INFANT AND TODDLER

DEVELOPMENT: KEY
CONCEPTS FOR NEW PARENTS
BY RODNEY IVERY
Introduction to Infant and Toddler Development
 Human growth and learning accelerate during infancy
and toddlerhood (Dacey, Travers, & Fiore, 2008).
 Infants and toddlers undergo major physical, cognitive,
and emotional changes that affect their life.
 Early experiences are crucial for brain development since
the brain's structure and function are extremely flexible
(Lally & Valentine-French, 2019).
 Positive parenting, nutrition, and a stimulating
environment foster physical, cognitive, and emotional
development.
 Language, social, and emotional development are all
affected by early growth.
 This presentation will provide eight critical newborn and
toddler development findings.
Physical Development- Growth and Milestones
 Early physical development includes fast expansion of
muscles, bones, and organs (Dacey et al., 2008).
 By 6 months, newborns can roll over, sit, and crawl due to
increased head and upper body control.
 Infants generally triple their birth weight by age one, with
major height and weight increases in the first year.
 Toddlers often stand freely by 12 months and may walk
independently by 12-18 months (Brazelton & Cramer, 1990).
 Physical milestones like walking, running, and leaping occur
between 12-24 months, with motor coordination
developing steadily.
 Regular physical exercise and environmental engagement
increase motor skill development.
Cognitive Development- The Role of Language
 Early cognitive development involves language-based
thinking, learning, and communication in infants and
toddlers (Lally & Valentine-French, 2019).
 Babbling normally begins about 6 months after infants start
with fundamental vocalizations like screaming and cooing.
 Infants often speak their first words and comprehend basic
instructions by 12 months (Dacey et al., 2008).
 From 18-24 months, children quickly increase their
vocabulary from a few words to several dozen (Brazelton &
Cramer, 1990).
 Language development is influenced by caregiver
engagement; chatting, reading, and singing promote
cognitive growth.
 Cognitive development in this stage involves remembering,
problem-solving, and abstract thinking.
Emotional Development - Attachment and Regulation
 Emotional development involves newborns and toddlers regulating
and expressing their emotions (Rubin, 1984).
 Children need secure attachment to caregivers for emotional
development and to feel comfortable and confident in exploring
their world.
 By 6 months, newborns seek social cues from caregivers in novel or
stressful environments (Brazelton & Cramer, 1990).
 By 18 months, toddlers exhibit emotions including joy, rage, and
fear, and communicate their wants via tantrums or displeasure.
 Children with secure attachment are more emotionally resilient,
whereas those with insecure attachment may struggle with stress
management and emotional regulation.
 Early caregiver experiences, including as kindness, attentiveness,
and consistency, foster excellent emotional development.
Social Development—Environmental Interaction
 Infancy and toddlerhood social development involves
interactions with caregivers, siblings, and peers, promoting
collaboration, empathy, and self-regulation (Dacey et al.,
2008).
 Infants as early as 6 months exhibit reciprocal social
interactions, including smiling and eye contact with caregivers.
 Infants learn by observation and interaction, imitating
rudimentary actions and expressions before the end of the
first year.
 Between 18 and 24 months, toddlers acquire social skills
through parallel play with peers.
 Building positive social experiences like sharing, taking turns,
and empathy is crucial for future relationships.
 Responsive parenting promotes good social development by
validating children's feelings.
Cognitive development—Problem-solving and Memory
 Infant and toddler cognitive growth include considerable
memory, problem-solving, and decision-making improvements
(Lally & Valentine-French, 2019).
 By 6-8 months, infants have rudimentary memory skills and
remember faces, sounds, and familiar things.
 Toddlers start goal-directed behaviors at 12 months, such
reaching for items or utilizing tools to solve issues.
 By 18 months, toddlers exhibit cognitive advancements in
representational thinking by using items in symbolic play, such as
believing a block is a phone.
 Early problem-solving experiences, like fitting shapes into slots,
prepare for complicated thinking later in life.
 A stimulating atmosphere with age-appropriate toys and
activities promotes memory and cognitive flexibility.
Nutrition- impacts on growth and development.
 Nutrition is crucial for optimal growth in infants and toddlers
(Dacey et al., 2008).
 Breastfeeding provides critical nutrients and antibodies
throughout the first six months of life, making it the best source of
nourishment.
 By 6 months, offer solid meals gradually, focusing on iron-rich,
nutrient-dense alternatives such pureed vegetables and fruits.
 Poor nutrition during this time might hinder physical, cognitive,
and emotional development.
 Proper diet promotes brain and body growth, affecting physical
milestones and language development.
 Iron, calcium, vitamins A, D, and C are essential for cognitive and
physical development throughout this stage.
Parenting Tips for Healthy Development
 Promote tummy time for babies to improve neck and
upper body muscles and avoid flat head syndrome
(Brazelton & Cramer, 1990).
 Encourage brain growth by chatting, reading, and singing
with your newborn or toddler in a language-rich setting.
 Use positive reinforcement and consistent replies to teach
children self-regulation and proper conduct.
 Encourage independence by letting toddlers safely explore
their surroundings and make simple decisions (e.g.,
choosing between toys).
 Limit screen time to encourage physical play, social
connection, and motor skill development.
 Schedule frequent appointments with physicians to
monitor your child's growth and treat any issues early.
References
• Brazelton, T. B., & Cramer, B. G. (1990). The earliest relationship: Parents, infants,
and the drama of early attachment. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.

• Dacey, J. S., Travers, J. F. & Fiore, L. (2008). Human development across the
lifespan. McGraw Hill Publishing.

• B. Hart and T.R. Risley (1995). Meaningful Differences in the Everyday

• Rubin, R. (1984). Maternal identity and maternal experience. New York: Springer.

• Lally, M, Valentine-French, S (2019) Lifespan Development: A Psychological