Growing Up, One Step at a Time

Every child grows and develops at their own pace—but it’s normal to wonder if your child is “on track.” From first smiles to first steps, these little milestones are more than exciting moments—they’re also signs of your child’s health and development.

At South Tabor Family Physicians, we’re here to support your child’s wellness from birth through adolescence. In this post, we’ll walk through common growth and development milestones, what to watch for, and when to check in with a Health Care Provider.

Why Milestones Matter

Milestones are general skills or behaviors that most children develop around a certain age. They include things like:

• Physical growth (height, weight, head size)
• Language and communication skills
• Emotional and social development
• Fine and gross motor skills (like crawling or grabbing)

These milestones help Health Care Providers track your child’s progress, catch potential delays early, and provide the right support.

Common Milestones by Age Range

Every child is different. Some reach milestones earlier, others later. That’s okay! These are general guidelines, not hard rules.

Infants (Birth to 12 Months)

• Physical: Gains weight steadily, begins to sit, crawl, and pull to stand
• Cognitive: Follows objects with eyes, explores hands and feet, responds to name
• Communication: Smiles, babbles, starts using gestures like waving

Toddlers (1 to 3 Years)

• Physical: Walks, climbs stairs, begins running
• Cognitive: Follows simple directions, plays pretend
• Communication: Says a few words at 12 months, full sentences by 2–3 years

Preschoolers (3 to 5 Years)

• Physical: Hops, balances on one foot, uses utensils
• Social: Plays with others, takes turns, starts to show empathy
• Communication: Speaks clearly enough for strangers to understand

School-Age (6 to 12 Years)

• Physical: Steady growth in height and weight
• Emotional: Gains confidence, forms close friendships
• Cognitive: Begins logical thinking, reads and writes more independently

Teens (13+)

• Physical: Puberty brings changes in body shape, size, and hormones
• Emotional: Forms stronger identity, may face mood swings or stress
• Cognitive: Plans ahead, solves complex problems, considers consequences

You can view a helpful guide from the CDC on developmental milestones here:
CDC Milestone Checklist

When to Check In with a Health Care Provider

It’s always okay to ask questions about your child’s growth and development—no concern is too small.

You may want to schedule a visit if your child:

• Isn’t gaining weight or growing in height as expected
• Has trouble eating, sleeping, or adjusting to routines
• Doesn’t respond to sounds, voices, or eye contact
• Isn’t using words or gestures by age 1
• Shows a sudden loss of skills they previously had
• Has difficulty interacting with others

At South Tabor Family Physicians, we offer comprehensive pediatric care, including well-child visits, screenings, vaccinations, and guidance to support healthy growth.

Why Regular Well-Child Visits Are Important

Even if your child seems healthy, regular checkups help prevent future problems. During a well-child visit, your Health Care Provider will:

• Measure height, weight, and head circumference
• Review eating, sleeping, and activity habits
• Provide age-appropriate vaccinations
• Screen for developmental and behavioral health concerns
• Offer resources for parenting, school readiness, and safety

We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) schedule for checkups and vaccinations, which you can view here:
AAP Preventive Care Schedule

How STFP Supports Your Growing Family

At South Tabor Family Physicians, we care for the whole family—babies, kids, teens, and parents too. We know how much trust it takes to choose a Health Care Provider for your child, and we’re honored to be part of your journey.

We provide:

• Newborn and pediatric checkups
• Childhood vaccinations
• Developmental screenings
• Same-day appointments for illness or injury
• Support for behavior, learning, and nutrition
• Long-term care through adolescence and young adulthood

We are currently accepting new patients and are conveniently located right off I-205 in Portland.

Let’s Grow Together

Parenting comes with a lot of questions. We’re here to help with answers, reassurance, and care that grows with your child. To schedule a well-child visit or ask a question about your child’s development, call South Tabor Family Physicians at 503-261-7200.
We’re here for your family—every step of the way.