How is growth defined in the context of child development?

Growth in the context of child development specifically refers to physiological changes in the child's body, which includes increases in size, height, weight, and volume of organs and tissues. These measurable changes are crucial during the early years of life, as they indicate not just physical development but also overall health and well-being.

While other aspects, such as cognitive and social development, are also vital for a child's overall growth, they fall under different categories of development. Knowledge and behaviors (related to learning), complexity of skills (often related to cognitive or motor development), and improvements in social interactions (pertaining to emotional and social development) describe other forms of advancement in a child's life but do not encompass the physical aspect defined by growth. Thus, the focus of growth as an increase in size and specific body changes distinguishes it clearly from these other developmental areas.