The period from birth to two years is known as Infancy. The infant grows rapidly during this period. A baby experiences tremendous physical, mental, emotional, and social development. Many times, parenting involves on the job training, in that we learn to deal with situations as they arise. All parents, at one time or another, question whether or not their child is growing and developing as they should be compared to other children of the same age.
It is important to remember that all children are unique, and no two children grow at exactly the same rate. Some infants are very calm and quiet, while others are more active and demanding of attention.While each baby has his or her own “schedule,” all babies develop in similar patterns. This article will focus on the child’s development from birth to 12 months in all the areas of physical, mental, emotional and social development, along with some guidelines for parents to help their child grow. We will begin with child’s physical development.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT:
From birth, children have an innate ability to adapt to the surrounding environment. They just need re-enforcement to get used to the environment in which he/she is brought up. Right after the birth to 2 months, baby recognizes his/her mother through smell. He will turn head towards the source of sound, but is only able to see clearly for the distance around 2 feet. As the time goes and the baby reaches the age of 3 months, he is able to hold finger or rattle. This baby can hold up head when lying on stomach and starts gaining regular eating and sleeping patterns. When an infant becomes 6 months of age, he/she can reach for objects and sit with support. Now the baby can see things far away and can take solid food, here he gets his first teeth. From 7 to 9 months, he/she starts crawling and sit alone for a short period of time. He uses his thumb and pointing fingers to pick up objects. By the end of 12 month, baby drinks from and cup and eat with fingers. He pulls to stand and stands alone, now he is able to walk holding onto objects and can throw a ball.
MENTAL DEVELOPMENT:
Once a baby is born, he/she starts copying the facial expressions of adults such as frowns, smiles or surprises as early as 2 days of age. By third month the baby starts responding through cooing sounds to adults who talk to him. Talking to the baby at this age helps in brain development. As 6th month approaches, infant responds to the talk of adults through sound and movement, which goes on till 9th month. By the end of 9 month, baby copies speech sounds. He is now able to connect situations, for eg, he knows what will happen next when someone begins to prepare for bath for feed him. Here the child responds when his/her name is called. As 12th month approaches, baby starts speaking his/her first words. At this stage the child becomes aware about the fact that the things do not disappear because he/she cannot see them.
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
Soon after birth, as the parent responds to the baby cries, he/she learns how to control his or her emotions, and accordingly clam himself/herself. As the child approaches 3months of age, he/she communicates through his cries if something is wrong. For eg, cries for a wet diaper is different from cries of hunger or pain. By 6th month, infant learns how to feel and show various emotions like joy, pleasure, sad, fear and anger. At the end of 12th month, this child is able to show different emotions, using sounds, actions and facial expressions.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT:
The baby starts developing a strong bond with his/her mother soon after birth. Similarly he/she starts associating with the people around him. Baby has different has responses to mothers and fathers. He/she tends to be more excited and active when with father, and more clam and relaxed with mother. By 3rd month. the parent or care giver helps in forming and strong bond which helps the child to soothe himself. At this stage lot of loving touches, and eye contact is needed to help develop strong bond. As 6th month approaches, baby is able to create a bond with more than one person. He/she enjoys talking and playing with adults and older children around. At the end of 12 months, the baby is now familiar with the people around. He is now able to express himself/herself more clearly. The child now recognizes familiar people around and is now able to express his/her needs more clearly.
As we have come to know about the various stages of infancy, here are some points which parents can keep in mind to help their child grow.
? Crying is the first way of communication for baby to his/her parents. As parents you can help the baby develop a sense of trust and to feel secure by coming to the baby when he/she cries. As time passes parents are able to tell what baby needs through his cries- food, dry diaper or just to be held close.
? While feeding, baby must be held close, so that he/she can see your face while being fed, along with lot of touches and strokes. This helps to develop a strong bond between the parent and baby.
? Reading and singing to your child can help in learning to talk by hearing others speak. Babies love rhymes, song and picture books.
? Be sure to put baby to bed on his/her back. Remove pillows, stuffed toys and fluffy blankets from the bed. If blanket is needed, bring it up only as high as under arms and tucked in at the bottom. At times baby can get smothered on soft bedding.
? Choosing a proper caretaker for an infant is a Must. Choose someone who is able to spend time holding the baby, talking to you baby and who will make sure that area is safe and clean along with attending to all the needs of the baby.
? Provide a safe home for your baby. As infant begins to crawl, as through crawling the child explores the area around him and the muscles get exercise to grow strong. It is important to remove all the unsafe objects out of his/her reach. Be sure that all the electric outlets are out of the baby’s reach. Also keep small objects away from infants, as they have the tendency to put anything around in their mouth. The baby might swallow and small objects and choke.
By keeping all the above mentioned points in mind, You as parents can help your child to develop into a healthy normal individual and as well cherish each and every moment with your little angel.
By: Deepika Haldankar
About the Author:
Deepika Haldankar, is a freelance writer, having experience with working with children with different age groups since last 3yrs. She has majored in Human development and Family Studies, along with Human Resource Management and Guidance and Counseling. She has taken up writing as a hobby as well as one of the source to gain and impart knowledge.
