toddler girl plays science experiments

A Rewind to Science Class: Children’s Bone Development

Escrito por: Faraz Majid

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Tiempo de lectura 5 min

 Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.


Remember those anatomy notes from back in the day? Maybe you doodled a few skeletons in the margins or highlighted every mention of “growth plate” without really knowing what it meant. Well, it’s time to dust those notes off because children’s bone development isn’t just textbook trivia anymore. It’s real-life knowledge that helps us guide our kids toward stronger, healthier futures.


Children’s bones are not simply miniature versions of adult bones. They’re more like living construction sites—dynamic, ever-changing, and full of potential. From infancy through adolescence, bones are actively growing, remodeling, and adapting. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of bone development, break down some science (don’t worry—no quizzes at the end), and offer practical ways you can support your child’s bone health every step of the way.

The Basics of Bone Development in Children

Bones form the framework of the body. Besides allowing us to move, they serve other critical functions: protecting organs, anchoring muscles, and storing calcium. Bone development, or  ossification, starts incredibly early—around the sixth week of embryonic life¹.


As children grow, some of these bones gradually fuse together, eventually totaling the 206 bones we recognize in adulthood³. Most bone growth and remodeling happens during childhood and adolescence, with peak skeletal maturity reached by the early to mid-twenties.

Two Main Ossification Processes

1. Intramembranous Ossification

This process is responsible for forming flat bones, like those in the skull. It involves the direct transformation of mesenchymal (connective) tissue into bone⁴. If your child ever had a “soft spot” on their head as a baby, that’s part of this developmental magic in progress.

Intramembranous and Endochondral
https://ditki.com/course/embryology/glossary/term/intramembranous-vs-endochondral

2. Endochondral Ossification

This is the primary process responsible for forming long bones—like the femur and tibia. It begins with cartilage, which is then replaced by bone⁵. Think of it as nature’s blueprint for building strong, elongated limbs.

Factors Influencing Bone Development

Several factors contribute to healthy bone development in children:


  • Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is essential for bone health.
  • Physical Activity: Regular exercise stimulates bone growth and strength.
  • Hormones: Growth hormones, like estrogens and androgens, and other hormonal factors play a significant role in early bone development.
Bone Development

The Growth Plate: Bone HQ

Growth plates—also called  epiphyseal plates—are the VIP sections of your child’s long bones. These plates of cartilage, located near the ends of long bones, are where most bone lengthening occurs⁵.


As your child grows, the cells in the growth plate multiply and expand, gradually turning into hardened bone. Eventually, these plates “close,” typically between ages 14–18 in girls and 16–21 in boys⁷. Once closed, the bones no longer grow in length—but they can still strengthen and adapt with proper care.

From Cartilage to Bone: A Gradual Transformation

At birth, many of a baby’s “bones” are still made of soft, flexible cartilage. This elasticity allows for the twists, tumbles, and tight squeezes of infancy and toddlerhood. As they age, ossification gradually converts this cartilage into more rigid bone tissue.


But here’s the catch: because growth plates and cartilage are more vulnerable than mature bone, injuries during this stage require careful attention⁸. Trauma to growth plates can potentially affect a child’s future bone development.

What Influences Bone Growth?

A number of interconnected factors influence how children’s bones grow⁷:


  •  Nutrition: Calcium and vitamin D are front and center, but don’t overlook magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin K, and protein⁶.

  •  Physical Activity: Running, jumping, climbing—anything that gets kids moving—stimulates stronger bones.

  •  Hormones: Growth hormone, thyroid hormone, estrogen, and testosterone all play essential roles in regulating bone growth at different stages.

  • Genetics & Health: Hereditary conditions and chronic illnesses like juvenile arthritis or celiac disease can impact bone development.

Sports and nutritional

Building Better Bones Through Nutrition

Childhood is the prime time to build strong bones for life. Most people hit their peak bone mass in their 20s, which means the more “bone bank” you build early on, the better your reserves for later³.

Key Bone-Building Nutrients:

  •  Calcium: Found in dairy, fortified plant milks, tofu, and leafy greens.

  •  Vitamin D: Sunshine is the natural source, but it’s also in fatty fish and fortified foods.

  •  Protein: Essential for building the matrix that minerals stick to.

  • Magnesium & Phosphorus: Help with bone mineralization and strength⁶.

Little Girl Doing Push Ups in Playground

Supplements: Yes or No?

If your child is a selective eater or follows a restricted diet (vegan, dairy-free, etc.), they may fall short on key nutrients. In such cases, supplements—especially vitamin D and calcium—may help fill nutritional gaps. But this should always be done under medical supervision.


Too much of a good thing can be harmful. High doses of calcium or vitamin D can lead to complications, so it’s best to consult your pediatrician before adding supplements.

What Parents Can Do at Home

Supporting your child’s bone development doesn’t require a medical degree—just a bit of mindfulness and consistency. Here are some practical steps:


  • Serve balanced meals rich in bone-supporting nutrients.

  • Encourage daily movement, especially  weight-bearing activities like jumping, dancing, or playing tag.

  • Prioritize safe sun time to support natural vitamin D production.

  • Keep up with check-ups and bring up any concerns with your pediatrician.

  • Limit sugary drinks and sodas, which may interfere with calcium absorption⁶.

Moment: Parents and Child Sharing a Green Toy Basket

Conclusion: Growing Strong, One Step at a Time

Understanding how bones grow is more than just a science refresher—it’s a parenting power move. By giving your child the right building blocks—nutritionally, physically, and emotionally—you’re helping them grow a strong foundation, quite literally.


So next time your child leaps off the couch, think of their amazing, developing skeleton—working overtime to keep up. Support it well, and you’re not just helping them grow taller or stronger. You’re helping them build resilience, health, and vitality for life.

FAQs

At what age are children’s bones fully developed?

Most children’s bones finish growing between ages 18 and 25. However, growth plates often close earlier—typically in the late teens—depending on sex and individual development.

What are growth plates?

Growth plates are bands of cartilage near the ends of long bones where new bone growth occurs. As children grow, these plates ossify and become solid bone⁵.

How can I tell if my child has a bone development issue?

Watch for signs like frequent fractures, delayed motor milestones, or unusually slow growth. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, speak with your pediatrician.

References

    1. Moore, K.L., Dalley, A.F., & Agur, A.M.R. (2013). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.).

    2. National Institutes of Health. (2021). Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation.

    3. Baxter-Jones, A.D.G. et al. (2011). “Bone mass development in young athletes.” J Bone Miner Res, 26(2), 279–288.

    4. Shapiro, F. (2008). “Bone development and its relation to fracture repair.” Clin Orthop Relat Res, 466(12), 2932–2941.

    5. Zubler JM, Wiggins LD, et al. (2022). Evidence-Informed Milestones for Developmental Surveillance Tools. Pediatrics.

    6. Bailey, R.L. et al. (2010). “Estimation of total usual calcium and vitamin D intakes.” J Nutr, 140(4), 817–822.

    7. Heaney, R.P. (2001). “Factors influencing the measurement of dietary calcium requirements.” Am J Clin Nutr, 73(3), 574–577.

    8. Munns, C.F. et al. (2016). “Global consensus on pediatric bone health: Diagnosis and management.” J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 101(10), 394–415.

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