Timeline of child brain development from

conception to the first months of life.

Week 3 to 4 Months 1-2 Months 2-3 Months 4-6 Months 7-9 After Month 9 Months 1-6

Initial Neural First Months

Conception Embryo Early Fetus Middle Fetus Late Fetus Birth
Development of Life

Fertilization of the Formation of the Formation of the The brain begins to Continuous Significant brain The newborn brain Rapid
egg by the sperm. neural tube, which three germ layers: divide into major development of growth and is highly plastic development of
Formation of the will eventually ectoderm, regions, including specific brain increased and is expected to the cerebral cortex
fertilized egg called become the brain mesoderm and the forebrain, regions, such as complexity of continue and expansion of
zygote. and spinal cord. endoderm. midbrain, and the cerebral neural developing rapidly gray matter.
Beginning of cell Development of The neural tube hindbrain. cortex. connections. after birth. Refinement of
division and the first nerve begins to fold to Formation of Appearance of Development of Important motor and sensory
formation of the cells. form the basic cerebral ventricles grooves and gyri the limbic system, development of skills.
blastocyst. structure of the that house on the surface of involved in synaptic Development of
brain. cerebrospinal fluid. the brain. emotions and connections during the capacity to
Appearance of the Beginning of the memory. the first months of respond to
first neuron development of Maturation of glial life. environmental and
precursor cells. the peripheral cells that play a Beginning of basic social stimuli.
nervous system. crucial role in motor and sensory
supporting and functions.
nourishing
neurons.