Infant growth and development

Normal infant growth and development . When babies are brought to the pediatrician or other health care provider for well-child care, the infant's length, weight, and head circumference are routinely measured. The baby is also checked for reflexes and activities that are the signs of normal physical and mental progress. Although the rate of change is a bit different for each individual child, this article reviews the important characteristics, and their timing, of an infant's first years of life. Strictly, that term "infant" only applies to baby during the first year- but since such activities as walking can normally occur either during that first year - or after- a broader range of ages is considered here.