Class 3 - Physical and Cognitive Development in Infancy

What is the age range defined as infancy?

Birth to 2 years.

What significant physical change occurs in an infant's weight during the first year?

An infant's weight almost triples.

How does the brain's weight change from birth to age 2?

At birth, the brain is ¼ of its adult weight and reaches ¾ of adult weight by age 2.

What is myelination and why is it important for brain development?

Myelination is the process where fat cells encase axons, making signal transmission more efficient.

What happens to unused neural connections in the brain?

Unused connections disappear through a process known as pruning.

What is the significance of early experiences in brain development?

Early experiences shape brain architecture and determine how the brain develops.

What is the difference between sensitive and critical periods in brain development?

Sensitive periods are times when the brain is particularly receptive to certain experiences, while critical periods are specific windows when certain skills must be acquired.

What are some benefits of breastfeeding for infants?

Protection against disease, lower risk for allergic reactions, stronger bones, advanced cognitive development, easier transitions to solid food, and lower risk for obesity.

What are some benefits of bottle feeding?

Allows others to feed the baby, provides a viable alternative for mothers unable to breastfeed, and most formulas offer sufficient nutrition.

What is the primary focus of Piaget's cognitive development theory in infants?

Infants actively participate in cognitive development through adaptation and building schemas.

What is object permanence and when does it typically develop?

Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, typically developing around 8 to 9 months.

What is the core knowledge approach in cognitive development?

It suggests that infants are born with pre-wired knowledge domains.

What are the two types of memory described in infancy?

Implicit memory (no conscious recollection) and explicit memory (conscious memory of facts and experiences).

What role does social interaction play in language development?

Social interaction is critical for language development, particularly through reciprocal communication.

What is the typical vocabulary development timeline for infants?

By 13 months, infants understand 50 words; by 18 months, they can speak 50 words.

What is the vocabulary spurt and when does it occur?

The vocabulary spurt is a rapid increase in vocabulary that occurs between 13 months and 2 years.

What are some challenges parents may face when caring for infants?

Challenges include concerns about optimizing cognitive and language development, managing feeding issues, and ensuring a supportive environment.

How does the prefrontal cortex contribute to cognitive development?

The prefrontal cortex is involved in higher-level thinking and self-regulation.

What is the significance of the looking chamber in infant studies?

It is used to study visual preferences and face recognition in infants.

What are the implications of neglect on child development?

Neglect can cause lasting harm to a child's development due to the absence of caregiver responsiveness.

What is the importance of a warm and supportive environment for infants?

It leads to greater neural connections and a higher capacity for emotions and relationships.

What is the role of imitation in infant learning?

Imitation serves as a means of learning for infants.

What is the impact of conditioning on infant behavior according to Skinner's theory?

Infant behavior is likely to recur if it is followed by a reward.

What is the significance of the Stats Can study on co-sleeping?

It highlights that many parents co-sleep for practical reasons and outlines associated risk factors.

What should new parents be reassured about if they cannot breastfeed?

They should be reassured that formula is a sufficient alternative for infant nutrition.