HippoCampusSocial SciencesGuidedBeginner12 chapters
Child development from birth to five, for new parents
I'm a new parent and want to understand child development from birth to five: physical, language, social and emotional milestones, and what helps children thrive at each stage.
What you'll learn
12 chapters
- 1
Getting Started: How Early Child Development Works
- Define child development in simple terms.
- Name the main domains of development in early childhood.
- Understand that children develop in a sequence but not all at exactly the same age.
- Recognize the role of relationships, environment, and everyday experiences in development.
- 2
The Newborn Stage: Birth to 2 Months
- Describe basic newborn development in the first weeks of life.
- Identify early physical, sensory, and social behaviors in newborns.
- Understand how feeding, sleep, comfort, and bonding shape early development.
- Recognize normal newborn dependence and adjustment to life outside the womb.
- 3
Early Infancy: 2 to 6 Months
- Identify major changes in physical and social development during early infancy.
- Describe how babies begin to smile, coo, track objects, and gain head control.
- Explain how caregiver interaction supports attachment and communication.
- Recognize the importance of routines and play in the first half-year.
- 4
Later Infancy: 6 to 12 Months
- Describe major motor, cognitive, and communication milestones in later infancy.
- Understand how babies become more mobile, curious, and interactive.
- Explain early babbling, imitation, and simple social games.
- Identify ways parents can support exploration safely.
- 5
Young Toddlers: 12 to 24 Months
- Identify the major developmental shifts of the second year of life.
- Describe early walking, first words, imitation, and growing independence.
- Understand how toddlers learn through movement, repetition, and simple routines.
- Recognize the beginning of self-awareness and strong emotions.
- 6
Older Toddlers: 24 to 36 Months
- Describe key milestones in language, movement, play, and self-help during the third year.
- Explain how toddlers begin to combine words, use pretend play, and show stronger preferences.
- Understand common behavior challenges such as tantrums, testing limits, and difficulty sharing.
- Identify supportive parenting approaches for this age.
- 7
Preschoolers: 3 to 4 Years
- Identify major developmental features of children ages 3 to 4.
- Describe growth in conversation, imagination, motor coordination, and emotional awareness.
- Understand how preschoolers learn through play, repetition, and social interaction.
- Recognize the growing importance of routines, boundaries, and encouragement.
- 8
Pre-K Years: 4 to 5 Years
- Describe major milestones commonly seen from ages 4 to 5.
- Explain how self-control, conversation, friendships, and problem-solving continue to grow.
- Understand the basics of school readiness in everyday terms.
- Identify how play and family routines still support development at this age.
- 9
Supporting Physical Development from Birth to Five
- Summarize how physical development is supported across early childhood.
- Understand the roles of movement, sleep, nutrition, and safety in healthy growth.
- Recognize how fine and gross motor skills build over time.
- Identify practical ways to encourage healthy physical development at home.
- 10
Supporting Language, Learning, and Thinking
- Explain how language and thinking develop from infancy through preschool.
- Identify simple, effective ways parents can support communication and learning every day.
- Understand the roles of reading, conversation, play, and repetition.
- Recognize that early learning grows through interaction, not just instruction.
- 11
Supporting Social and Emotional Development
- Describe how secure relationships support social and emotional growth.
- Identify age-appropriate ways children express feelings and build self-regulation.
- Explain how routines, limits, and warmth help children feel safe.
- Recognize the importance of play, modeling, and connection in social learning.
- 12
When to Seek Extra Help: Developmental Concerns and Next Steps
- Understand the difference between normal variation and possible developmental concern.
- Identify broad warning signs that may need professional attention.
- Know when and how to raise concerns with a pediatrician or early intervention service.
- Build confidence in observing development without panic.
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