What Are the Stages of Child Development?

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What Are the Stages of Child Development?
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Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by admin

Did you know that the average baby has almost twice as many neurons as an adult?

Considering how much smaller an infant’s brain is compared to a grown adult, it’s incredible that babies can’t run the world. While their brains may be supercharged, they have a lot to learn before becoming more independent.

It’s breathtaking to stop and think about everything growing children have to accomplish to succeed in life. So keep reading this guide to learn more about the child development stages.

Newborn

Newborns are at the most explosive stage in life when it comes to child growth. The female birth canal is too small to pass fully developed children, so newborns still have more growing to do out of the womb.

During the first three months, newborns can track objects up close, recognize voices, smile, and suck and swallow to eat.

Infancy

Infants are 3 to 12 months old, and this phase of life flies by for parents. Infants can start to recognize words including their own names, express more complex emotions, communicate with gestures, and even learn how to stand by themselves.

Since there are dozens of different developmental milestones in this period, parents can feel like their child learns a new thing every day.

Toddler

The toddler stage lasts from ages 1 to 3, and this is where kids develop their personalities and act like little people. They can learn how to walk, talk, eat various foods, do crafts, and share with others.

Adults coined the phrase “terrible twos” because toddlers have to process more emotions and cope with not always getting their way.

Preschool

Preschoolers are between 3 and 5 years old, and this is when they first experience being separated from their parents for long periods. Preschool children can use the bathroom, count small numbers, follow detailed instructions, run, ride a bike, and collaborate with other kids.

Parents can help preschoolers grow by encouraging them to do independent tasks like getting dressed and answering all their questions.

School Age

The school-age has the most comprehensive range, and it covers children who are 6 to 17 years old. Children make close friends, play sports, learn complex subjects, develop unique interests, and much more.

Healthcare providers will measure lots of physical growth and administer several shots to help their immune systems develop. Parents should encourage their children to do activities like music lessons to enhance their motor skills and express themselves. 

The children’s piano lessons help them learn about quite a number of feelings and empathy. Taking music lessons helps them sense subtle differences in tone – both in music and in speech. It makes them become better listeners.

Now You Know the Child Development Stages

There are five primary child development stages, and these categories are broken down into even more refined groups. With so many physical, intellectual, emotional, and social changes occurring, it’s magical watching children grow up.

Was this article on the child developmental stages fascinating to you? If you love learning about various lifestyle topics, you should hang out on our blog more often. Take a peek at the rest of our website so you can catch up on the latest news and tips.

Read also: 4 Helpful Tips for Choosing a Preschool

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Emma Thompson
Emma Thompson is a certified health coach and a fitness enthusiast. She is dedicated to helping people improve their overall health and well-being by adopting healthy habits and making positive lifestyle changes. With over 7 years of experience in the field, Emma has written extensively on a wide range of health topics, including nutrition, fitness, stress management, and holistic health. Her mission is to empower and inspire others to take charge of their health and transform their lives. In her free time, Emma enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, and experimenting with healthy recipes in the kitchen.