Physical, Mental, Emotional & Social Development in Infancy

An infant is generally defined as a baby from the time of birth to 12 months of age, usually before he can walk. The legal definition of an infant is any child under the legal age of an adult.

  1. Physical Developments

    • By the age of three months, an infant should gain control of his limbs such as grabbing for toys, kicking his legs and raising his head when lying on his belly. Toward seven months of age, a baby can support himself when sitting, hold onto objects and is able to roll around. Crawling, and perhaps walking, are milestones by the age of one year.

    Mental Developments

    • A three-month-old infant can focus and follow objects with his eyes and use crying to express hunger, pain or anger. At seven months of age, responding with sounds, finding hidden objects and responding to his name are developmental milestones. A one-year-old child will begin to speak words, understand right and wrong and react to directions.

    Social and Emotional Developments

    • Smiles and various facial expressions are common by the age of three months and playing is enjoyed. Seven-month-old infants will respond to the emotions of others. By the age of one, a child will react to his parent(s) leaving, imitates others during play and will test adult reactions to his behavior.

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