Your Kid's Body
Understanding your child's physical development, growth, and body changes
Your Child's Physical Development & Health
Every child grows and develops at their own pace. Understanding the normal changes your child experiences - from growth spurts to voice changes - can help you support their development and identify when medical attention might be needed.
This comprehensive guide covers topics related to your child's physical body, including growth, development, common conditions, and practical health information. Browse the topics below to learn more.
Topics & Guides (21)
Birthmarks
→Body Basics: The Heart (Slideshow)
→Body Mass Index (BMI)
→Cholesterol
→Fever (High Temperature) In Kids
→Growth Charts
→Growth Plates
→Hemangiomas: Suzanne's Story
→How to Take a Rectal Temperature
→How to Take an Axillary (Armpit) Temperature
→How to Take an Oral Temperature
→Is It OK for My Child to Use Skin Care Products?
→Keratosis Pilaris
→My Child Wants to Grow Taller. What Should I Say?
→Nutrition & Fitness (Topic Center)
→Overweight and Obesity
→Taking Your Child's Temperature
→The Spleen
→What Is Collagen?
→What to Do About Nausea
→Your Child's Changing Voice
→📈Understanding Growth & Development
👶Infants (0-12 months)
Rapid growth period with babies typically tripling their birth weight by their first birthday. Motor skills develop from head to toe.
🧒Toddlers (1-3 years)
Slower but steady growth. Children become more independent, develop language skills, and refine motor coordination.
👧Preschoolers (3-5 years)
Continued steady growth with improved coordination and balance. Children become more social and develop complex thinking skills.
🧑School-Age (6-12 years)
Consistent growth with increased strength and stamina. Children develop more advanced cognitive and social skills.
👦Preteens (9-12 years)
Early signs of puberty may appear. Growth spurts can begin, especially in girls. Body awareness increases.
🧍Teens (13-18 years)
Major growth spurts and puberty changes. Development of adult body proportions and sexual maturation occurs.
💡Health Monitoring Tips
📊Track Growth
Regular check-ups help monitor your child's height, weight, and BMI to ensure they're growing at a healthy rate.
🥗Balanced Nutrition
Provide a variety of nutritious foods to support healthy growth and development. Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein.
🏃Physical Activity
Encourage at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily to support bone health, muscle development, and overall fitness.
😴Adequate Sleep
Ensure your child gets age-appropriate sleep. Growing bodies need rest - school-age children need 9-12 hours per night.
🤔Common Parent Concerns
📏"Is my child growing normally?"
Children grow at different rates. Growth charts help doctors track patterns over time. Consistent growth along their curve is usually more important than specific percentiles.
⚖️"Is my child's weight healthy?"
BMI for age is used to assess whether a child's weight is appropriate for their height. Focus on healthy habits rather than numbers on the scale.
🗣️"When will puberty start?"
Puberty typically begins between ages 8-13 for girls and 9-14 for boys, but normal timing varies widely. Discuss concerns with your pediatrician.
More Health Resources
⚠️Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child develops differently. Always consult with your child's pediatrician or qualified healthcare provider if you have concerns about your child's growth, development, or health.