Infant Physical and Cognitive Development
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Infant Physical and Cognitive Development
Child advancement is an important phase in a newborn’s life because it depicts the physiological, emotional, and psychological developments that enable them to adapt to their surroundings. During the course of a child’s growth, parents/caregivers stay near to the infant to offer assistance while monitoring the incremental changes. Caregivers may notice several changes as their child grows from birth to a specific age. Importantly, it is critical to highlight the developmental modifications observed in a newborn throughout the first three months of existence, as well as the responsibilities of parents in supporting optimal development during the infant developmental phase.
In the first three months of existence, newborns experience the following developmental adjustments: hearing and sight, cognitive ability growth, communications, and interpersonal and emotional advancement. First, throughout the first three months, newborns acquire hearing and sight. Caregivers will notice that their child is responsive to noises and might react to them by grinning or babbling (Mayo Clinic, 2020). In addition, the newborn will move in the source of the noises. Throughout breastfeeding, the infant will also look into the mom’s eyes. When a newborn is one month old, he or she will start staring at vivid colors, black and white striping, and designs (Mayo Clinic, 2020; Slater & Lewis, 2007). Newborns will start to identify certain faces and pursue them using their eyes at the stage of two months. Newborns, for example, will identify their moms because they are frequently near to them. They will form mental images of close friends and recognizable items. This also signals cognitive growth because the infant can receive and process data through memory.
Secondly, in the first three months, newborns will gain movement skills. When infants begin to lift their heads and chest while lying on their tummies, parents will notice the growth of motor abilities (Mayo Clinic, 2020). A newborn will also start to exercise their legs by flexing and pushing. The newborn will acquire reactions such as gripping objects, licking fingertips, startling, and pulling. When newborns are lying on their backs, they will begin to look at their moving arms and fingers (Slater & Lewis, 2007). These traits depict the growth of reflexive activity to assist the child in responding to stimuli.
Thirdly, at the age of two months, newborns will begin to acquire communicative skills via babbling (Mayo Clinic, 2020). In addition, the infant will make consonant noises when replying to their caregivers throughout a game or when they converse. This will show the growth of the infant’s brain as a result of his interaction with his parent, his surroundings, and his encounters (Slater & Lewis, 2007). Finally, during the first three months of life, newborns will experience social and psychological growth. Children will become interested in their caregiver’s voice and familiar people. They will also scrutinize their mother’s eyes, attempting to decipher them (Slater & Lewis, 2007). As a component of his growth, the newborn will utilize his brain to recall recognizable appearances and sounds.
Child development is a crucial phase in a child’s life; so, parents should participate in particular behaviors to promote healthy growth at this phase. Firstly, parents must practice strict sanitation in order to avoid infections. At three months, newborns have a low immune system; therefore, parents should practice good cleanliness by replacing nappies regularly and cleaning the baby to keep infections at bay. Secondly, infants should be fed breast milk during the first three months of their lives to improve their health. They must not be given regular foods until they are 6 to 7 months old (CDC, 2021). Breastfeeding is advised because it is readily absorbed and boosts the child’s immune system. Thirdly, parents should avoid exposing newborns to smoke and hazardous environments. To avoid respiratory difficulties and bug infestations, the child’s surroundings should be tidy. Fourth, caregivers should immunize their kids to promote the wellness and protection of the baby. Caregivers should seek health treatment to have the baby vaccinated at the prescribed time (Slater & Lewis, 2007). Lastly, caregivers should place the child on his or her back to avoid SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). As a result, caregivers/parents can implement the measures listed above to promote healthy growth in infants.
References
CDC. (2021, February 22). Child development: Infants (0-1 years) | CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/infants.html
Mayo Clinic. (2020, June 25). Infant development: Birth to 3 months. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/infant-development/art-20048012
Slater, A., & Lewis, M. (Eds.). (2007). Introduction to infant development. Oxford University Press. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=nHU8PdqCX2EC&oi=fnd&pg=PR11&dq=Slater,+A.,+%26+Lewis,+M.+(Eds.).+(2007).+Introduction+to+infant+development.+Oxford+University+Press.&ots=xsySoc3XIR&sig=RFGzyRIjb0_Sgb8DQfgH8Yp7QR8
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