CHILD DEVELOPMENT

From birth until adulthood, children are in a constant state of growth and change. In addition to physical development, they acquire new skills every month.

Developmental stages and pace vary between individuals. Although there is no strict rule in infants, cognitive development generally progresses in parallel with neurological development; children with higher intelligence tend to walk and speak earlier.

Maturation is the emergence of innate abilities. For example, the abilities to walk and speak are part of human genetic makeup and appear when the time comes; it is not possible to teach a child to walk or talk at 6–7 months through training alone.

Learning, on the other hand, elevates development to higher levels during the maturation process. A child who has reached the age for speaking will develop language more slowly if deprived of verbal stimulation. The language a child learns depends on their environment.

During routine check-ups, a child’s psychosocial development is also evaluated by assessing whether they demonstrate age-appropriate behaviors.

BASIC SENSE OF TRUST

A newborn is in the process of adapting to the outside world and expresses needs by crying. Newborns can smell and feel touch. When a baby cries and the caregiver responds with affection and meets their needs, the baby feels valued. This helps develop a basic sense of trust, which affects the entire life. One of the baby’s fundamental needs is being held, loved, and comforted. It should not be avoided out of concern that the baby will become accustomed to being held; children raised with love develop in a healthy way. A baby who develops trust will gradually learn to wait.

Breastfeeding strengthens the psychological bond between mother and baby. During breastfeeding, touch, the mother’s heartbeat, and warmth help the baby feel calm and secure.

At 1–2 months, the baby recognizes parents and expresses this with smiles and cooing sounds. If the mother talks and interacts, the baby attempts to respond, marking the beginning of social interaction skills.

During the first 6 months, the baby reflects the mother’s emotional state. If the mother is calm and happy, the baby is also calm; if the mother is anxious, the baby may become restless. Babies observe facial expressions and mirror emotions.

By the 3rd month, social development begins. The baby starts observing people and objects and distinguishing between them, and enjoys being with caregivers.

At 6 months, the baby recognizes their reflection in a mirror and attempts to touch and interact with caregivers. Face-to-face interaction is preferred.

At 7–8 months, the baby begins to distinguish strangers, preferring familiar faces and voices, and may show fear or avoidance of strangers. They enjoy simple games.

After 9 months, the baby searches for hidden objects, indicating object permanence. Imitation skills also develop, supporting language and social development. The baby may wave or clap.

At 10–12 months, with increasing mobility, the baby starts exploring the world and becomes aware of being an individual. While moving away from the caregiver, the baby also checks for their presence and invites others to interact socially. The baby may point at objects to share attention, known as joint attention, which requires eye contact—a skill often lacking in children with autism.

Between 8–15 months, social-emotional development occurs through “attachment.” Attachment is a universal survival strategy that begins in infancy and continues throughout life. The first attachment is usually with the mother or primary caregiver, providing safety and a secure base for exploration. The caregiver responds to signals of fear or distress, offering protection and comfort.

For healthy attachment, the caregiver must be consistent, responsive, and accessible. Children with secure attachment feel confident that help is available even when the caregiver is absent and tend to have stronger social skills.

Children aged 1–3 can be challenging due to stubbornness, insistence, and lack of sharing skills. They begin to eat independently and attempt to dress themselves. Toilet training is usually achieved around age 2. Language develops rapidly: by 18 months, the child understands simple questions and has a vocabulary of 3–50 words. At age 2, they begin forming two-word sentences and using simple pronouns. If a child does not speak after age 2, evaluation is necessary. At this age, children show conflicting emotions, seeking independence but fearing separation. Tantrums and aggression may occur and should be handled calmly and consistently.

Children feel more secure when there are clear rules and boundaries. Allowing everything they want can be harmful rather than beneficial.

Play is essential for healthy development. Children learn and communicate through play. Until age 2–3, they imitate others but do not play together; after age 3, they begin to engage in cooperative play and enjoy being with peers.

To spend enjoyable time with your baby:

  • Hold your baby, give massages, and speak lovingly.
  • Talk frequently, say their name, maintain eye contact, and exaggerate facial expressions.
  • Move objects within their field of vision and introduce different items.
  • Sing rhythmic songs and lullabies; babies enjoy repetition.
  • Let them explore your face with their hands.
  • Take them outside to experience new sights and sounds, pointing out and naming objects.
  • Provide a variety of toys.
  • Tell stories and read books.
  • Smile and show happiness when your baby smiles.

Specialist Dr. Hale Yener / Pediatrics Specialist / İrenbe