Early Childhood Development
The most pivotal devemopmental stage a person goes through.
Birth to 18 Months
During this period of profound growth and development, babies grow and change rapidly.
Professionals recommend that you speak to your baby a lot during this phase, because hearing your voice will help your baby to develop communication skills. Other suggestions include:
- Supervised tummy time is necessary to develop strong neck and back muscles needed for crawling.
- Respond as soon as your baby cries. Your baby will develop a sense of trust in the world.
18 Months to 3 Years
During the toddler years, children continue to need lots of sleep, good nutrition, and close, loving relationships with parents and caregivers.
Professionals offer this advice for creating a safe, nurturing space to maximize your child’s early growth and development:
- Create routines so your toddler knows what is coming next throughout the day.
- Talk, read, and sing to your toddler to boost vocabulary skills.
3 to 5 Years Old
During these pre-school years, children grow more and more independent and capable. Their natural curiosity is likely to be stimulated because their world is expanding: new friends, new experiences, new environments like daycare or kindergarten.
During this time of growth, professionals recommends that you:
- Introduce simple daily chores
- Explain what you expect from your child in a way they will understand.