularly. Learn more about caring for your child's teeth. |
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Nutrition |
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At around 6 months of age, your baby will begin to show signs of being ready for solid foods. Ask yourself the following questions:
If you answered yes to all of these questions, your baby is ready for solid foods. If you answered no to one or more, your baby is not ready for solid foods. Talk to your health care provider if your baby is not ready for solid foods, but you think they should be. Learn more about introducing solid foods to your baby including what foods to offer, the feeding relationship, and food allergies.” Want to know if your child is eating well? Complete Nutri-eSTEP to learn what is going well with your child's eating and activity habits, and what could be improved. |
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Mental health - also known as social or emotional health |
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The early years provide a foundation for your child’s social and emotional development, which is the ability for your child to:
Factors that can impact your child’s social and emotional development include:
Learn more about how to support your child’s social and emotional development. Including helping your child identify and work through emotions. |
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Brain development |
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In the early years, the brain goes through a period of rapid development. There are lots of factors that can influence your baby’s brain development including:
Your role as a parent is to:
With every interaction you are helping your baby’s brain develop. Learn more about brain development from prenatal to early years. |
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18-Month Enhanced Well-Baby Visit |
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Your child will receive routine well-baby visits from their health care provider starting at 2 months of age. The visits usually coincide with their immunizations. Well-baby visits include a physical examination and a discussion with your health care provider regarding the health and development of your child. What happens in the first 18 months of life can affect the course of lifelong health, learning, and behaviour. The age of 18 months is an important milestone for your child. The enhanced 18-month well-baby visit is an opportunity for you to discuss your child’s development with your health care provider during a longer, in-depth visit. Experts have identified the following as key areas for healthy child development:
You can prepare for the visit by using the 18-Month Well-Baby Visit Planner. This easy 5- to 10-minute guide helps you identify and prioritize questions to ask your health care provider. |
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Milestones - Looksee Checklist |
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The LookseeChecklist is a free tool you can use to track your child’s development from 1 month to 6 years of age. The checklist provides activities that you can do with your child to continue to support their development. The Looksee Checklist covers these areas of development:
You can sign up with the LookseeChecklist to receive reminders to complete at various age ranges. |
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Head shape |
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Putting babies on their backs to sleep is important to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), but some babies develop flat areas on their heads. When your baby is able to turn over on their tummy (around 4 months of age), you don’t need to move them onto their back again. Why does head flattening happen?Some babies:
What does head flattening look like?PlagiocephalyThis is when your baby has a flat area on the side of the head. They may also have:
BrachycelphalyThis is when your baby has a flat area across the back of the head. They may also have:
If your baby’s head has a flat area:
Avoid:
Tell your health care provider:
Can head flattening cause problems?
For more information visit Sick Kids’ website. |
If you have any concerns about your child's growth and development, talk to your health care provider.
More information, advice, and resources are available in the Getting Help section.