Characteristics of Babyhood It is the true foundation age. It is an age of rapid growth and change. It is an age of increasing independency. It is the age of heightened individuality. It is the foundation period of socialization. It is the foundation period for sex-role typing. It is an appealing age. It is the foundation period for creativity. It is a hazardous age.
Developmental Tasks of Babyhood Learning to walk Learning to take solid foods Having organs elimination under partial control Achieving reasonable physiological stability Relating emotionally to parents and siblings Learning the foundation of speech Learning sex differences Getting ready to read Learning to distinguish between right and wrong and developing a conscience
Areas of Development Motor Development Speech Development Development of Understanding Emotional Development Development of Socialization Moral Development
Motor Development Two directions of development 1. Cephalocaudal development Head to foot (the head, neck, and upper parts start to develop before the legs) 2. Proximodistal development Center to outlying parts (from trunk or torso, then shoulders, hand and finally fingers)
One to Two (1-2) Months Tonic-neck reflex predominates when the baby is on supine position. The head is turned far to the side, one arm in extension to the same side, the other flexed to the shoulder; can roll partly to side.
Three (3) Months The baby is able to turn to prone position.
Four to Five (4-5) Months Can turn to prone from supine position and vice versa.
Six to Seven (6-7) Months Can roll from stomach to stomach.
Eight (8) Months Can also alternate from prone to sitting position and vice versa; can cruise by crawling.
Nine (9) Months Can pull himself to standing position by holding on to something.
Ten to Eleven (10-11) Months Can sit with good control. Can pivot around in a steady manner. Can walk while holding someone’s hands.
Twelve (12) Months Walks even when only one hand is held. Fifteen (15) Months Can push a chair around, climb and get down from it as well.
- Runs but falls sometimes; can climb stairs by creeping. - Can squat while playing; can climb up stairs by assuming an upright position. Eighteen (18) Months Twenty-one (21) Months
Twenty-four (24) Months Can walk backwards and on toes. Can run without falling; can climb stairs with both feet on tread before stepping.
Speech Development First language of a child is crying. Cooing Babbling Syllable-word language At around one year, they can say a word. Usually “mama”.
Development of Understanding Understanding in babies develop through maturation and learning and depends on their level of intelligence and their previous experiences.
Emotional Development Common emotional patterns in babyhood involve anger, fear, curiosity, joy and affection. The baby receives love when they’re cradled in the arms of a relaxed and a happy mother. Cuddling or stroking the baby gently + singing or speaking softly = Feelings of satisfaction and well-being. If baby becomes separated from his/her mother when they have strong relationship, the child starts to display negative behaviors. Crying, searching, aggressive and almost panic behavior.
Development of Socialization Toddlers are capable of establishing or forming friendships. Kimberly Whaley, a psychologists, believes that the exact mimicking shows an awareness between the children and acts to forge a connection that excludes others and create a history for them. By imitating each other, these children actually say, “I like to be with you” or “We have lots of things in common.” Mimicking = sense of intimacy amidst a noisy environment.
Moral Development Babies behavior is not bound by moral considerations or standards. They eventually learn moral codes from their parents, teachers, and playmates or peers as they learn the value of conforming to these codes. They’re nonmoral due to their lack of scale of values and a conscience. They demonstrate obedience to rules without question.
Play Interests Play is serious business among toddlers and their play patterns are sensorimotor, exploratory, imitative, make-believe or fantasy type, and may involve games and amusements. Baby generally begin to play around each other at 1 ½ or 2 ½ years of age.