What it means
Growth is physical: height, weight and head size. Development is the gaining of skills in movement, language, thinking and social behavior. Both follow patterns: from head to toe, from the center of the body outward, and from simple to complex. Theories by Erikson, Piaget and others describe the stages and the tasks of each one.
For the nurse
Measure growth and check milestones at each well-child visit, and plan care and teaching to suit the child's stage, for example by letting a preschooler handle equipment before a procedure.
Related terms
developmental
Relating to how a person grows and changes in body, mind and behavior across their life.
percentile
A number from 1 to 99 that shows how a measurement compares with others, as the share of the group that falls below it.
maturation
The process of becoming fully grown or developed.
developmental stage
A period of life, such as infancy or adolescence, with its own typical abilities, needs and tasks.
infancy
The first year of life, from birth to about 12 months of age.