Normal growth and development encompasses all of the changes that occur from the moment conception takes place until a child reaches adulthood. For most of pregnancy, an embryo or fetus is unable to survive outside the mother’s body. At birth, infants have many organ systems functioning, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems, but cannot survive on their own.

Throughout childhood, enormous physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioral changes occur as babies go from being dependent on their parents for all of their needs to becoming independent adolescents, capable of functioning alone and reproducing themselves.

A child’s growth and development can be divided into the following stages: prenatal, infancy, early childhood, middle childhood and adolescence.

To support healthy growth and development throughout childhood and in later years, proper nutrition, adequate rest and physical activity are essential.

However, among the most important things parents and other caring adults can do as children grow and develop is to provide them with plenty of attention and unconditional support at every stage of their development.