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.

Following birth, all the stages of childhood development can be monitored when children receive regular checkups with a pediatrician. Regular contact with a pediatrician can also help monitor a child’s development and note any problem areas. Children should have regular well-child visits, during which the pediatrician can ask the parents if the child has met certain milestones for each stage of development.

Developmental delays and other problems may become more obvious during early childhood. Learning disabilities may become noticeable if a child does not take an interest in learning and getting ready to read. Other developmental disorders such as Asperger’s syndrome and autism may also become evident if children have problems with communication, social interaction and behavior. Monitoring a child’s development can help parents identify problems early and begin treating them early.