Growth & Development

Articles In This Section

• Growth Charts

  Doctors use growth charts to figure out whether kids' height and weight measurements are "normal" and whether they're developing on track. Here are some facts about growth charts.

• School-Based Health Centers

  School-based health centers provide a range of services to meet kids' and teens' health care needs. Centers usually are inside a school building or right next door.

• Teaching Your Child How to Swallow Pills

  Swallowing a pill is something that many of us take for granted. But just like any skill, learning to swallow a pill takes practice.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 12 Months

  Your baby is continuing to grow at a rapid rate and may even be walking. All this activity and the foods your baby is eating affect growth and weight.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 11 Months

  Your baby is continuing to grow at a rapid rate and may even be walking. All this activity and the foods your baby is eating affect growth and weight.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 10 Months

  Your baby continues to grow at a rapid rate and may even be walking. All this activity and the foods your baby is eating affect growth and weight.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 9 Months

  Your baby is growing by leaps and bounds, and may even be walking. Here's what to expect this month.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 7 Months

  Your baby continues to grow in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 6 Months

  Babies this age are growing in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 5 Months

  Babies this age are growing in many ways. Here's what to expect this month.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 3 Months

  This month, your baby will continue to grow quickly. Find out what to expect.

• Your Baby’s Growth: 2 Months

  Your baby continues to grow at a rapid pace. Here's what to expect this month.

• Your Baby’s Hearing, Vision, and Other Senses: 12 Months

  Here's how you can stimulate your baby's senses and provide a safe environment for exploration.

• Your Baby’s Hearing, Vision, and Other Senses: 11 Months

  Here's how you can stimulate your baby's senses and provide a safe environment for exploration.

• Your Baby’s Hearing, Vision, and Other Senses: 10 Months

  Here's how you can stimulate your baby's senses and provide a safe environment for exploration.

• Your Baby’s Hearing, Vision, and Other Senses: 9 Months

  Here's how you can stimulate your baby's senses and provide a safe environment for exploration.

• Your Baby’s Hearing, Vision, and Other Senses: 7 Months

  The senses help your baby learn about the world. Here's what your baby is experiencing at 7 months.

• Your Baby’s Hearing, Vision, and Other Senses: 6 Months

  Your baby is working on all five senses, understanding and anticipating more and more. How can you stimulate your baby's senses?

• Your Baby’s Hearing, Vision, and Other Senses: 5 Months

  Your baby is working on all five senses, understanding and anticipating more and more. How can you stimulate your baby's senses?

• Your Baby’s Hearing, Vision, and Other Senses: 3 Months

  Your baby experiences sights, sounds, and smells with the five senses. Here's what your baby is experiencing at 3 months.

• Your Baby’s Hearing, Vision, and Other Senses: 2 Months

  Your baby experiences sights, sounds, and smells with the five senses. Here's what your baby is experiencing at 2 months.

• The Medical Home

  A medical home is a new term in health care. But what does it mean? Find out what a medical home is and why your child needs one.

• What’s a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?

  PCPs are health care providers that offer routine checkups, vaccines, and non-emergency medical care. Learn more about PCPs and how to choose a great one.

• 10 Ways to Help Your Teen Succeed in High School

  Even though teens are seeking independence, parental involvement is still an important ingredient for academic achievement.

• 10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Middle School

  As students grow more independent during middle school, it can be challenging for parents to know how to stay involved. Here are 10 tips.

• 10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Elementary School

  Kids do better in school when parents are involved in their academic lives. These early years of schooling are an important time for parents to be informed and supportive about their child's education.

• Gifted Education

  About 6% of all U.S. K-12 students are considered academically gifted. Here are some ways to tell the difference between bright students and gifted students.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 21 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 21.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 20 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 20.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 19 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 19.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 18 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 18.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 17 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 17.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 16 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 16.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 15 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 15.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 14 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 14.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 13 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your teen is 13.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 12 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your child is 12.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 11 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your child is 11.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 10 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the tenth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 9 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the ninth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 8 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the eighth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 7 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the seventh year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 6 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the sixth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 2.5 Years (30 Months)

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by two and a half years.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 1 Month

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the first month.

• Bilingual Families

  In some countries, it's common for kids to learn two or more languages at a time and to use them daily to communicate and understand people around them.

• How Can I Comfort My Baby During Shots?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• The Magic of Play: How It Inspires & Aids Early Development

  Learn why play is so important during the preschool years, and what you can do to foster your child's imagination.

• Smart Toys for Every Age

  An age-wise guide on play and the toys that encourage learning, promote motor skill development, and spark imagination.

• Sleep Problems in Teens

  Does your teen have trouble falling asleep at night? Is he or she sleepy during the day? Find out if it's just a normal part of adolescence, or if something else is to blame.

• Does My Toddler Have a Language Delay?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Choosing Safe Toys for School-Age Kids

  Is your 10-year-old crying for a pellet gun? How about that used scooter? For help figuring out what toys are safe and appropriate for older kids, read these tips.

• Choosing Safe Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers

  How can you tell if a small toy poses a choking risk? What types of unsafe toys should you avoid for your baby, toddler, or preschooler? Find out here.

• Am I ‘Too Tough’ When I Discipline My Kids?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Breath-Holding Spells

  Kids who have these spells hold their breath until they pass out. Although upsetting to watch, the spells are not harmful and do not pose any serious, long-term health risks.

• Disciplining Your Toddler

  Reeling in your active little one can be tough. But setting limits now helps prevent bigger problems down the road.

• Becoming a Stepparent

  Stepparenting can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Learn how to cultivate a healthy relationship with your stepkids.

• In-toeing & Out-toeing in Toddlers

  What is in-toeing and how will it affect your child? Find out what the experts have to say.

• Your Child’s Handwriting

  Even with great PC skills, kids still need to learn how to write by hand. Learn how to encourage good penmanship and help your child become a better communicator.

• Should I Worry About the Way My Son Walks?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Night Terrors

  A night terror is a sleep disruption that seems similar to a nightmare, but it's far more dramatic. Night terrors can be alarming, but aren't usually cause for concern or a sign of a medical issue.

• Nightmares

  Nightmares aren't totally preventable, but parents can help kids feel better when they have one and ease their transition back to sleep.

• Finding Your Way in the Health Care System

  It can be stressful when your child needs medical attention, and more so when you're worried about where to get that care and how much it will cost. Here are some basics on managing the health care system.

• About Spermicide

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• Sexual Development

  Changes become more dramatic and complex with the onset of puberty, and kids are likely to have lots of questions. These articles can help you become a trusted source of information, comfort, and support for your kids.

• My 1-Year-Old Son Always Tries to Touch His Penis. Is This Masturbation?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Is It Normal for an 11-Year-Old Boy to Fondle Himself?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Understanding Early Sexual Development

  Young kids develop an emotional and physical foundation for sexuality in many subtle ways as they grow. By understanding how your kids grow and learn, you can play an important role in fostering their emotional and physical health.

• About the Birth Control Patch

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About the Birth Control Shot

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About the Birth Control Ring

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About Fertility Awareness

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About Emergency Contraception

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About Withdrawal

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About the IUD

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About Abstinence

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About the Diaphragm

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About Condoms

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About the Cervical Cap

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About the Birth Control Pill

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• About Birth Control: What Parents Need to Know

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• Sexual Orientation

  During the teen years, sexual feelings are awakened in new ways because of the hormonal and physical changes of puberty. It takes time for many kids to understand who they are and who they're becoming. Part of that understanding includes a person's sexual feelings and attractions.

• Signing Kids Up for Sports

  Organized sports can help kids grow in many ways. But first consider your child's personality and developmental level so that being involved in sports is a positive experience.

• Should Girls Who Aren’t Sexually Active Be Vaccinated Against HPV?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Your Child’s Checkups

  These age-specific guides can help you be prepared for and keep track of your well-child visits.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 15 Months

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your toddler might be doing by 15 months.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 6 Months

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by 6 months.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 5 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the fifth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 4 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the fourth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 3 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the third year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 2 Years (24 Months)

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the second year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 1.5 Years (18 Months)

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your toddler might be doing by 18 months.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 1 Year (12 Months)

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the first birthday.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 9 Months

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by 9 months old.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 4 Months

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the fourth month.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 2 Months

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the second month.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 3 to 5 Days

  Find out what this doctor's checkup will involve a few days after your baby is born.

• Your Child’s Checkup: Newborn

  Find out what this doctor's checkup will involve after your baby arrives.

• Going to the Emergency Room

  Knowing what to expect when you need to take your child to the emergency room can help make it a little less stressful.

• Is it a Medical Emergency?

  Should you head straight for the emergency room when your child is hurt? Different problems require different levels of care, and you have many options.

• Sleepwalking

  Although it can be unnerving to see, sleepwalking is actually very common in kids. Here's how to keep your young sleepwalker safe.

• Cooking With Preschoolers

  It may take a little flexibility and prep work, but time in the kitchen with your preschooler can be a culinary adventure you'll both enjoy.

• Group Games for School-age Kids

  They might be too old for pin the tail on the donkey, but there are plenty of great games for school-age kids to play at parties and play dates.

• Games for Preschoolers

  Whether at a party or a play date, preschoolers love to play games. These games can be used for birthday parties, rainy day get-togethers, or anytime you find yourself with a bunch of energetic preschoolers.

• Naps

  A good nap can keep kids from becoming overtired, a state that not only takes a toll on their moods but might make it harder for them to fall asleep at night.

• What’s Funny to a School-age Child?

  Around 6 or 7, kids start to understand language well enough to know that words can have two (or more) meanings. Riddles, jokes, and puns really start to make sense, and are a top source of enjoyment!

• What’s Funny to a Preschooler?

  Your preschooler is finding new things funny while developing a better understanding of the world - and is eager to show off new ways to be playful and laugh with you.

• What’s Funny to a Toddler?

  From a very young age we all have the capacity to laugh. And toddlers are willing recipients of all we have to teach them about the pleasures of humor.

• Encouraging Your Child’s Sense of Humor

  Laughing together is a way of connecting, but a good sense of humor also can make kids healthier and better able to cope with challenges.

• Music and Your School-age Child

  Whether dancing around the living room or singing along to the radio, school-age kids love music. And there are loads of good reasons to encourage this enthusiasm.

• Should Your Preschooler Play Sports?

  Team sports can be too complicated for the average preschooler. Here are some fun and easy ways to keep them active.

• Dwarfism

  Dwarfism is a condition that is characterized by short stature. Many of the possible complications of dwarfism are treatable, so that people of short stature can lead healthy, active lives.

• Safe Exploring for Preschoolers

  Kids ages 3-5 have tons of energy and are eager to walk, run, dance, and play. It's a great age for exploration too.

• Safe Exploring for Toddlers

  Toddlers are learning to talk, to walk and run, and to assert their independence. For many in this age group, "outside" and "play" are common requests.

• Games for Toddlers

  Though toddlers will more often play alongside their friends instead of with them, they'll enjoy group games and can begin learning important lessons from them.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal disorder that can cause cramps, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Certain foods can trigger symptoms, as can emotional stress, infections, and physical trauma.

• Formula Feeding FAQs: Some Common Concerns

  Read about how to manage common formula-feeding concerns, from spitting up and fussiness to gas and milk allergies.

• Formula Feeding FAQs: Starting Solids and Milk

  Find answers to common inquiries about introducing solids and whole milk to formula-fed babies.

• Formula Feeding FAQs: How Much and How Often

  Get answers to some common formula-feeding inquiries, from how much newborns eat to what their diapers might look like.

• Formula Feeding FAQs: Preparation and Storage

  Check out these formula-feeding bottle basics, from how to mix bottles to how to store them safely.

• Formula Feeding FAQs: Getting Started

  Shopping for formula-feeding supplies can be daunting. Here are answers to some common questions about formula feeding.

• Introducing Preschoolers to Music

  Most preschoolers love music, and it does more than entertain. Research shows that kids who are actively involved in music develop important life skills too.

• Introducing Toddlers to Music

  Music is a natural part of life for toddlers. And it can kickstart learning and offer lifelong benefits.

• Sleep and Your Preschooler

  Preschoolers sleep about 11 to 12 hours during each 24-hour period, and it's important to help them develop good habits for getting to sleep.

• School-Age Readers

  From kindergarten through third grade, kids' ability to read will grow by leaps and bounds. Although teachers provide lots of help, parents continue to play a role in a child's reading life.

• Story Time for Preschoolers

  Reading aloud to your preschooler is a great way to encourage learning development and to help prepare your child for independent reading down the line.

• Toddler Reading Time

  Reading to toddlers lays the foundation for their independent reading later on. Here are some tips.

• Reading Books to Babies

  Reading aloud to your baby stimulates developing senses, and builds listening and memory skills that can help your baby grow up to be a reader.

• Your Daughter’s First Gynecology Visit

  The idea of going to the gynecologist may make your daughter feel nervous. Here's how to make her feel more comfortable.

• Toddlers: Learning by Playing

  It might look like just child's play, but toddlers are hard at work learning important physical skills as they gain muscle control, balance, and coordination.

• Help Your Child Get Organized

  Most kids generate a little chaos and disorganization. But if you'd like yours to be more organized and to stay focused on tasks, such as homework, here are 3 steps that make it possible.

• Breastfeeding FAQs: Some Common Concerns

  Here are answers to some questions about common breastfeeding concerns - from biting to spitting up.

• Breastfeeding FAQs: Solids and Supplementing

  Here are answers to some common supplemental feeding questions - from when to introduce solids to offering breastfed babies formula.

• Breastfeeding FAQs: Supply and Demand

  Here are answers to some common questions about your milk supply - from having too much to having too little.

• Breastfeeding FAQs: Safely Storing Breast Milk

  Here are answers to some common questions about how to keep breast milk and how to clean and sterilize supplies, from bottles to nipples to breast pump parts.

• Breastfeeding FAQs: Pumping

  Here are answers to some common questions about pumping your breast milk - from buying a pump to making the process a little easier.

• Breastfeeding FAQs: Out and About

  Here are answers to some common questions about going out in public as a breastfeeding mom - from how to do it discreetly to taming sneaky leaks.

• Breastfeeding FAQs: Pain and Discomfort

  Here are answers to some common questions about preventing and reducing breastfeeding discomfort, such as nipple and breast pain.

• Breastfeeding FAQs: Your Eating and Drinking Habits

  Here are answers to some common questions about what breastfeeding mothers should and shouldn't eat and drink.

• Breastfeeding FAQs: Sleep – Yours and Your Baby’s

  Here are answers to some common questions about breastfed babies and sleep - from where they should snooze to when they'll finally start sleeping through the night.

• Breastfeeding FAQs: How Much and How Often

  Here are answers to some common questions about beginning to breastfeed - everything from how often to nurse your baby each day to how to tell if your little one is eating enough.

• Breastfeeding FAQs: Getting Started

  Here are answers to some common questions about beginning to breastfeed - everything from latch-on to let-down.

• Fats and Your Child

  Fats have been wrongly accused of being "bad." But certain kinds of fat are actually good for us and are an important part of a healthy diet.

• Carbohydrates, Sugar, and Your Child

  Even though they've been blamed for the obesity epidemic in America, carbohydrates are a necessary part of a healthy diet for both kids and adults.

• Caffeine and Your Child

  Caffeine is in many foods and drinks, but it's wise to keep caffeine consumption to a minimum, especially in younger kids.

• Calcium and Your Child

  Milk and other calcium-rich foods help build strong, healthy bones. But more than 85% of girls and 60% of boys don't get enough calcium each day.

• Iron and Your Child

  Iron is an essential nutrient that is needed to make hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells.

• Fiber and Your Child

  Many appetizing foods are also good sources of fiber - from fruits to whole-grain cereals. Here are ways to help kids get more fiber in their everyday diets.

• Making the Holidays Less Materialistic

  It can be hard to look beyond all of the product-driven hoopla surrounding the holidays. Here are five ways to curb materialism and reinforce the real reason for the season.

• Your Child’s Changing Voice

  Yesterday, your son sounded like he's always sounded - like a boy. But today, you heard that first crack in his voice. It's the larynx (or voice box) that's causing all that noise.