
The importance of my baby's first 12 months!
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The first 12 months of a baby's life are the most critical period of development, during which the child experiences rapid changes on a physical, emotional and cognitive level. These changes, known as developmental milestones, include first movements, first words, improved social interaction and more. Tracking and recording these milestones in a diary helps not only to store precious memories but also to better understand the baby's development.
The Importance of the First 12 Months:
- Physical development : In the first 12 months, the baby triples his weight and increases significantly in height. Important motor milestones include the ability to hold his head up (at about 3 months), sit up (at about 6 months) and take the first steps (usually between 9-12 months)
- Cognitive development : According to Piaget, the first year corresponds to the sensorimotor stage, during which babies learn through their senses and motor skills. They observe the world, develop their first concepts, and learn to interact with objects.
- Development : The first words appear around 12 months, but the baby begins to understand and respond to language earlier, by producing sounds (babbling) and understanding basic words.
- Socio-emotional development : The baby develops attachment bonds with its caregivers. This relationship is crucial for the development of trust and emotional security. According to Bowlby, secure attachment is important for the social and emotional well-being of the child.
The Advantages of using a Diary for the first 12 months of a baby's life:
Progress tracking : Recording developmental milestones gives moms the ability to accurately track their baby's progress, ensuring that all developmental milestones are occurring normally. Scientific research shows that regular growth tracking can help identify developmental delays
Support for monitoring : Pediatricians often ask for information about a baby's development during regular visits. A diary can provide accurate information about a baby's developmental milestones, nutrition, and health, helping to better manage their health.
Emotional connection and well-being : The process of writing in a journal can act as an emotional boost for the mother. Researchers have found that daily recording of events related to the child can reduce stress and strengthen the emotional connection between mother and child.
Creating memories : The diary will be a tool for memories. By recording important events, the mother creates a record that can be shared with the child in the future, strengthening the emotional connection and sense of family continuity.
Strengthening the child's self-awareness : As he grows up, he can read the diary and recognize himself through his mother's eyes. This process strengthens his self-esteem and sense of belonging.
Conclusion
Documenting the first 12 months of a baby's life is important for both the child's development and the mother's emotional and psychological well-being. With the attention and love given during the recording, a feeling of connection, gratitude and joy is created that lasts a lifetime.
References:
- World Health Organisation. "Child Growth Standards." WHO, 2020.
- Piaget, J. The Origins of Intelligence in Children . International Universities Press, 1952.
- Kuhl, PK "Early Language Acquisition: Cracking the Speech Code." Nature Reviews Neuroscience , vol. 5, no. 11, 2004, pp. 831-843.
- Bowlby, J. Attachment and Loss: Volume 1, Attachment . Basic Books, 1969.
- Glascoe, FP, and Robertshaw, NS "Identification of Children with Developmental Disabilities." Pediatrics in Review , vol. 38, no. 8, 2017, pp. 341-349.
- Council on Children with Disabilities. "Role of the Medical Home in Family-Centered Care." Pediatrics , vol. 110, no. 1, 2002.
- Feldman, R. "Mother-Infant Synchrony and the Development of Communication." Current Directions in Psychological Science , vol. 16, no. 6, 2007, pp. 340-345.
- Nelson, K. "Memory Development from Early Childhood through Emerging Adulthood." Psychological Science , vol. 18, no. 1, 2017, pp. 1-8.
- Taylor, SE The Tending Instinct: Women, Men, and the Biology of Relationships . Henry Holt and Co., 2002.