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| Category | Child Growth & Development |
Normal growth is one of the best indicators of good health and nutrition. Normal heights and weights, however, are difficult to define. Short parents tend to have short children. Tall parents tend to have tall children. For any given height, an ideal weight can be determined from a growth chart. An infant with failure to thrive is underweight for his height. An obese child is overweight for his height.
Your health care provider will weigh and measure your child on each well child visit and plot these numbers on a standard growth chart. Your child's growth rate over time reveals the most about his or her nutritional health.
The following facts and figures may answer some of your questions about normal growth.
Weight: 7 pounds, 5 ounces (normal range: 6 to 10 pounds)
Length: 20 inches (50 cm) (normal range: 18 1/2 to 21 1/2 inches)
Head circumference: 13.8 inches (35 cm) (normal range: 33 to 37 cm)
A premature baby weighs less than 5 and 1/2 pounds (2.5 kilograms).
5 months: double birth weight
12 months: triple birth weight
2 years: quadruple birth weight
1 to 6 years: weight in pounds = (age x 5) + 17
7 to 12 years: weight in pounds = (age x 7) + 5
4 years: double birth length
13 years: triple birth length
2 to 14 years: height in inches = (age x 2 1/2) + 30
(Remember: 1 foot = 12 inches; 1 inch = 2.5 centimeters)
The most rapid changes in development occur during the first year of life. A baby grows from a helpless little bundle into a walking, talking, unique personality. Almost all parents wonder if their baby is developing at the right pace. There is wide variation in normal development. Although the average child walks at 12 months, the normal age for walking is any time between 9 and 16 months of age. Motor development occurs in an orderly sequence, starting with lifting the head, then rolling over, sitting up, crawling, standing, and walking. Although the sequence is predictable and follows the maturation of the spinal cord downward, the rate at which these stages happen varies. Speech develops from cooing to babbling, to imitating speech sounds, to first words, to using words together. Again, however, the normal rate can vary considerably.
The most reassuring signs that a child is developing normally are an alert facial expression, alert eyes, and curiosity about his or her surroundings. The main determinant of a child's social, emotional, and language development is the amount of positive contact he or she has with his parents and other caregivers. The experiences during the first 3 years of life determines the permanent "wiring" of the brain.
Speech and hearing
Fine motor skills
Gross motor skills
Here's what you might see your baby doing between the ages of 2 weeks and 2 months.
Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain behaviors and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
Here's what you might see your baby doing between the ages of 2 and 4 months.
Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain behaviors and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
Here's what you might notice your baby doing between the ages of 4 months and 6 months of age.
Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain behaviors and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
Here's what you might see your baby doing between 6 and 9 months of age.
Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
Here's what you might see your baby doing between the ages of 9 and 12 months.
Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
Here's what you might see your baby doing between 12 months and 15 months old.
Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
Here's what you might see your child doing between the ages of 15 and 18 months.
Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
Here's what you might see your child doing between the ages of 18 and 24 months.
Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. Consequently, these guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend. Keep this in mind as you review these milestones.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. Consequently, these guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend. Keep this in mind as you review these milestones.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.
Puberty is the time when a boy's body becomes a man's body. It is a time of much physical and emotional growth.
Hormones in the body are responsible for the changes in your body. These hormones start working on the testicles, causing them to produce testosterone. Testosterone is the main hormone that causes most of the changes a young man goes through.
The average age that boys start puberty is around 11 and 1/2 years old. However, it can begin anywhere between 9 and 15 years. The physical changes usually take 3 to 4 years to be completed.
The first thing your health care provider may notice is an increase in the size of the testicles. The first thing you will probably notice is pubic hair growth. At first it will be a few straight hairs. After some time the hair starts to curl and begins to spread in a triangle-like pattern. Soon after pubic hair begins, the penis starts to grow. At first the penis gets longer. After awhile, the penis also gets thicker. The scrotum changes as well. It hangs lower and gets looser.
Testosterone works on many parts of the body. Near the beginning of puberty hair grows in the armpits, and you start to have body odor. This is when it is time to start using deodorant. Testosterone causes the voice box to enlarge, and your voice starts to sound deeper. Since it takes awhile, your voice may go through a squeaky period. You may get embarrassed by it, but remember this is something that happens to all guys and it usually doesn't last more than 6 months. Testosterone causes muscles to get bigger and stronger even without weight lifting. Towards the end of puberty, boys have a growth spurt, sometimes growing 4 to 6 inches taller in a year. Eventually your beard starts to grow, and you need to shave. Hair may also grow elsewhere, including on the chest, stomach, and back.
Boys can get erections (when the penis gets stiff) all their life. When you go through puberty, you start having them more often. Erections are caused by increased blood flow into the penis. Erections may happen any time. They can be caused by romantic or sexual thoughts or physical contact (like stroking the penis). However, during puberty erections can come out of the blue. Expect them to happen randomly. Thinking of some boring subject can help make an erection go away on its own.
The medical term for a wet dream is nocturnal emission. As your body is developing, your reproductive system is changing. Hormones from the brain tell the testicles to produce sperm. Your prostate gland (located between the penis and rectum) and the seminal vesicles produce fluid that helps nourish sperm. This fluid combine with sperm is called semen. The body produces millions of sperm every day. Semen can be stored for awhile, but eventually it needs to be released. As the hormones are surging at night they signal the penis to have an erection and then to release the semen (ejaculation). Some guys have dreams when this occurs. The dreams may be romantic or sexual. Wet dreams are normal. They can happen a few times a week, a few times a month, or maybe not at all. It is a normal part of growing up. Your parents know that it happens, so you do not need to be embarrassed by it.
Masturbating is touching the penis so that it becomes erect and then releases semen (ejaculation). It feels good and can release tension. By the early to middle part of puberty, many boys start masturbating. Boys may masturbate several times a day, once a month, or not at all. It is a natural way to explore your body and is quite normal. People often joke about it, but it is important to know that there are no bad things that happen from masturbating.
One part of puberty that teenagers don't like is acne. It is a normal part of growing up caused by your changing hormones. For some boys, acne may be mild, but for others it may get pretty bad. Using nonprescription medicine is OK if your acne is mild, but if it seems to be more serious, see your health care provider. Your provider can give you stronger medicine to help the problem.
Puberty and adolescence is a complex time. As you go through the physical changes of puberty you start to experience a wide range of feelings. You are trying to figure out your place in the world. You become more independent and start doing things without your parents. You may be influenced by your friends' ideas and feel pressure to do things that you may not agree with, like using drugs or alcohol. It is a time to start sorting out your values and decide what is right and wrong.
As part of this, you may start to have strong sexual urges. You may develop a romantic attraction to someone and begin dating. You may feel like you are in love one day and not the next. It is natural to have changing feelings. You may also decide to become intimate with others. Intimacy can include many things. You can be intimate holding hands, hugging, or kissing.
When you are a teenager, you may also start thinking about having sex. Take time to think through your decision before you have sex. You need to think about the physical and emotional risks you will be taking. If you decide to have sex (intercourse) or oral sex (kissing a partner's genitals) it is important to be able to talk with your partner about what you are doing and the risks involved. Sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy may be a consequence of having sex. The only way to prevent pregnancy 100% of the time is to not have sex. You need to decide what you are comfortable doing and be safe. Condoms or another form of birth control are needed to help prevent pregnancy.
Talking to Parents:
Sometimes during puberty, teenagers may feel distanced from their parents. Parents may feel the same way and may be uncomfortable talking with their teenager about intimate issues. You need to understand that your culture, music, and clothing styles are different than what your parents are used to. Your parents may not feel in touch with your world, but they really want to understand what you are going through. Try to let them into your life and explain to them what you like and don't like. Be open when they make an effort to talk with you about personal things such as sex, drugs, and friendships. It can be just as hard for parents to discuss these topics as it is for you. If you feel like your parents are not meeting your needs, talk to them about it and ask them if you can spend time together. Deep down, they truly want the best for you. Parents are ultimately your best resource and strongest support. Give them a chance!
This handout is only a brief introduction to puberty. There are much more detailed books and pamphlets available to help you understand both the physical and emotional changes you may be going through. You are encouraged to find out as much as possible. Read books; talk to parents, friends and teachers; or check the World Wide Web to find resources to help you figure out this dynamic time of your life.
Puberty is the time when a girl's body grows into a woman's body. The physical changes are necessary for a girl to reproduce (have babies) later in life. There is also the emotional part of puberty when a young person becomes an adult.
Hormones are responsible for changes in your body. Hormones released from your brain, cause your ovaries (organs that hold eggs) to produce estrogen. Estrogen is the main hormone that starts the body changes.
Puberty may begin as early as 7 or 8 years old or as late as 14 years old.
The first thing you will notice will be growth of your breasts. At first, the gland just below the nipple starts to get bigger. This is called breast budding. This change means that the estrogen has started to work and the process of puberty has begun. It may take 4 or 5 years for your breasts to fully develop. You may want to start wearing a bra once your breasts start growing.
Pubic hair starts to grow soon after the breasts start to develop. Pubic hair grows to form a triangle-like pattern. Underarm and leg hair will also begin to grow.
A girl's body also starts to change shape. Your hips get wider and body fat moves to new places on your body. These changes prepare a woman to be able to deliver and support a baby after birth. Sometimes girls have trouble accepting their changing body shape - that's OK, but understand that it is important for your health and a normal part of growing up.
Many changes take place inside your body, too. The cells lining the vagina begin to change and quickly replace old cells. This creates a small amount of white discharge from your vagina. This is normal. The vagina gets bigger as well. Take the time to look at your genitals and notice the changes (you may need to use a mirror to see). The uterus also gets bigger (this is the organ in the body where babies grow). Inside the uterus, blood vessels and tissue begin to develop, eventually leading to your first period and the start of your menstrual cycle.
Girls are born with all their eggs (about 2000 or so), which are stored in the ovaries. Once puberty has begun, the hormones signal the ovaries to start developing the eggs. After puberty, an egg fully develops and is released from an ovary about once a month. This is called ovulation. The egg travels through the fallopian tube into the uterus. Two hormones (estrogen and progesterone) cause the lining of the uterus to thicken. The lining thickens to get the uterus ready just in case the egg is fertilized.
When an egg is fertilized, it grows into a baby in the uterus. If a man's sperm does not fertilize the egg, hormone levels go down. This signals the uterus to shed the lining it prepared for a baby. When the uterus sheds its lining, blood flows out of your vagina. This is called menstrual flow, or your period. After your period, the monthly cycle begins again. The entire menstrual cycle takes 22 to 35 days.
Periods come at the end of your monthly menstrual cycle and last 3 to 7 days. You will need to use pads or tampons to help absorb the blood that comes out. Though it sometimes seems like a lot of blood, it is usually only about 2 to 5 tablespoons over the entire period. For the first year or two, your periods are usually irregular. That means they can happen anywhere from once a month to 3 times a year. Periods start coming on a regular schedule once your body starts releasing eggs (ovulation). Ovulation usually begins 1 to 2 years after your period starts, but can happen with your first period.
It is always good to carry an extra tampon or pad with you in case your period starts unexpectedly. Often a girl's first period happens about 2 and 1/2 years after her breasts start developing. The average age for a girl's period to start is 12 and 1/2 years old. Some girls start their periods as early as age 10 or as late as 16. If you get your period earlier than 10 or still haven't had a period after age 16, then you should talk to an adult or your doctor about it.
Some girls have lower abdominal pain and cramping during ovulation or during their period. The pain can be mild or severe. If it happens before your period starts, the pain is caused by ovulation and usually lasts a short time. Cramps most often happen during your period. They are caused by the chemicals that cause shedding of the lining of your uterus. You may have pain for only a day or it may last for your entire period. Taking ibuprofen (Advil) usually helps. If it doesn't help, ask your doctor about stronger medicine.
During puberty girls sometimes start to recognize sexual feelings because of the increase in hormones in their bodies. Often, girls discover that touching or rubbing their genital area feels good. This is called masturbation. Many girls masturbate during adolescence. It is a normal activity, even though it is not commonly talked about.
Another important part of puberty is having a growth spurt and developing strong bones. A growth spurt is when your body grows a lot in a short period of time. A girl usually has her growth spurt 1 to 2 years after puberty starts. Once your period begins, you usually do not grow much taller. However, your bones continue to get stronger. Girls add 40% of their bone once puberty begins. Your bones continue to get stronger until about age 18 to 20. This is why it is very important for you to have 4 to 5 servings of food containing calcium (milk, yogurt, etc.) every day. This is the chance for your bones to get as strong as possible, so you have less of a chance of developing osteoporosis (weak bones) when you are older.
One part of puberty that teenagers don't like is acne. It is a normal part of growing up caused by your changing hormones. For some girls, acne may be mild, but for others it may get pretty bad. Using nonprescription medicine is OK if your acne is mild, but if it seems to be more serious, see your doctor. A doctor can give you stronger medicine to help the problem.
Puberty and adolescence is a complex time. As you go through the physical changes of puberty you start to experience a wide range of feelings. You are trying to figure out your place in the world. You become more independent and start doing things without your parents. You may be influenced by your friends' ideas and feel pressure to do things that you may not agree with, like using drugs or alcohol. It is a time to start sorting out your values and decide what is right and wrong.
As part of this, you may start to have strong sexual urges. You may develop a romantic attraction to someone and begin dating. You may feel like you are in love one day and not the next. It is natural to have changing feelings. You may also decide to become intimate with others. Intimacy can include many things. You can be intimate holding hands, hugging, or kissing.
When you become a teenager, you may also start thinking about having sex. Take time to think through your decision before you have sex. You need to think about the physical and emotional risks you will be taking. If you decide to have sex (intercourse) or oral sex (kissing a partner's genitals) it is important to be able to talk with your partner about what you are doing and the risks involved. Sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy may be a consequence of having sex. The only way to prevent pregnancy 100% of the time is to not have sex. You need to decide what you are comfortable doing and be safe.
If you decide to have sex, talk to your health care provider and begin taking a hormonal type of birth control (such as, the pill, the patch, or Depo-Provera) before you have sex for the first time. You also need to use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Talking to Parents:
Sometimes during puberty, teenagers may feel distanced from their parents. Parents may feel the same way and may be uncomfortable talking with their teenager about intimate issues. You need to understand that your culture, music, and clothing styles are different than what your parents are used to. Your parents may not feel in touch with your world, but they really want to understand what you are going through. Try to let them into your life and explain to them what you like and don't like. Be open when they make an effort to talk with you about personal things such as sex, drugs, and friendships. It can be just as hard for parents to discuss these topics as it is for you. If you feel like your parents are not meeting your needs, talk to them about it and ask them if you can spend time together. Deep down, they truly want the best for you. Parents are ultimately your best resource and strongest support. Give them a chance!
This handout is only a brief introduction to puberty. There are much more detailed books and pamphlets available to help you understand both the physical and emotional changes you may be going through. You are encouraged to find out as much as possible. Read books, talk to parents, friends, and teachers, or check the World-Wide Web to find resources to help you figure out this dynamic time of your life.
Adolescence is divided into 3 stages: early (12 to 14 years), middle (15 to 17 years), and late (18 to 20 years). While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. Consequently, these guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements. It is perfectly natural for a teen to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.
