Welcome to our comprehensive guide on infant development! As a parent or caregiver, understanding the different stages of an infant’s development is crucial to ensure they reach their full potential. But what does an infant develop first? This guide will explore the various milestones that infants reach in their first year of life, from physical development to cognitive and emotional growth. We’ll take a closer look at the order in which these milestones typically occur and offer tips on how to support your little one’s development along the way. So, let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of infant development!

Understanding Infant Development

Physical Development

During the first year of life, infants undergo rapid physical development. Motor skills, sensory development, and growth and nutrition are crucial aspects of this process.

Motor Skills

Motor skills refer to the ability to control and coordinate movements of the body. During the first year of life, infants develop a range of motor skills, including:

• Lifting the head while on the stomach
• Rolling over
• Sitting up without support
• Crawling
• Standing with support
• Walking with support
• Walking independently

These motor skills develop in a predictable sequence, with each milestone building upon the previous one. It is important to note that every infant develops at their own pace, and some may reach these milestones earlier or later than others.

Sensory Development

Sensory development refers to the ability to perceive and respond to sensory stimuli, such as sound, touch, taste, smell, and vision. Infants’ senses are rapidly developing during the first year of life, allowing them to explore and interact with their environment.

• Touch: Infants begin to explore their environment through touch, and they can distinguish between different textures and temperatures.
• Vision: Infants’ eyes are developing rapidly during the first year of life, allowing them to focus on objects and track movement.
• Hearing: Infants can hear a range of frequencies and can differentiate between sounds.
• Taste and smell: Infants begin to develop their sense of taste and smell, and they can distinguish between different flavors and odors.

Growth and Nutrition

Infants grow rapidly during the first year of life, gaining weight and length at a steady pace. It is important for infants to receive proper nutrition to support their growth and development.

• Breast milk or formula: Breast milk or formula provides infants with the necessary nutrients for growth and development.
• Solid foods: Around six months of age, infants can begin to eat solid foods, such as pureed fruits and vegetables, cereals, and proteins.

It is important to monitor an infant’s growth and consult with a pediatrician if there are any concerns.

Cognitive Development

During the first year of life, infants undergo rapid cognitive development, which forms the foundation for all future learning. This period is marked by significant milestones in perception, understanding, language development, problem-solving, and creativity.

Perception and Understanding

Perception refers to the way an infant interprets and processes sensory information. At birth, infants’ senses are relatively undeveloped, but they quickly develop the ability to perceive light, sound, and touch. As their senses sharpen, infants begin to make sense of the world around them.

In the first few months, infants start to recognize familiar faces and objects, forming a basis for understanding the environment. As their brains mature, infants become more adept at perceiving and understanding their surroundings, laying the groundwork for future learning.

Language Development

Language development is a crucial aspect of cognitive development during infancy. Babies are born with an innate ability to learn language, and research has shown that early exposure to language is critical for later language development.

During the first year of life, infants progress from cooing and babbling to using their first words. This period is characterized by the emergence of nouns, verbs, and prepositions, as well as the development of grammar and syntax.

By six months, infants can understand and use over 100 words, and by 12 months, their vocabulary can reach up to 200 words. Additionally, infants develop the ability to understand simple sentences and follow basic instructions.

Problem-solving and Creativity

Problem-solving and creativity are also crucial aspects of cognitive development during infancy. From a young age, infants exhibit curiosity and a desire to explore their environment. They engage in problem-solving activities, such as figuring out how to reach a toy or overcome an obstacle.

Creativity is evident in infants’ play, as they engage in imaginative and symbolic play. For example, they may pretend to feed a doll or make a game out of using objects in novel ways.

Overall, cognitive development during infancy is marked by significant milestones in perception, understanding, language, problem-solving, and creativity. These early experiences and interactions shape an infant’s brain architecture, providing the foundation for future learning and development.

Emotional and Social Development

Emotional and social development in infants refers to the formation of attachment, self-awareness, and social interactions.

Attachment and Bonding

Attachment refers to the strong emotional bond that develops between an infant and their primary caregiver, typically the mother. This bond is crucial for the infant’s emotional and social development. It provides a sense of security and enables the infant to explore the world with confidence. The primary caregiver plays a vital role in shaping the infant’s attachment style, which can be either secure or insecure.

Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation

Self-awareness is the ability to recognize oneself as an individual separate from others. It develops gradually in infants and is essential for their emotional and social development. Self-regulation, on the other hand, refers to the ability to control one’s emotions and behaviors. It is an essential aspect of emotional development and enables infants to cope with stress and frustration.

Social Interactions and Relationships

Social interactions and relationships are crucial for the emotional and social development of infants. They learn to communicate and interact with others, forming bonds and relationships that shape their emotional well-being. Infants develop social skills such as smiling, babbling, and eventually speaking, which enable them to connect with others and form relationships.

Overall, emotional and social development in infants is critical for their overall well-being and plays a crucial role in shaping their future emotional and social relationships.

Stages of Infant Development

Newborn Stage (0-3 months)

Physical Development

During the newborn stage, infants experience rapid physical growth. Their weight may double within the first three months of life, and they will develop the ability to lift their head while on their stomach, and begin to grasp objects with their hands. Additionally, their reflexes become more coordinated, and they will start to develop a sense of balance.

Cognitive Development

Newborns are not yet able to think or reason, but they do have the ability to learn and remember. They will begin to recognize familiar faces and voices, and will develop a preference for certain people or objects. They will also begin to understand that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight.

Emotional and Social Development

Newborns are born with a natural instinct to seek comfort and security from their caregivers. They will develop a bond with their primary caregiver, and will begin to show emotions such as joy, sadness, and anger. They will also begin to interact with others, such as smiling at familiar faces and responding to familiar voices.

Infancy Stage (3-12 months)

During the infancy stage, which spans from 3 to 12 months, infants experience significant growth and development in various areas. This period is characterized by rapid physical, cognitive, and emotional/social development.

In the first few months of life, infants undergo significant physical growth. They gain weight and length, and their head circumference increases. Their muscles become stronger, allowing them to lift their heads while on their stomachs, push up on their elbows, and eventually sit up without support. Around 6-7 months, most infants begin to crawl, and by 9-10 months, they may start taking their first steps with assistance.

Cognitive development during infancy is marked by rapid advancements in learning and understanding. Newborns start by focusing on objects that are within 12 inches of their face, and as they grow, their vision improves, allowing them to see objects further away. At around 3-4 months, infants begin to follow moving objects with their eyes and recognize familiar faces. By 6-7 months, they can understand that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight.

At this stage, infants also begin to learn through imitation. They may mimic the actions of others, such as waving or smiling, and start to understand simple concepts like “in” and “out.” As their memory improves, they can recall events and objects from the past.

During the infancy stage, infants develop emotional bonds with their caregivers, which is crucial for their emotional well-being. They start to recognize familiar voices and faces, and by 6-7 months, they can differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar individuals.

Infants also begin to express their emotions through facial expressions, cries, and body language. They develop a sense of attachment to their primary caregivers, which helps them develop trust and security. Around 9-10 months, infants start to explore their social relationships and may show signs of jealousy or possessiveness.

Overall, the infancy stage is a time of remarkable growth and development, as infants build a strong foundation for their future physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.

Toddler Stage (12-36 months)

During the toddler stage, children experience significant developmental changes that impact their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. This stage spans from 12 to 36 months, and it is marked by rapid growth, increased independence, and the development of new skills.

Physically, toddlers experience rapid growth and development during this stage. They tend to gain weight and grow taller at a faster rate than at any other time in their lives. Their muscles strengthen, and they become more coordinated, enabling them to walk, run, and climb with greater ease. Additionally, their teeth begin to come in, and their diet becomes more varied as they learn to chew and swallow different types of food.

Cognitively, toddlers begin to understand the concept of time and can remember events from the past. They start to develop a sense of imagination and can engage in pretend play, using their creativity to act out scenarios and stories. Toddlers also start to understand the concept of cause and effect, which enables them to make connections between their actions and the outcomes.

Moreover, toddlers begin to develop problem-solving skills, which involve figuring out how to accomplish a task or overcome an obstacle. They start to understand the importance of rules and begin to show more independence in their decision-making.

Emotionally and socially, toddlers become more independent and assertive. They may exhibit temper tantrums or act out when they do not get their way, as they are learning to express their emotions. Toddlers also develop a stronger sense of empathy and can show concern for others, even if it means sacrificing their own desires.

Socially, toddlers start to develop friendships and become more interactive with other children. They start to understand the concept of sharing and taking turns, which helps them to develop social skills and learn how to cooperate with others.

Overall, the toddler stage is a critical period of development, where children experience significant growth and change in various areas of their lives. As parents and caregivers, it is essential to provide a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages their development and helps them to reach their full potential.

Factors Affecting Infant Development

Genetic Factors

Heredity and Genetic Predispositions

• Explain how heredity plays a crucial role in shaping an infant’s development
• Describe the concept of genetic predispositions and their influence on an infant’s development
• Provide examples of how specific genetic traits may impact development

Genetic Disorders and Conditions

• Define genetic disorders and conditions and their impact on infant development
• Discuss common genetic disorders and conditions that may affect infant development
• Explain the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for managing genetic disorders and conditions in infants
• Provide examples of genetic disorders and conditions that may affect various aspects of infant development, such as motor skills, cognitive abilities, and communication skills

Environmental Factors

The environment plays a crucial role in the development of an infant. The prenatal environment, postnatal environment, and caregiving and parenting practices are some of the most significant environmental factors that affect an infant’s development.

Prenatal Environment

The prenatal environment refers to the conditions inside the womb during pregnancy. It includes factors such as the mother’s health, nutrition, and lifestyle habits. The prenatal environment has a significant impact on the development of the fetus. For example, poor maternal nutrition can lead to birth defects, while exposure to harmful substances such as tobacco and alcohol can also have adverse effects on the developing fetus.

Postnatal Environment

The postnatal environment refers to the conditions after the birth of the infant. It includes factors such as the quality of air, water, and food, as well as the availability of medical care and sanitation. The postnatal environment plays a crucial role in the development of the infant, particularly in the first few months of life. For example, exposure to pollution and poor sanitation can increase the risk of respiratory infections and other illnesses in infants.

Caregiving and Parenting Practices

Caregiving and parenting practices refer to the way in which an infant is cared for and raised. It includes factors such as the quality of care, the type of childcare arrangement, and the parenting style. Caregiving and parenting practices have a significant impact on the development of an infant. For example, positive and responsive caregiving practices can promote healthy attachment and social-emotional development in infants.

In conclusion, the environmental factors of the prenatal environment, postnatal environment, and caregiving and parenting practices play a crucial role in the development of an infant. Understanding these factors can help parents and caregivers provide the best possible environment for an infant’s growth and development.

Cultural and Societal Factors

Cultural and societal factors play a crucial role in shaping infant development. These factors include cultural beliefs and practices, access to resources and opportunities, and socioeconomic status and disparities.

Cultural Beliefs and Practices

Cultural beliefs and practices can have a significant impact on infant development. For example, some cultures may place a greater emphasis on certain behaviors or skills, such as language acquisition or social interaction. These cultural values can shape the way parents and caregivers interact with infants, and can influence the types of experiences and opportunities that infants have.

Access to Resources and Opportunities

Access to resources and opportunities can also play a role in infant development. For example, infants who have access to high-quality childcare and early education programs may have better outcomes in language development, cognitive skills, and social-emotional development. Similarly, infants who have access to healthy food, safe housing, and appropriate medical care are more likely to thrive and reach their developmental milestones.

Socioeconomic Status and Disparities

Socioeconomic status and disparities can also have a significant impact on infant development. Infants from low-income families may face greater challenges in accessing resources and opportunities, which can negatively impact their development. For example, infants from low-income families may be less likely to have access to high-quality childcare, healthy food, and appropriate medical care. This can lead to disparities in developmental outcomes, such as language delays, behavioral problems, and cognitive impairments.

Overall, cultural and societal factors can have a significant impact on infant development. By understanding these factors and their influence on infant development, parents, caregivers, and policymakers can work to promote equitable access to resources and opportunities for all infants, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Promoting Healthy Infant Development

Prenatal Care

Proper prenatal care is crucial for the health and development of the fetus. Prenatal care involves a series of steps taken to ensure the mother’s health and the baby’s development during pregnancy. Some of the essential aspects of prenatal care include prenatal nutrition and care, prenatal testing and screening, and prenatal education and support.

Prenatal Nutrition and Care

Proper nutrition is essential for the mother’s health and the baby’s development. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients such as folic acid, iron, and calcium is necessary for the baby’s growth. The mother should also avoid harmful substances such as tobacco and alcohol, which can negatively affect the baby’s development.

Regular prenatal checkups are also essential to monitor the mother’s health and the baby’s development. During these checkups, the healthcare provider may check the mother’s blood pressure, weight, and urine, and conduct tests to monitor the baby’s growth and development.

Prenatal Testing and Screening

Prenatal testing and screening are essential to detect any potential problems that may affect the baby’s health. Some of the common tests and screenings include ultrasound, amniocentesis, and genetic testing. These tests can help detect potential issues such as birth defects, genetic disorders, and other health problems.

It is essential to discuss the benefits and risks of prenatal testing and screening with the healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate tests for the mother and the baby.

Prenatal Education and Support

Prenatal education and support are also essential to ensure the mother’s health and the baby’s development. Healthcare providers should provide adequate information and support to the mother throughout her pregnancy. This may include information on proper nutrition, exercise, and prenatal care.

Support may also include counseling services to address any emotional or psychological issues that may arise during pregnancy. Additionally, prenatal education and support can help the mother and her family prepare for the baby’s arrival and understand what to expect during labor and delivery.

Postnatal Care

Postnatal care is a crucial aspect of promoting healthy infant development. It involves providing proper postnatal nutrition and care, conducting postnatal screening and assessments, and offering postnatal education and support to new mothers.

Postnatal Nutrition and Care

Proper postnatal nutrition and care are essential for both the mother and the infant. New mothers need to consume a balanced diet that is rich in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins to support their recovery and milk production. They should also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine.

In addition, newborns require proper care, including regular feeding, nappy changes, and skin-to-skin contact with their mothers. Mothers should also ensure that their infants get enough sleep and avoid exposing them to loud noises or bright lights.

Postnatal Screening and Assessments

Postnatal screening and assessments are crucial for identifying any potential health issues in both the mother and the infant. New mothers should undergo screening for postpartum depression, anemia, and thyroid function, among other conditions. Infants should also undergo regular check-ups to monitor their growth and development.

Screening and assessments can help identify any developmental delays or health issues early on, allowing for prompt intervention and treatment.

Postnatal Education and Support

New mothers require postnatal education and support to navigate the challenges of parenthood. They should be provided with information on infant development, breastfeeding, and newborn care. They should also be offered emotional support to help them cope with the physical and emotional changes they experience after giving birth.

Postnatal education and support can help new mothers feel more confident and empowered in their role as parents, promoting healthy infant development and bonding between mother and child.

Parenting Practices

Positive Parenting Practices

Positive parenting practices involve building a strong and healthy relationship with your child. This includes creating a sense of trust, providing comfort and support, and being a good role model. Some examples of positive parenting practices include:

• Offering praise and positive reinforcement
• Providing love and affection
• Encouraging open communication
• Being consistent in your actions and expectations

Nurturing and Responsive Caregiving

Nurturing and responsive caregiving involves being attuned to your child’s needs and providing consistent and loving care. This includes holding, cuddling, and talking to your child, as well as meeting their physical and emotional needs. Some examples of nurturing and responsive caregiving include:

• Responding to your child’s cries and needs in a timely manner
• Providing comfort and reassurance when your child is upset or scared
• Being attuned to your child’s signals and cues
• Providing a safe and secure environment for your child

Supportive and Stimulating Environment

A supportive and stimulating environment involves providing a safe and enriching environment for your child. This includes providing opportunities for exploration and learning, as well as creating a sense of stability and security. Some examples of a supportive and stimulating environment include:

• Providing a clean and safe home
• Offering a variety of toys and materials for exploration
• Encouraging play and social interaction with others
• Creating a consistent routine and schedule

By incorporating these parenting practices into your daily life, you can promote healthy infant development and create a strong foundation for your child’s future growth and development.

Early Childhood Education and Care

Quality Early Childhood Education and Care

Quality early childhood education and care play a crucial role in promoting healthy infant development. Research has shown that high-quality early childhood education and care programs can have a positive impact on children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. Such programs provide a stimulating and nurturing environment that supports the holistic development of young children.

Stimulating and Enriching Environments

Infants develop rapidly during the first few years of life, and their brains are highly responsive to their environment. Therefore, it is essential to provide stimulating and enriching environments that promote healthy infant development. Stimulating environments include providing opportunities for infants to explore and interact with their surroundings, engaging in meaningful activities, and offering a variety of experiences that promote cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Enriching environments also play a crucial role in promoting healthy infant development. Such environments provide opportunities for infants to learn and develop new skills, foster creativity and imagination, and support the development of positive relationships with caregivers and peers.

Supportive and Responsive Caregiving

Supportive and responsive caregiving is essential for promoting healthy infant development. Caregivers play a critical role in shaping infants’ experiences and interactions with their environment. Responsive caregiving involves responding to infants’ needs and interests, providing comfort and reassurance, and promoting positive attachments.

Supportive caregiving also involves providing a safe and nurturing environment that promotes healthy infant development. This includes providing appropriate care and supervision, promoting physical and emotional health, and fostering positive relationships with caregivers and peers.

In summary, early childhood education and care play a crucial role in promoting healthy infant development. High-quality programs provide stimulating and enriching environments, supportive and responsive caregiving, and promote positive relationships with caregivers and peers. By investing in early childhood education and care, we can promote healthy infant development and set the stage for future success.

Common Concerns and Conditions

Developmental Delays and Disorders

Developmental delays and disorders are a common concern for parents and caregivers of infants. These conditions can affect an infant’s physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development, and can range from mild to severe.

Identification and diagnosis

Early identification and diagnosis of developmental delays and disorders is crucial for providing the best possible intervention and treatment. Parents and caregivers should be on the lookout for any developmental milestones that are not being met, such as delays in sitting, crawling, or walking. It is also important to monitor an infant’s behavior and emotional responses, as well as any communication difficulties.

Intervention and treatment

Intervention and treatment for developmental delays and disorders varies depending on the specific condition and severity. Early intervention is key, and can include therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. In some cases, medication may also be necessary.

Support and resources

Support and resources for families dealing with developmental delays and disorders can include support groups, parent training and education, and access to specialized healthcare providers. It is important for families to have access to information and resources to help them navigate the complexities of caring for an infant with a developmental delay or disorder.

Behavioral and Emotional Problems

Identification and diagnosis

Behavioral and emotional problems in infants can manifest in a variety of ways, including excessive crying, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and changes in eating habits. These issues can be challenging for parents to identify, as they may not be aware of the typical developmental milestones for infants.

One effective approach to identifying behavioral and emotional problems in infants is to consult with a pediatrician or other healthcare professional. These professionals can assess the infant’s behavior and development, and provide guidance on potential interventions or treatments.

It is important to note that some behavioral and emotional problems in infants may be related to underlying medical conditions, such as colic or reflux. In these cases, addressing the underlying medical issue may help to alleviate the behavioral and emotional problems.

Intervention and treatment

There are a variety of interventions and treatments that may be effective in addressing behavioral and emotional problems in infants. These may include:

• Parent-infant psychotherapy: This type of therapy involves working with parents to develop strategies for addressing their infant’s behavioral and emotional problems.
• Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to address underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the infant’s behavioral and emotional problems.
• Behavioral interventions: Behavioral interventions, such as rewarding positive behaviors and teaching parents how to respond to challenging behaviors, may also be effective in addressing behavioral and emotional problems in infants.

Support and resources

Parents of infants with behavioral and emotional problems may benefit from accessing support and resources to help them navigate this challenging time. This may include:

• Support groups: Joining a support group can provide parents with an opportunity to connect with other parents who are facing similar challenges.
• Counseling: Individual or family counseling can help parents to better understand and manage their infant’s behavioral and emotional problems.
• Online resources: There are many online resources available to parents, including websites, forums, and social media groups, where they can connect with other parents and find information and support.

Health and Nutrition Issues

Proper identification and diagnosis of health and nutrition issues are crucial for infants’ well-being. Some common health and nutrition issues include:

• Adequate weight gain: A newborn should gain weight steadily during the first few months of life. If an infant’s weight gain is not consistent, it could be a sign of a health issue.
• Proper digestion: A healthy digestive system is vital for proper nutrient absorption. Infants may experience difficulties with digestion due to colic, acid reflux, or a milk protein intolerance.
• Proper growth: A child’s growth rate should be monitored closely, as it can indicate overall health. However, the rate of growth can vary between infants, so it’s essential to track the child’s progress against the expected norms for their age and sex.
• Nutrient deficiencies: Infants need specific nutrients, such as iron, calcium, and vitamins, for proper development. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to serious health problems.
• Jaundice: A common condition in newborns, jaundice occurs when the body has too much bilirubin, a yellowish substance produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. If left untreated, jaundice can lead to more severe health issues.

Intervention and treatment of health and nutrition issues typically involve:

• Medical evaluation: A pediatrician or healthcare provider will evaluate the infant’s symptoms and medical history to determine the appropriate course of action.
• Nutritional counseling: If there are concerns about an infant’s nutrition, a healthcare provider may recommend changes to the child’s diet or suggest supplements to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients.
• Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to treat health issues, such as reflux or infections.
• Nutrient supplementation: Infants who are not getting enough nutrients may require supplementation to ensure proper growth and development.

Support and resources for families dealing with health and nutrition issues may include:

• Support groups: Connecting with other parents who have experienced similar issues can provide emotional support and practical advice.
• Lactation consultants: For breastfeeding mothers, consulting with a lactation consultant can help address issues with milk production, latch, or other breastfeeding challenges.
• Specialist referrals: If an infant’s health issue is severe or long-lasting, a referral to a specialist, such as a pediatric gastroenterologist or nutritionist, may be necessary.
• Community resources: Many communities offer resources, such as food banks or WIC clinics, to help families access nutritious food and support for their infant’s health and development.

Safety and Prevention

Safety Practices and Education

As an infant develops, it is essential to ensure their safety at all times. One way to achieve this is by educating parents and caregivers on the necessary safety practices. This includes teaching them how to properly install and use car seats, cribs, and other baby equipment. Additionally, it is important to educate caregivers on the proper techniques for handling and carrying infants, as well as how to identify and avoid potential hazards in the home.

Prevention of Accidents and Injuries

In addition to educating caregivers on safety practices, it is also important to take measures to prevent accidents and injuries from occurring. This may include installing safety gates, plug protectors, and other safety devices in the home. It is also important to ensure that infants are supervised at all times, especially when they are engaging in potentially dangerous activities such as crawling or climbing.

Promotion of Healthy Behaviors and Habits

Promoting healthy behaviors and habits is another important aspect of safety and prevention in infant development. This includes teaching infants basic hygiene practices such as hand-washing and diaper changing, as well as encouraging healthy eating habits and regular exercise. Additionally, it is important to ensure that infants receive proper medical care, including regular check-ups and vaccinations, to prevent the spread of illness and disease.

FAQs

1. What is the order of development in infants?

The order of development in infants varies depending on the child, but generally, infants develop their motor skills before their cognitive abilities. This means that infants typically begin to roll over, sit up, crawl, and walk before they start to talk and understand language.

2. When do infants typically start to crawl?

Most infants begin to crawl between 7 and 10 months of age, although some may start earlier or later. Crawling is an important milestone in an infant’s development because it allows them to explore their environment and begin to understand how their body moves in space.

3. How do infants learn to talk?

Infants learn to talk by listening to and imitating the speech of those around them. They begin to babble and make sounds around 6 months of age, and by 12-18 months, they typically have a few words in their vocabulary. As they continue to develop, their vocabulary and language skills expand.

4. When should I be concerned about my infant’s development?

If you have concerns about your infant’s development, it is important to speak with your child’s doctor. They can assess your child’s development and provide guidance on any interventions or therapies that may be necessary. Some red flags to look out for include a lack of growth or weight gain, delayed or no babbling by 9 months, and no use of gestures by 12 months.

5. What can I do to support my infant’s development?

There are many things you can do to support your infant’s development, including providing a safe and stimulating environment, talking and reading to your child, and encouraging exploration and play. It is also important to provide love and affection, as this helps to build a strong bond between you and your child.