Guest post by Dr. Sarah McMahon

As parents, navigating the sea of information about child development can feel overwhelming. With so much content on the internet, it’s hard to know what's truly accurate or relevant. As a practicing pediatric and neurology physical therapist, I’m here to clear up five common misconceptions with a mix of personal experience, professional insight, and evidence-based facts.

#1 The “Wait and See” Approach To Concerns

If you have concerns, delaying treatment can affect both the time needed for therapy and the prognosis. Children who receive early intervention typically require less therapy overall to achieve the same or even better results compared to those who start later. Even as adults, it’s easier to break unwanted habits or movement patterns when addressed sooner. Trust your instincts—remember, you don't need a physician's referral or permission to seek help.

#2 “Crawling Doesn’t Matter”

Although crawling has been removed from the CDC milestone checklist (cue the angry mob of pediatric therapists!), it is a vital skill for developing core and arm strength and coordinating movement between the left and right sides of the body. Crawling does matter as these skills contribute to later abilities in vision, handwriting, walking, and play. Whether a child is crawling through a tunnel at the playground or an adult is reaching for a ball under a deck, this functional skill is used throughout life!

#3 Babies Should Be Walking By Their First Birthday

Independent walking is considered normal anywhere from 9 to 15 months, with 12 months being the average. So, this one is a don’t stress about it even when family members ask if your child is walking yet often during their first birthday celebration!

#4 Always Protect Your Child From Falling

Falling is a natural part of development! Without the experience of losing balance, children cannot learn to correct it. Resist the urge to prevent falls unless there’s a serious danger. Allowing them to experience the visual, sensory, and vestibular information gathered when their balance is lost or tested can actually keep them safer in the long run.

#5 When Your Child Runs Out of Leg Room in the Car Seat its Time to Turn It Around

While car seat manuals often state that children can sit forward-facing as young as 22 lbs, it is recommended that they remain rear-facing until they reach the height or weight limit for that position, ideally until they’re at least three years old. In a forward-facing position during a crash, the weight of the head can increase stress on the neck and spine. As young muscles, tendons, and ligaments are still developing, this can lead to spinal cord injuries from overstretching. Encourage your child to get creative with their leg positioning—crossing them, placing them over the sides, or resting them on the seat in front. Most children tolerate this without complaints. If your car seat is in a captain’s chair, you can also create a little more space by reclining the seat back.

The Overall Truth

Children develop at different rates. Resist the urge to constantly compare your child to others and focus on their individual progress! Each milestone comes with a range of a few months. If you notice an area of concern, observe if your child is displaying skills immediately prior to the desired milestone. For instance, if your child isn’t yet walking independently, can they stand alone or walk with support? If you see multiple areas of concern, discuss these with your child’s primary care team or reach out to a local therapist for a more in-depth assessment.

BIO

Dr. Sarah McMahon PT, DPT, NCS is a passionate advocate for active living and family travel, blending her expertise as a Pilates Instructor and Physical Therapist in Pediatrics and Neurology with her experience as a Mom who survived having two high energy boys under two. With a childhood rooted in skiing and competitive dance, she has grown to also appreciate hiking, biking, scuba diving, and discovering new adventures with her family. As the owner, founder, and content creator behind Phun Phit Pham, she inspires families to embrace an active lifestyle together regardless of age or ability! Connect with her at www.phunphitpham.com for more insights, services, and collaborations.