Unit 1 You and Others 60
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At this age, babies learn to drink from
a cup. They also feed themselves with
their fi ngers. (They have not learned to use
fl atware yet.) Many times, as much food
gets in their mouths as on themselves and
the fl oor. Meals can become very messy.
At one year of age, babies may weigh
three times as much as they did at birth.
Most babies also grow one and one-half
times in length during this fi rst year. This
is usually 9 to 10 inches.
One-year-olds seem to be busy all the
time. They like to watch objects move.
They watch cars, people, animals, and
anything else they see. Other children
fascinate them. Children of this age like
to play and be held. Simple games such
as pat-a-cake and peekaboo are enjoyed.
One-year-olds like to put blocks in a cup
and dump them out. They enjoy music,
rhymes, and simple songs. They laugh
and throw toys. They like to explore
their surroundings.
One-year-olds usually sleep through the night and take morning and
afternoon naps. Babies need a lot of rest to grow and develop properly.
During this time, babies may become shy with people outside the
family. They may cry at the sight of friends or relatives. This is typical. It is
a phase most children go through. It passes in a few months.
Early Brain Development
In recent years, early brain development has become an important topic
of research. A person’s ability to learn throughout life is tied to how well
the brain develops. Parents and others who care for the baby can assist
in early brain development. They do this by cuddling, playing with, and
talking to the baby in a consistent manner. When these activities occur,
messages are sent through the baby’s brain. As the messages are sent,
connections are made in the brain. These connections cause the baby’s brain
to become stronger and more active. This makes it possible for the baby to
accomplish new skills. The more a baby is stimulated, the more active his or
her brain becomes. Then, more and more connections are made.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
is the sudden, unexpected
death of a baby who seems healthy. The true cause of SIDS is unknown.
SIDS seems to occur, however, when a baby does not get enough air and
stops breathing.
Infant Brain Development
If an infant is not stimulated, or is
neglected, brain development is affected.
The opportunities for new connections
are lost. The baby does not learn as
many skills. This can have lifelong effects
on a baby’s learning potential. This is why
it is important to encourage development
in babies through activities. For instance,
babies like to be touched gently and
spoken or sung to softly. Responding
to infant babbles and coos is a form of
conversation with the child. Infants learn
by seeing and touching objects around
them. They like to look at brightly colored
objects and touch soft, fuzzy toys. They
do not like strong smells or tastes.
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