Information About Young Children (Ages 4-11)

What to know

Your child will change a lot from ages 4 to 11. At a very young age, children develop the habits and behaviors that can affect their lifelong health. Use the links below to guide your child in leading a healthier life.

What's included

Diseases and conditions

Mother takes the temperature of her child with fever symptoms
Learning to recognize signs of illness can help parents make informed decisions about their child's care.
Keep Reading Young Children: Diseases & Conditions

Safety in the home and community

Happy, smile or girl with helmet for exercise, wellness health at beach, sea or ocean
Appropriate safety practices, including helmet use, help protect children during play and everyday activities.
Keep Reading Young Children: Safety in the Home & Community

Raising healthy children

A girl brushes her teeth.
Daily brushing and regular dental care help children build healthy habits that support good oral health.
Keep Reading Young Children: Raising Healthy Children

Milestones and schedules

Pediatric female doctor holding a child's head while measuring it with a floor ruler
Tracking a child's growth and development helps parents and health care professionals discuss the child's needs and progress.
Keep Reading Young Children: Milestones & Schedules

Additional resource

Essentials for Parenting Banner
Essentials for Parenting
Free online resources for parents with teens, toddlers, and preschoolers.
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Content Source
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD)
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: November 2, 2026

This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.

Reviewed: November 2, 2026

The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.