Periods of Development- Infancy and Toddlerhood

Physical Developmental Milestones:

So much has occurred before birth, however after birth (into
infancy) growth continues to be a high speed but long process.
Development is process that happens in small steps but grow
into large milestones. From new born babies to two month old
babies, head coordination begins. Infants are able to life and
turn their heads while lying on their backs (NML, 2015). And
as early as four months, infants may copy certain movements
and facial expressions (such as smiling or frowning) (CDC,
2014). These are the first few physical developmental
milestones that infants undergo before they carry on to the
tricky stuff.
In this milestone, independence is important for toddlers. Now
at an age where walking becomes a skill toddlers feel a need to do more on their own and rely
less on others to do the most basic things for them. Physical development during the toddler
years includes some major advances in gross motor skills and fine motor skills (Cherry, 2015).
Children at this age not only start walking, explore new things, but they also start feeding
themselves. This is an important age for children to be given opportunities to try things on their
own and learn through their own personal experiences.

Language Developmental Milestones:

As infants bodies continue to develop and they learn to control more of their movements, their
language developmental milestones also come into play. What starts off with cooing (around
three months), infants gain a understanding of their language by using his/her voice to express
pleasure or displeasure (Mayo Clinic, 2015). Infants begin the understanding of language by
results followed after actions. The first signs of communication occur when an infant learns that
a cry will bring food, comfort, and companionship (NIH, 2010). Language milestones are
critical in child development, they help not only children communicate with one another but also
help them gain knowledge of the world around them.
As toddlers grow, so does their language development. At this milestone, besides first words
such as (Ma Ma or maybe Da Da), toddlers should begin to use two or three words of their own
and actually understand language itself. Toddlers who are developing at the correct milestones
understand and are able to follow simple commands (NML, 2015). At this age toddlers are
starting to understand and concept language and make a connection between words and
meanings.

Cognitive Developmental Milestones:

Infants do not only continue to grow physically and develop new language abilities but they also
continue to grow mentally as well. Infants do not think about what they're going to do, but
rather follow their instincts and involuntary reactions to get what they need: food, air, and
attention (Oswalt, 2015). As their minds develop, their blank slates (minds) fill up with
understanding, ideas, and other valuable information.
Piaget viewed learning not as an isolated process remote
from his focus of concern, but as the chief source and
defining aspect of cognitive development (Humanist,
2014).
As toddlers bodies and language continue to grow with age
and development so does their cognitive development as
well. During this age cycle toddlers not only hold the
ability to grasp tools and instruments, but they also have
the basic ability to use them. Also, toddlers gain the
understanding of existence beyond their visual abilities. Cognitive Development skills typical
for toddlers include understanding that objects and people are there, even if you cant see them
(NLM, 2015). Toddlers are reaching the milestones where they are able to see things from other
perspectives and understanding besides what is standing right in front of them
Signs of Atypical Development:
Although all children develop at their own rate, there are certain signs in a childs development
which may indicate more serious concerns. Signs of atypical development in infants are: not
being able to sit with help by six months, not babbling by six months, or even by not showing
interest in games/attention.
During the prenatal period and the infant period it can be difficult to determine if a child is
falling behind in his/her milestones. However, once children reach toddlerhood it can be easier to
determine if a child is falling behind. Signs of atypical development (but not limited too) are:
lack of independence, not feeding self, or attempting to talk or walk. It is important for children
at this age to reach these milestones, falling behind may require help from doctors to search for a
possibly larger problem.
Influencing Learning:
Caregivers can influence learning in infants by simply spending times with them and
encouraging them to participate in play. By simply talking to infants and pushing them to take
their appropriate milestones (ex. hiding toys with them watching) caregivers can help infants
through these milestones to help them develop strong skills and ability to carry on to
toddlerhood.

Parents can influence learning in several ways during the toddlerhood period. It is important for
caregivers to give toddlers the independence they crave but supervise their actions and attempts.
For children who are falling behind with
walking and eating habits it is important that
caregivers push them to do things on their own
and giving them the opportunity. Nobody likes
to see their children grow up and want them to
be babies for the rest of their lives. Parents
have to give their children the opportunity to let
their children learn on their own but continue to
provide them with the influence to make the
correct choices.

References-

CDC. (2014). Important Milestones: Your Baby at Four Months. Retrieved from:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-4mo.html
Humanist. (2014). Seaking Common Ground: Piaget and Skinner on the Nature of Learning.
Retrieved from: http://humanists.net/pdhutcheon/Papers%20and%20Presentations/
Seeking%20Common%20Ground.htm
Mayo Clinic. (2015). Language Development: Speech Milestones for Babies. Retrieved from:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/languagedevelopment/art-20045163
NIH. (2010). Speech and Language Developmental Milestones. Retrieved from:
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/pages/speechandlanguage.aspx
Oswalt, A. (2015). Infancy Cognitive Development. Retrieved from:
http://www.sevencounties.org/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=10112&cn=461
NML. (2015). Infant- New Born Development. Retrieved from:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002004.htm