Stages of Development> Period of Infancy

Infancy is the first stage in human development. It starts at birth and lasts up to two years. This entire period is important because it sets the base for growth and skills.

• The newborn is adjusting to life outside the mother’s body.
• The baby learns to breathe and eat alone for the first time.
• During these days, the baby’s weight does not increase (sometimes it decreases) because the baby is getting used to the new environment.
• The baby’s movements are not controlled; if one part moves, the whole body moves (mass movement).

• Called the “age of helplessness,” as the baby relies on others for everything—feeding, bathing, sleeping, etc.
• The baby gets toilet training during this time.
• Slowly, the baby starts to gain control over their muscles and movements.
• By the end of the second year, babies learn to eat, drink, walk, talk, and play by themselves.
• Babies show independence—for example, they might insist, “No! I’ll do it myself!” when you try to help.

When a baby tries to eat using a spoon or pick out their own clothes and says, “No! I’ll do it by myself,” that shows independence—a big step in babyhood.

• Infancy lasts from birth to 2 years and includes two stages: Neonatal (0–14 days) and Babyhood (2 weeks–2 years).
• In the neonatal stage, the baby adjusts to breathing and feeding, with uncontrolled body movements and weight loss.
• In babyhood, the child begins gaining muscle control, learns basic skills like eating and walking, and shows independence.
• Example: A baby may try to dress or feed themselves and say, “I’ll do it myself!”