Parenting Supports

Children's Growth & Development

Call Health Connections 905-546-3550 to speak to a Public Health Nurse
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@HealthyFamiliesHamilton

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Expecting a new baby?

Learn about the programs to support you and your baby during pregnancy.

Visit Prenatal Supports

Learn about your child’s growth and development

Use this easy and interactive timeline to learn about your child’s development from birth to 5 years of age.

Development Timeline

Parents and caregivers play an important and special role in their child’s life. Each child develops at their own rate and has their own journey. Learning about how your child grows and develops, helps you know what changes to expect.

Support Your Child’s Development
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s development:

Visit your child’s doctor or nurse practitioner for regular check-ups including all well-baby visits.
Call or email Health Connections to connect with a Public Health Nurse.

Enhanced 18-Month Well Baby Visit

At 18 months of age, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor or nurse practitioner for the Enhanced 18-Month Well Baby Visit to check your child’s growth and development.
The Looksee Checklist can help you monitor your child’s progress. During this visit, you can also ask any questions and share any concerns you may have.

Help your child learn, grow, and thrive

Find fun and easy games & activities to play with your child based on their age.
Visit Play & Learn to help you support your child’s development at different ages.

First Few Years of Life

Building a Connection

Getting Ready for School

Your child’s brain grows quickly in the early years as they explore the world around them. From birth, children are ready to learn. They discover their environment through their 5 senses:

Sight
Hearing
Smell
Taste
Touch

Learn more about your child's brain development

Play is more than just fun – it helps your child’s brain grow, strengthens your bond with your child, and supports:

Attention span
Memory
Self-control
Social Skills

Learn more about playtime with your baby and your toddler

Good vision is important for your child to play, learn, and grow. Visit an optometrist (eye doctor) when your child is:

6 months of age
2 to 3 years of age

These visits are covered by OHIP.

Learn more about Visual Health

Hearing is key to developing language skills, reading, and brain growth. Make sure to attend your child’s Infant Hearing Program appointment.

Learn more about the Infant Hearing Program

Children should see a dentist twice a year, starting at age 1.

Learn more about Dental Health

Reading with your child helps them learn sounds and words.

Talking, reading, and singing ever day supports their speech and literacy.

Learn more about how to promote literacy from birth

Creating a regular sleep routine is essential for your child’s:

Physical and mental health
Memory
Language
Life skills

Learn more about healthy sleep for your baby and child

You are the most important person in your child’s life. The connection you build early on supports their development in many ways.

Be Present and Tune In

Notice how your child explores the world:

What catches their eye
How they react to different sounds
What they like to touch and feel

Choose Activities for Every Stage

Pick activities that match your child’s age and stage of development.
Try to reduce the use of screen time and help them stay engaged in the real world.
Learn more about Screen use and young children | Caring for kids.

Find Ways to Play Every Day

Play with your child every day and visit places where your child can learn and grow through play while connecting with you and other children.
Looking for ways to connect through play? Try our Theraplay Program – a playful program where you and your child can build a stronger bond through fun, interactive activities.
You can also visit the following places with your child:

Watch HHS Kindergarten Readiness Video

Dental, Vaccine and Vision Information for School Registration

You Are Your Child’s First Teacher

Did you know by playing, reading, and talking with your child each day you are already helping them get ready for school? These everyday moments build the skills they will need to succeed.

School is a Big Step

Starting school is a major change for both children and parents/caregivers. You can help your child feel more confident and prepared by building routines and practicing skills early.

Ways to Help Your Child Feel Prepared

Help your child build everyday skills like dressing, toileting, and feeding themselves. Encourage your child to play with others to practice sharing, taking turns, and communicating.

Complete routine health checks

Make sure your child is up to date with their immunizations.
Book a vision check with an optometrist.
Visit a dentist for an oral health check.

Practice the school routine ahead of time

Adjust bedtime and wake-up times.
Walk, wheel, or drive the school route together.

Get familiar with the school environment

Visit the school playground.
Attend welcome events or open houses hosted by the school.
Talk to your child about what to expect.

Children thrive with routine. The more familiar and prepared they feel, the smoother their transition into school can be – and the more confident you may feel too!

Learn more about Helping Your Child Get Ready for School

Additional Resources

Growth & Development Behaviour & Development Early Years Check-In Tool Affiliated Services for Children and Youth Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?

Date modified

July 17, 2025