What Are the Major Milestones of Infancy?
People prefer to use the term babies which is a more common term, as infants is a more formal or specialised synonym when they are very young and it is stage post the newborn stage. Infant, the term is a Latin derivative word from “infans”, meaning 'unable to speak' or 'speechless'. Infants in the infancy stage are as the name suggests do not possess the ability to speak and the birth giver has the responsibility to take care through the infancy period. To learn more about what you mean by infancy, let us define infancy and get an insight into the infancy period.
What is the Infancy Stage?
When a baby is born, for the first two months they can be referred to as a newborn. During this period as they are new entrants to the physical world, they totally rely on their mother for food and nutrition and during this period all they do is sleep, eat, poop and cry. The period after this is called the infancy period. From the ages of two months to one year, the baby is in the infancy stage and can be referred to as an infant. The first sign of infancy life stage development can be seen from the beginning of the infancy period. The baby is referred to as an infant even when it is in the newborn stage as the terms are described to be synonymous with each other.
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Characteristics of Infancy
Characteristics of infancy, even though generalised, can also be very specific to each infants’ growth and development depending on their birth. Before birth, when they are still in their mother’s womb, they are referred to as a foetus.
A normal infant is the one where they are conceived by normal pregnancy and the female has experienced a very safe period during all the trimesters. The labour and delivery too when are normal, the infant is said to be a normal infant. Their characteristics and developmental stage are also normal and natural, unlike the infants who are prematurely born.
When the foetus is not confined to the normal duration of 36 weeks or 9 months of pregnancy and due to some unprecedented circumstances that can be related to the mother or the foetus being born before this period. Such newborns are called premature babies and they are put in an incubation set up in the hospital till they reach their normal infancy life-stage development.
Certain Common Characteristics are-
They have a distinctive appearance with a large head and arms and legs relatively short.
The infants have narrower shoulders and hips.
They have a slightly protruding abdomen.
Downy, unpigmented hair called lanugo is found in many newborns on many areas of their body except feet and palm. But within a few weeks after birth, this usually disappears.
They may have a head full of hair to almost no hair.
The navel is formed after a few weeks when the stub of the umbilical cord that still remains dries and falls off.
Infant Growth and Development
Infancy life-stage development is very crucial as this initial period truly determines their health in all ways physical ability, immunity, physiologically, intellectual and even psychological development. The growth during the infancy period is astoundingly rapid and the baby may even appear anew each day as they tend to learn new things and grasp quickly.
Early Period
In his or her early days and weeks the infant spends their time experiencing different states of sleeping like deep sleep, light sleep, drowsy and even quiet alert sleeping patterns, they are always on an active alert mode and crying which is a very common response to things they experience but are unable to express due to their inability to speak yet. They sleep about 16 hours every day, but this pattern of sleep is also constantly changing and may last for a few hours to sometimes a few minutes, the changes during this period is quite unpredictable.
In the period after these initial reactions and responses, the growth and development occur in many ways like cognitively, the language ability changes, they become physically able such as fine motor skills and gross motor skills are developed. And social skills are also developed by the end of the first year, which is the infancy stage.
The infancy period is full of social development milestones.
What are the Safety Measures To Consider During the Infancy Stage?
It is very important to ensure complete safety during the infancy stage for the proper growth and development of the infant. The key safety tips related to infants that everyone should ensure are
Keep the household cleaners, cosmetics, medicines, and even some plants present in your home away from infants in drawer and cupboard safety latches they contain poison. Keep the national poison control number -- 1-800-222-1222 -- near the phone.
The infants should not be allowed to crawl or walk around in the kitchen when others are cooking, though they can be placed near the kitchen in a highchair, playpen, or crib.
Drinking or carrying anything hot while you holding an infant can be dangerous because infants can burn them as they start waving their arms and grabbing for objects at 3 to 5 months.
Never leave an infant alone with siblings or pets because even older siblings may not be ready to handle an emergency if it occurs and pets, because pets may appear to be gentle and loving but they can react unexpectedly to an infant's cries or grabs or may lie too close to the infant, thereby smothering the baby..
Never leave an infant at a place from where the child can fall off due to wiggle or rollover.
For the first 5 months of life, place your infant on their back to go to sleep as it reduces the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The risk of SIDS decreases as the nervous system matures and the baby can roll over by himself.
You can take a course or learn from your doctor how to handle a choking emergency in an infant.
Try not to leave small objects within the reach of an infant because infants tend to reach out to the items placed around them and put everything they can get their hands on into their mouth.
During a car ride, always remember to place your infant in a proper car seat even if you are riding for a very short distance. Use a car seat that faces backward until the infant is at least 1 year and then you can safely switch to a forward-facing car seat.
The middle of the back seat is the safest place for the infant's car seat.
Be very careful while you are driving. Whenever you need to tend to the infant, park your car on the side before trying to help the child.
Use gates on stairways, and block off rooms that are not "childproof." Remember, infants may learn to crawl or scoot as early as 6 months.
When Do We Need To Consult A Doctor During Infant Development?
You should consult your doctor if the infant does not look good, that is, they are behaving different from normal or cannot be consoled by the usual methods of holding, rocking, and cuddling, or if the growth of the infant does not seem normal, or if the infant is losing developmental milestones or if you are generally concerned at any time, then go with your instinct.
Do's and Don'ts for the Infants
Do's-
Accept help from others like a family member or a nanny if you can afford one. Do not succumb to the pressure of others to do all of it on your own and go at your own pace.
Always clean your hands before holding the baby and politely ask others who come near your baby to do the same.
Try to bond with your infant by talking to them, playing music, any activity that you participate in enthusiastically, it will strengthen your bond.
When holding, always provide support in the neck till they learn to do it on their own.
Mothers must keep the infant close to their body to provide comfort and soothe when necessary.
The mother-child relationship and connection are such that even proximity can do wonders, so try to stay near the infant as much as possible.
Whenever travelling, see that the infant is well-fastened and protected from all possible dangers.
Learn all the basics of bathing, cleansing, changing diapers, feeding and burping needs.
Don’t-
Do not leave the baby crying, even if it is normal for the baby at the infancy stage to do so, try to swaddle gently.
Do not underestimate the power of immunization and vaccination, do not go for it, without proper research and any allergic reaction to the vaccine must be noted and informed.
Do not throw the baby in the air with the intention of playing when the infant is not developed enough to hold themselves steadily.
Do not shake your baby in frustration or while playing.
Do not drive fast with an infant, or even when in a stroller, they must be well protected, any rough motion can have serious consequences.
Do not force-feed the infant when they are not willing to complete the bottle’s milk and take it as a sign of satiating hunger.
Do not indulge in any negative patterns like fighting, frustration, anger as they can sense the energy in the room and their moods also change accordingly.
Do not smoke near the baby, they must be only exposed to clean and fresh air.
What are the Major Milestones in the Development of the Infant?
The development phase of an infant is very important and must be efficiently observed for the various landmarks or milestones during their development. This not only gives happiness but also helps track the growth and development of the infant. The major milestones observed during the growth and development of the infant are:
Infants start smiling typically after 6 weeks of birth
After 6 weeks of birth, infants also start making vocal sounds.
Infants babble a lot by the end of 6 months.
By the end of 6 months, infants also learn to sit and crawl
By the end of 12 months, infants start speaking their first words.
By the end of 12 months, infants even start standing with support.
By this time infants also start to walk a little bit.
Conclusion
The infancy stage is so crucial and one of the most important and even quick stages of developments. Often parents say infants develop so fast they must cherish the moments and enjoy the process. They are learning something new every day that also changes the perception of the parents and they too start noticing things in a new manner. Infants must be cared for with love, nutrition and attention and should not be limited to anything that restricts their growth.
FAQs on Infancy: Stages, Growth, and Development
1. What is the infancy stage and what is its typical age range?
Infancy is the period of early childhood following the newborn stage. The term originates from the Latin word 'infans', meaning 'unable to speak'. Generally, the infancy stage covers the period from two months to one year of age. However, the terms infant, newborn, and baby are often used interchangeably, and the World Health Organization (WHO) defines an infant as a child under 28 days old.
2. What are the main physical characteristics of an infant?
An infant has several distinctive physical features, which change rapidly during this stage. Key characteristics include:
- A disproportionately large head compared to the rest of the body.
- Relatively short arms and legs.
- A slightly protruding abdomen.
- Narrower shoulders and hips.
- The potential presence of lanugo, which is fine, unpigmented hair that typically disappears within a few weeks after birth.
3. What are the major developmental milestones during the first year of life?
The infancy period is marked by rapid growth and development. Major milestones that are typically observed include:
- Around 6 weeks: The infant begins to smile socially and make vocal sounds.
- By 6 months: The infant starts babbling, sitting up, and may begin to crawl.
- By 12 months: The infant may speak their first words, stand with support, and start to take their first steps.
4. What are some examples of primitive reflexes in a newborn infant?
Infants are born with several primitive reflexes, which are involuntary actions that aid their survival and development. Important examples include:
- Babinski reflex: The toes fan outward when the sole of the foot is stroked.
- Startle (Moro) reflex: The infant extends their arms and legs and then pulls them back in response to a loud noise or sudden movement.
- Sucking reflex: The infant begins to suck when a nipple or finger touches their lips.
- Grasping reflex: The infant closes their hand and grips a finger placed in their palm.
5. Why is the infancy period considered a critical window for an infant's overall development?
The infancy period is critical because it involves astoundingly rapid growth in all areas. This stage lays the foundation for future health and well-being. The development of the immune system, nervous system, and physical abilities is at its peak. Furthermore, early experiences and bonding during infancy profoundly impact an individual's long-term psychological, emotional, and intellectual development.
6. How do cognitive and social skills develop during infancy?
During infancy, cognitive and social skills develop from basic reflexes to intentional interactions. Cognitive development involves learning to process sensory information, recognise faces, and understand cause and effect, such as grabbing for objects. Social development begins with social smiles, progresses to babbling and cooing to communicate, and eventually leads to forming strong attachments, particularly with primary caregivers, which is crucial for emotional security.
7. What is the difference between growth and development in the context of infancy?
In infancy, growth refers to the quantifiable physical increase in the size of the body and its parts, such as an increase in weight, height, and head circumference. In contrast, development refers to the qualitative increase in skills and functional complexity. It is the process by which an infant gains control over their body and learns new abilities, such as progressing from lifting their head to sitting, crawling, and eventually walking.
8. What are the essential safety precautions to follow for an infant at home?
Ensuring an infant's safety is crucial for their well-being. Key precautions include:
- Keeping all medicines, cleaners, and cosmetics in locked cupboards.
- Never leaving an infant unattended on a high surface like a bed or table from where they could fall.
- Always placing an infant on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Never holding hot liquids while carrying an infant.
- Ensuring all small objects that could be a choking hazard are kept out of reach.
