From Birth to One Year – Mental Development

Unlike physical development, mental development is very difficult, if not impossible, to monitor on a day to day basis. It can however be noticed in the baby’s increasing alertness, interest in the world around him/her, sensitivity to sounds, shapes, textures and personalities.

A physically healthy baby who feels secure in his/her mother’s love and care shows healthy mental and emotional development. A home full of love, warmth and contentment as well as simplicity and security makes the baby feel loved and belonging. Remember the home is the baby’s world during the first stages of development. Make it lovely in order to develop a positive perception in the child.

This is what to expect in the child:

i.                    At four months, the baby can accurately recognize the mother and other family members and familiar people.

ii.                  At nine months, the baby can make many sounds and speak some few words. The baby can also respond to his/her name and understand the mother’s attitudes and remarks. At this age, the baby can imitate sounds, gestures, facial expressions and enjoys being taken out and seeing around.

iii.                At one year, the baby can listen intently to words and understand a few familiar sentences. The baby can now repeat performances that seem pleasing. So mind what you do in their presence because they can act it out in public. The baby can also respond to repetition, rhythm, music and recognize themselves in the mirror.

It is at this age that a parent should genuinely respond to the baby’s smiles, talk to the baby in simple, rhythmic ways that the child loves. This is also the time to take the baby out and allow him/her to look around and play with simple toys.

At one year, stop talking baby talk since this can retard the baby’s talking ability. The baby understands the attitudes and acts given in speech more than the real words. Do not act or express yourself in a way that you don’t want your baby to learn.