 Growth – change in size, such as weight and length  Development – increases and changes in physical, emotional, social and intellectual skills

 Follows three basic patterns  head to foot  begins long before birth in the prenatal stage when the baby’s head takes the lead in development  visible after birth in the control babies have over their body  first gain control of their head  then their arms  usually walking by about a year

 near to far  Infants development starts close to their body and moves outward  first wave their hands when the see something they want  later develop more precise hand and finger control  simple to complex  first develop large muscle groups  moving legs, neck and arms  learn more complex tasks as they better control muscles  rolling > crawling > walking  complex activities requiring small muscle development follow  coloring requires grasping, holding and directing a crayon

 Heredity (Nature)  inherited physical makeup  Environment (Nurture)  nutrition  amount of stimulation  health  relationships

 children inherit a unique combination of genes from their parents  Can influence intellectual potential or artistic ability  Also affected by nature and nurture  You may have the genes to be a great musician but if you are never given the opportunity that talent may never emerge

 proper nutrition fuels development  bone strength  brain development  height  Not getting enough calories or nutrients puts children at risk for  illness  delayed growth  death

 a healthy baby will  eat well and have the energy to be active  have varied experiences that will stimulate their brain and aid in muscle development  a healthy baby needs  good nutrition  a safe environment  regular medical checkups and care

 brain development is linked to the quality and variety of experiences a child has  infancy is a critical period  Failure to achieve normal brain development at this stage can have lifelong effects

 Stimulating environment  one in which the baby has a wide variety of things to see, taste, smell, hear and touch  while experiencing the world connections are made in the brain– the high chair means food  an environment lacking stimulation can result in fewer brain connections being made and delayed development in other areas  language development, if children aren’t exposed to language how are they supposed to learn

 Key skills used to check a child’s progress  generally acquired within a specific age range