Characteristics and domains of infants in different developmental domains

  

All of these areas of development interlink at every stage – children can’t progress in one area without progressing in another.



Progressing Through the Milestones

The milestones that are met across domains in each stage have been determined by a large amount of research. They are intended to help parents and those who work with children to understand what to expect, so that they can identify any delays or problems and provide adequate support accordingly.

However, it is important to note that the stages of development are best thought of as a general guide. Development does tend to happen in the same order for every child (for example, you need to learn to stand before you learn to walk), but the timeframe is flexible. Differences between children are usually nothing to worry about; like in other stages of life, everyone is different. Development depends on many factors, such as the child’s environment, health, genetics, and family background (including how supportive their family is).

If you are concerned about a child’s progress, keep notes about the time periods of milestones that they have reached, and speak to your GP or health visitor. Identifying delays early on can be extremely helpful.

If children’s developmental needs are not met, this can impact them in the form of future mental health problems and deep-rooted issues. Studies have shown that children who were not provided with enough mental stimulation are prone to behavioural issues, low self-esteem, poor attention and insecurities which can last well beyond childhood.

A common developmental issue that has become evident is that children are failing to acquire language and social skills in the way that they normally would. Technology, such as computers and handheld devices, has caused this.

Many parents believe that playing ‘educational’ games or watching ‘educational’ TV for hours every day helps to develop children’s communication and cognitive skills. However, this is not the case; research has shown that interaction with their parents and other humans in the first five years is far more educational, and is vital for children’s development. Time spent using electronic devices takes away from time spent having real interactions, causing a negative impact on children’s development.



In the next section, we will provide you with some facts and tips on how to aid children’s development at each stage within the first five years. This will help you to ensure that you are doing the best for the children you care for.

How to Encourage Child Development in Early Years

At each different stage of development, there are things that you can do to help.

At the Newborn Stage (0-3 Months)

At the Infant Stage (3-12 Months)

At the Toddler Stage (1-3 Years)

At the Preschool-Age Stage (3-4 years)

At the School-Age Stage (4-5 Years)

Overall, strong parent-child bonds, good nutrition, adequate sleep, routines, and a safe, nurturing environment will help to ensure that children develop as they should.

The first five years of a child’s life are critical for their futures. It is important to ensure that you understand and pro-actively encourage their development during this time, in order to meet their needs. You can use the child development checklist and the tips for supporting development to help you to do this, as well as adding to them with your own ideas.