Key milestones in prenatal development include the formation of structures to support growth in the first two weeks, the development of the head, eyes, nose, ears and mouth between 3-8 weeks, and the completion of the physical structure and development of body systems from 9 weeks until birth. Newborns develop gross motor skills like sitting and crawling, fine motor skills such as holding a spoon, and sensory, language and social skills in their first year. Parents can support development by singing, reading, cuddling, and encouraging play to help children succeed in school and life.

1. Cyndi Friess
EDU 305
March 26, 2012
Cynthia Vallarelli, M.S. Ed

2. Key milestones in prenatal development
 First 2 weeks – structures that will
support prenatal growth begin to form
 3 to 8 weeks – head begins to form
quickly followed by the eyes, nose, ears,
and mouth. By the end of week 8, the
embryo has all the basic organs and
parts and weighs about one gram.
 9 weeks to birth – physical structure is
completed, heartbeat grows strong and
other body systems become further
developed. The brain and central
nervous system become responsive and
the brain starts to mature. The lungs
begin to expand and contract and the
fetus continues to develop and prepare
for life outside the womb.
(Berk, 2012)

3. Key milestone in newborn development
Gross motor – sitting,
controlling head, crawling
Fine motor – holding spoon,
picking up cereal
Sensory – seeing, hearing, taste,
touch, and smell
Language – make sounds,
learning some words,
understanding
Social – ability to play with
family and other children

4. Tips to support
development  Sing to your baby and play
music as it will help with
brain development.
 Praise your baby
 Read to your baby as this
helps with the development of
language and sound.
 Spend time cuddling or
holding as this will help them
feel secure and cared for.
(" Centers For Disease Control And Prevention",
2012).

5. 3 months
Birth
9 months
6 months
1 year

6. Babies are born learning and parents are our
children’s first and best teachers. This is why it is so
important for parents to have an understanding of
prenatal and newborn development so that their children
will succeed in school. Taking care of yourself while
pregnant will aide in the growth of a healthy baby. Since
parents are a child’s first teacher, there are ways that
parents can help their child acquire the necessary skills
that will help them in school. Some ways are: set a good
example, have a positive attitude, provide opportunities
for repletion, let your child do things alone, read to your
child, and encourage your child to play with others.
Children develop at different rates but with the help of
their parents, child can be ready to succeed not at just
school but also life.

7. References
 Berk, L.E. (2012). Infants, Children, and
Adolescents (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and
Bacon.
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
(2012). Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/p
ositiveparenting/infants.html