pediatrics
Introduction to Growth and Development
Introduction
Physical growth is an increase in size. Development is growth in function and capability. Both processes depend on genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. When describing physical and emotional development in children, it is useful to define certain age-based groups: Neonate (newborn): Birth to 1 month Infant: 1 month to 1 year Young child: 1 year through 4 years Older child: 5 years through 10 years Adolescent: 11 years through 17 to 19 years 