Little Humans. Big Moments. Trusted Pediatric Care at Culbertson Memorial Hospital
If you’ve ever watched a newborn curl her tiny fingers around yours, or celebrated because your toddler finally figured out how to use a spoon (mostly), you already know something important.
Childhood is full of big moments packed into small bodies.
Pediatrics is about more than checkups and charts. It’s about growing, learning, stumbling, laughing, and figuring things out one milestone at a time. At Culbertson Memorial Hospital, pediatric care is rooted in compassion, patience, and a genuine love for children and families. The goal is simple: to support parents and caregivers while helping kids grow up healthy, confident, and cared for.
From vaccines and milestones to knowing when it’s time to “graduate” to adult care, pediatric providers walk alongside families through some of life’s most meaningful years.
Because Growing Up Doesn’t Come with an Instruction Manual
Every child is wonderfully unique.
Some walk early.
Some talk late.
Some do everything on their own schedule and keep everyone guessing.
Pediatric care exists to help families navigate those differences without fear or pressure.
Courtney Elliott, CPNP-PC, a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Culbertson Memorial Hospital, often reminds families that pediatric guidelines are just that—guidelines. They’re tools to help track development, not rigid rules every child must follow.
“Kids grow and develop in ranges,” Courtney explains. “If everything else looks great, a milestone that comes a little later usually isn’t something to panic about. We watch, we support, and we help families feel confident.”
That reassurance matters. Especially in a world full of comparison.
Milestones: Progress, Not Perfection
Pediatric milestones help track physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. They also tend to spark a lot of questions.
Is my baby doing what they’re supposed to be doing?
Should my toddler be talking more?
Why does my preschooler ask “why” one hundred times a day?
These questions are common. And completely normal.
Milestones are based on averages, which means there’s a wide range of what’s considered healthy and typical. Providers look at the whole child, not just a checklist.
Here’s a general look at what pediatric providers often watch for as children grow.
- Newborns may make brief eye contact, cry with discomfort, keep their hands fisted, and show reflexes that help them adapt to the world.
- By one to two months, babies often lift their chin during tummy time, turn toward sounds, calm when held, and begin smiling socially.
- Around four months, many babies can roll, laugh, grab toys, and show interest in faces and voices. Hands open more, and play becomes more intentional.
- By six months, sitting briefly with support, transferring objects between hands, recognizing familiar people, and early stranger anxiety often appear.
- At nine to twelve months, pulling to stand, using simple words, playing peek-a-boo, following simple commands, and showing separation anxiety are common.
- Between fifteen and twenty-four months, toddlers become more mobile, more independent, and more expressive. Running, climbing, pretend play, early sentences, and emotional awareness take center stage. Autism screenings are routinely done at eighteen months and again at two years.
- From ages three to five, kids develop balance, coordination, language, social skills, and imagination. They begin sharing, forming friendships, asking questions, helping at home, and expressing emotions more clearly.
Courtney emphasizes that missing a single milestone doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong.
“If a child isn’t doing one thing at a certain age, but everything else looks good, we may just offer tips to work on skills at home and check back in,” she says. “We focus on progress, not pressure.”
Well-Child Visits: More Than Measurements
Well-child visits aren’t just about height, weight, and vaccines.
They’re about conversation.
They’re a chance to ask questions you’ve been saving up. To talk about sleep struggles, picky eating, screen time battles, big emotions, or sudden behavior changes. They’re a place where concerns can be shared openly—without judgment or rushing.
Culbertson’s pediatric providers work to create a calm, welcoming environment where kids feel safe and parents feel heard. A little humor, a lot of patience, and genuine care go a long way—especially when tears make an appearance.
For Parents: Trust Yourself, Too
One of the most important parts of pediatric care doesn’t show up on a growth chart.
It’s you.
Parents and caregivers know their children better than anyone else. If something feels off, confusing, or just doesn’t sit right, that instinct matters. Pediatric visits are meant to be a place where those thoughts are welcomed—not brushed aside.
Courtney often reminds families that no question is too small. Whether it’s about sleep, feeding, behavior, or development, talking it through can bring peace of mind. Sometimes reassurance is all that’s needed. Other times, small adjustments or extra support make a big difference.
Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook, and comparison can be exhausting. Social media timelines and well-meaning advice don’t always reflect real life. Pediatric care helps bring the focus back to your child—their strengths, their pace, and their needs.
Growing up is a team effort. When families, providers, and kids work together, care becomes more than medicine. It becomes trust, guidance, and support.
When Pediatric Care Transitions to Adult Care
Eventually, every child grows up. And that includes transitioning out of pediatric care.
Most pediatric providers transition patients to adult primary care around age eighteen. Courtney chose to extend pediatric care up to age twenty-one when appropriate, allowing for a slower, more supportive transition—especially for patients with complex medical histories.
“I want my patients to feel they have time,” she explains. “Time to get to know their new provider while still knowing they can count on me during the transition.”
For some teens, moving to adult care earlier makes sense. For others, a gradual approach helps build confidence and continuity. Either way, the process is thoughtful and centered on what’s best for the patient.
Compassion Is the Constant
From first smiles to first driver’s licenses, pediatric care is about walking alongside families during life’s biggest changes. It’s about celebrating growth, addressing concerns early, and building relationships based on trust.
Parents don’t need perfection. They need a partnership.
We’re Here When You’re Ready
If you’re looking for pediatric care rooted in compassion and experience, Culbertson Memorial Hospital’s clinics are here for you. Whether it’s a newborn visit, questions about vaccines, milestone concerns, or planning the transition to adult care, our providers are ready to help.
You can schedule an appointment with Courtney Elliott or other pediatric providers at one of the Culbertson Clinics.
For additional information about childhood vaccines, families are encouraged to download the American Academy of Pediatrics immunization schedule.
Because childhood moves fast. And having the right care along the way makes all the difference.