Infant development is simple to understand, if you study the right material. Much happens in the first few moths of a child’s life. A parent must be prepared to deal with those rapid changes. Children need lost of love, attention and nourishment. Early on they need to be comforted and held. Babies will grow fast. A child can be a tremendous source of joy, as long as parents do not become overly controlling or obsessively worried about the child’s rate of progress.
For instance, the baby will be able to lift his or head up in a few months, but at birth, their head is quite flimsy and needs to be supported by the parents. It may have difficulty turning over, but will soon be able to do so.
Likewise, the baby’s sight and hearing will be minimal at birth. Soon however, the child’s senses will become more acute. Initially, he or she may not respond well to loud noises or strange sounds. His or her ears are still very sensitive. Sight may be blurry at first too, but it improves quickly. Soothing toys and visually appealing items like mobiles and murals can help the baby’s curiosity and foster cognitive development.
Babies rely early on upon imitation. They will mimic the sounds, expressions and gestures exhibited by their primary care giver. For this reason, parents should be very cautious around babies to avoid negative imprinting.
Other developments in the four to six month age range include being more aware of his or her surroundings and rolling over. One may also see babbling and clapping of the hands. These all show that your baby is developing naturally and healthily and there is nothing to worry about.
It is important to realize that each baby will develop at his or her own pace. No two children are identical and each has his or her strengths and deficiencies. Parents should not be alarmed if their child starts talking or walking later than his or her peers. Not all children are ready to walk or talk at precisely the same age, and being behind does not mean a child is slow or unintelligent.
Many parents become overly concerned with the pace of their child’s development. They may check with their doctor to see if everything is okay. They may resist the doctor’s reassuring words in some instances. This type of obsessive concern is not uncommon, but it can affect the parent’s mental well-being. Parents should strive for balance and awareness of their child’s unique qualities, rather than obsessing about how their child’s performance measures against another child’s who is roughly the same age.
Some parents become so worried about their child’s rate of development that they end up needing anti-depressants. Parents concerned about infant development should strive to keep matters in perspective. Children are wonderful gifts and each child is unique. Watching a child grow and mature can be a delightful experience. However, it is most easily enjoyed when the parent is not stressed out by demanding expectations or unrealistic hopes for perfection.
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