Newborn Development: Birth to 1 Month

Rapid brain growth; follows cephalocaudal and proximodistal patterns; lifts head, holds finger in fist, has open fontanels (flat & pulsating); has reflexes (rooting, grasp, Babinski, Moro, tonic neck, dance/stepping, crawling).

Sensorimotor stage; learns through senses and motor skills; prefers faces and follows vision.

Trust vs. Mistrust; develops trust with consistent needs met. spends most time sleeping

Breastfeeding (2-3 hrs on demand) or bottle feeding (60-90cc every 2-3 hrs); adequate feeding shown by frequent feedings, alertness/satisfaction, audible swallowing, breast softening after feedings, adequate weight gain, and wet/stool diapers.

Gently wipe gums with a clean washcloth.

Rapid brain growth, reduced head lag, motor milestones (rolling, sitting, crawling, pulling up, standing, walking), hand-eye coordination, grasp development, and tower building.

Sensorimotor stage continues; develop object permanence; enjoys looking at self-image.

Trust vs. Mistrust continues.

Head circumference (HC) should be equal to chest circumference (CC) at 10-12 months.

Whole cow's milk is recommended until age 2 for optimal brain development.

Toddlers have erratic appetites and prefer familiar foods.

Toddler's understanding grows significantly.

Toddlers play alongside others without interacting.

Toilet training starts around 18 months as sphincter control develops and can be affected by stress.

Preschoolers have slower weight gain, growth mostly in long bones, and improved coordination.

Preschoolers have a transition to preoperational, magical thinking with symbolic play and imagination.

Preschoolers have difficulty understanding others' perspectives.

Preschoolers believe inanimate objects have life and feelings.

Preschoolers believe their thoughts affect the world.

Preschoolers develop initiative and independence when supported.

Temper tantrums are a way preschoolers exert independence.

Preschoolers experience a wider range of fears.

Preschoolers develop a stable sense of gender identity.

Preschoolers' appetites are erratic, preferring familiar foods.

Mealtimes become social occasions for preschoolers.

Preschoolers develop a large vocabulary.

Preschoolers use complete sentences, understand meanings literally and primarily speak to self or belongings.

Preschoolers play side-by-side, interacting but without a common goal.

The period of physical and sexual maturation during adolescence, leading to reproductive capability.

Breast development, typically occurring approximately one year after the growth spurt.

Development of pubic hair, occurring a few months after breast development.

The onset of menstruation, which typically occurs a couple of years after breast development.

Stages that describe the progression of pubertal development in both males and females, focusing on physical traits.

The point in female development where height increases at the fastest rate and then slows down shortly after menarche.

The point in development where height increases at the fastest rate usually occurring a few years after puberty begins.

The stage of cognitive development in adolescence characterized by the ability to think abstractly and reason hypothetically.

Erikson's psychosocial stage where adolescents develop a sense of self-identity or become confused about their role in society.

The area of the brain responsible for reasoning, self-control and decision-making continues to develop until around age 25.

Imaginative play where children act out roles and scenarios using pretend.

Play with others towards a common goal or with shared rules.

Independent exploration and play in the environment.

Established routines or habits that help children sleep better

Items children use to comfort themselves and ease separation anxiety

Toothpaste should be pea-sized for 3-year-olds.

Limit juice to 4-6 oz/day, give only at meals.

Boys and girls have similar physical proportions before puberty.

Girls experience a growth spurt around age 10.

Boys' growth spurt typically happens between ages 12 and 13.

Stage of cognitive development where children think logically using concrete examples

Understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in appearance.

Understanding that actions can be reversed.

Ability to group objects based on shared characteristics.

Stage of psychosocial development where self-esteem is formed based on success and encouragement.

Following MyPlate guidelines to achieve a balanced intake of macronutrients

School-aged children face peer pressure and often consume fast food.

This age requires calorie-dense foods to support growth (Vit. D3, calcium, protein, iron).

Girls are screened for scoliosis twice (ages 10 & 12), boys once (13/14).

Breast or bottle feeding every 3-4 hours. Introduction to baby food begins around 6 months.

Develops longer nocturnal sleep; sleep problems usually learned, not innate.

Infants show distress at separation from caregiver, requiring reassurance.

Displayed unease around unfamiliar individuals.

Infants respond to being called by name.

Cooing, gargling, and laughing develop.

Putting sounds together, like "da-da".

Understanding "no" begins; discipline can be introduced.

Saying 3-5 words and understanding "ma-ma" and "da-da".

Lower central incisors appear during this timeframe.

Introduction to solid foods begins as infants gain digestive maturity.

Juice consumption should be avoided in babies under 6 months. Dilute and limit for older infants.

Growth slows, reaches half of adult height; anterior fontanel closes.

Increased mobility and risk of falls; autonomy to dress themselves.

Toddlers strive for independence, often expressed by behaviors like holding on/letting go and ritualistic behaviors.

Milk intake is limited to prevent iron deficiency anemia, and physiological anorexia.

Whole cow's milk is recommended for neurodevelopment until age 2.

Toddlers have unpredictable eating patterns, often preferring familiar foods.

Toddlers' understanding of language and concepts significantly increases.

Toddlers play close to other children, but do not interact.

Toilet training begins around 18 months as sphincter control develops, but can be temporarily interrupted by stress.

Preschoolers' weight gain slows down during this period.

Growth in preschoolers is primarily in long bones.

Preschoolers become more coordinated, reducing the risk of falls.

Preschoolers develop skills such as using scissors, drawing shapes, and buttoning clothes.

Preschoolers transition from preoperational to magical thinking, including symbolic play and egocentrism.

Preschoolers develop initiative, supported by encouraging environments, or become fearful when facing obstacles.

Preschool temper tantrums are a common way for them to express their independence.

Preschoolers are more prone to fears, including fear of mutilation

Most preschoolers can identify their gender and play with same-gender peers by age 3-4.

Preschoolers continue to have erratic appetites and prefer familiar foods.

Preschoolers significantly expand their vocabulary to around 2000 words.

Preschoolers use complete sentences, understand literal meanings, and primarily speak to themselves, toys, or pets.

Associative play involves children playing side-by-side, interacting, but without a common goal.

Rapid brain growth, following cephalocaudal and proximodistal patterns; head lifting, holding fingers, open fontanels, and reflexes (rooting, grasp, Babinski, Moro, tonic neck, dance/stepping, crawling).

Sensorimotor stage; learning through sensory and motor exploration; prefers faces and follows vision.

Trust vs. Mistrust stage; developing trust based on consistent needs.

Breastfeeding every 2-3 hours on demand or bottle-feeding 60-90cc every 2-3 hrs; indicated by frequent feedings, alertness, audible swallowing, breast softening, weight gain, wet/stool diapers.

Gently wipe gums with a clean washcloth.

Brain growth, reduced head lag, motor milestones (rolling, sitting, crawling, pulling up, standing, walking), grasp development, and tower building.

Sensorimotor stage; develop object permanence; enjoy looking at self-image.

Trust vs. Mistrust continues, developing trust.

Head circumference should equal chest circumference at 10-12 months.

The period of development between childhood and adulthood, typically ages 12-21.

The period of physical and sexual maturation during adolescence.

The beginning of breast development during puberty in females.

The onset of pubic hair development in both sexes.

The first menstrual period.

Stages used to describe the progression of pubertal development by evaluating physical changes.

The period in females when height increases most rapidly, occurring shortly before or after menarche.

The period in males when height increases most rapidly, occurring slightly later in development.

Cognitive stage in adolescence characterized by abstract thinking and hypothetical reasoning.

Erikson's psychosocial stage where adolescents develop a sense of self-identity or become confused about their role in society.

Brain region crucial for reasoning, self-control, and decision-making; still developing in adolescence.

Imaginative play where children act out roles and scenarios using pretend.

Play with others toward a common goal or with shared rules.

Independent exploration and play in the environment.

Established routines or habits that help children sleep better.

Items children use to comfort themselves and ease separation anxiety.

Toothpaste should be pea-sized for 3-year-olds.

Limit juice to 4-6oz/day, give only at meals.

Boys and girls have similar physical proportions before puberty.

Girls experience a growth spurt around age 10.

Boys' growth spurt typically happens between ages 12 and 13.

Stage of cognitive development where children think logically using concrete examples.

Understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in appearance.

Understanding that actions can be reversed.

Ability to group objects based on shared characteristics.

Stage of psychosocial development where self-esteem is formed based on success and encouragement.

Following MyPlate guidelines to achieve a balanced intake of macronutrients.

School-aged children face peer pressure and often consume fast food.

This age requires calorie-dense foods to support growth (Vit. D3, calcium, protein, iron).

Girls are screened for scoliosis twice (ages 10 & 12), boys once (13/14).

Infants begin to smile and laugh, developing a social smile, signifying the start of memory.

Infants develop longer sleep patterns at night, but sleep problems are often learned, rather than inherent.

Infants may show distress when separated from caregivers and need reassurance.

Infants show discomfort around unfamiliar people.

Infants start to respond when their name is called.

Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding every 3-4 hours is typical at this age.

Solid foods are introduced around 6 months due to digestive maturity.

Lower central incisors usually erupt between 6 and 8 months old.

Finger foods (large enough to avoid choking) are introduced at this age.

Infants start to feed themselves with spoons at this age, trying soft table foods.

Avoid giving juice to infants under 6 months old.

Gently brush teeth with a soft toothbrush and small amount of kid-appropriate toothpaste

Before the child turns 1 year old

Growth rate slows in toddlers but still quadruples birth weight and reaches half of adult height.

The anterior fontanel closes between 12 and 18 months (sometimes 24), indicating brain development.

Toddlers develop increased mobility, which increases the risk of falls, and develop a sense of autonomy through dressing themselves.

Restrict milk intake to 16-24 ounces per day to reduce risk of iron deficiency anemia.

Toddlers understand that objects exist even when they can't see them (object permanence).

Whole cow's milk is recommended for optimal brain development in toddlers until age two.

Toddlers often have unpredictable eating patterns and prefer familiar foods.

Toddler's understanding of language and concepts grows significantly.

Toddlers play near other children but do not interact directly.

Toilet training typically begins around 18 months, as sphincter control develops, and may be affected by stress in a temporary way.

Preschoolers experience a slower rate of weight gain.

During preschool years, growth is largely concentrated in long bones.

Preschoolers develop increasingly better coordination, decreasing their risk of falls.

Preschoolers improve their fine motor skills, learning to use scissors, and draw shapes and buttons clothes.

Preschoolers transition from preoperational thinking to magical thinking, involving symbolic play and egocentrism.

Preschoolers develop a sense of initiative through encouragement. Lack of support might lead to guilt and apprehension.

Temper tantrums are a common way for preschoolers to express independence and autonomy.

Preschoolers often experience a wider range of fears, including fear of mutilation.

Preschoolers, typically around 3-4 years old, often demonstrate a stable sense of gender identity.

Preschoolers' appetites often remain unpredictable, favoring familiar foods.

Mealtimes for preschoolers often become social events, shared with family or peers.

Preschoolers significantly expand their vocabulary to approximately 2000 words.

Preschoolers use complete sentences, understand literal meanings of words, and mostly speak to themselves, toys, or pets.

Associative play involves children playing together, interacting, but without a shared goal.

Rapid brain growth, following cephalocaudal and proximodistal patterns; head lifting, grasping, open fontanels; reflexes present (rooting, grasp, Babinski, Moro, tonic neck, dance/stepping, crawling).

Sensorimotor stage; learning through senses and motor skills; recognizing faces, tracking vision.

Trust vs. Mistrust; developing a sense of trust based on consistent care and needs being met.

Breastfeeding (on demand) or bottle feeding (60-90cc every 2-3 hours); indications of adequate feeding include frequent feedings, alertness, satisfaction, audible swallowing, breast softening, and weight gain; wet and stool diapers.

Gently wipe gums with a clean washcloth.

Continued brain growth; decreased head lag; motor milestones (rolling, sitting, crawling, pulling up, standing, walking); grasp development; fine motor skills (tower building).

Sensorimotor stage; development of object permanence; recognizing self-image in mirrors.

Trust vs. Mistrust continues, with the foundation laid during this stage.

Head circumference (HC) should be equal to chest circumference (CC) at 10-12 months.

Period of physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development between childhood and adulthood.

Physical and sexual maturation leading to reproductive capability.

Breast development, typically occurring a year after growth spurt.

Pubic hair development.

Onset of menstruation.

Stages describing pubertal development progression.

Fastest rate of height increase; occurs before menarche.

Fastest rate of height increase in males; occurs a few years after puberty begins.

Cognitive stage in adolescence where abstract thinking and reasoning develop.

Erikson's stage where a sense of self is formed.

Brain area for reasoning, self-control and decision-making.

Imaginative play where children act out roles and scenarios using pretend.

Play with others toward a common goal or with shared rules.

Independent exploration and play in the environment.

Established routines or habits that help children sleep better.

Items children use to comfort themselves and ease separation anxiety.

Toothpaste amount should be pea-sized for 3-year-olds.

Limit juice to 4-6 oz/day, give only at meals.

Boys and girls have similar physical proportions before puberty.

Girls experience a growth spurt around age 10.

Boys' growth spurt typically happens between ages 12 and 13.

Stage of cognitive development where children think logically using concrete examples.

Understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in appearance.

Understanding that actions can be reversed.

Ability to group objects based on shared characteristics.

Stage of psychosocial development where self-esteem is formed based on success and encouragement.

Following MyPlate guidelines to achieve a balanced intake of all nutrients.

School-aged children face peer pressure and often consume fast food.

This age requires calorie-dense foods to support growth (Vit. D3, calcium, protein, iron).

Girls are screened for scoliosis twice (ages 10 & 12), boys once (13/14).

Infants start smiling and laughing, and develop a social smile, a crucial moment for early memory development.

Infants lengthen nighttime sleep durations, although sleep problems often stem from learned behaviors, not biological issues.

Infants start showing signs of distress when separated from caregivers, needing reassurance.

Displayed unease around unfamiliar individuals.

Infants start responding to their name.

Infants engage in interactive games like peek-a-boo, signaling growing cognitive skills.

Infants are fed every 3-4 hours, usually with breast milk or formula.

Introducing soft foods and weaning from breast milk or formula starts at 6 months, aligning with digestive maturity.

Lower central incisors typically erupt around 6-8 months, marking another developmental milestone.

Introducing finger foods (large enough to prevent choking risk) is common at 8-10 months.

Infants start to feed themselves with spoons and soft table foods in this crucial stage.

Avoid juice under 6 months. If given, dilute and limit to 4 oz/day for 6-12 months old.

Infants begin to coo, gargle, and laugh, signaling early language development.

Babies start combining sounds, like 'da-da', fostering early language skills.

Understanding the word 'no' can be introduced, and discipline can now be more targeted.

Infants start saying 3-5 words and understand terms like "mama" and "dada".

Gently brush teeth once they erupt, using a soft toothbrush and baby toothpaste.

Schedule a dentist visit before your child turns 1.

Growth slows compared to infancy; reach half adult height.

Chest circumference exceeds head circumference and legs lengthen.

The soft spot on a baby's head typically closes between 12 and 18 months, but can take up to 24 months.

Increased mobility, increasing risk of falls; autonomy to dress themselves.

Development of independence and control over their body and environment, often expressed by holding on/letting go behaviors, rituals, and the frequent use of "no".

Reduced appetite due to slower growth.

Restricting milk intake to 16-24 oz/day to prevent iron deficiency anemia.