Tag: Infant development

According to a 2015 study published in *The Journal of Neuroscience*, sleeping in the **lateral position** is significantly more efficient for the brain's waste clearance system compared to sleeping on your back or stomach. This simple change can have profound implications for overall health.

Did you know that a nursing mother's body uses her own calcium stores to produce milk for her baby? Understanding the crucial function of calcium in nursing is vital for protecting both your health and your baby's development.

Since the "Back to Sleep" campaign began, the incidence of SIDS has decreased significantly, but there has been a corresponding increase in positional plagiocephaly, or "flat head syndrome". This condition, which results from a baby spending too much time in one position, can be managed effectively with early intervention and proper techniques.

Did you know a baby's skull is soft and malleable to accommodate rapid brain growth? This flexibility is why it is normal for a skull to change shape, especially in the first few years of life, but changes can also occur in adulthood due to various factors, including aging and underlying medical conditions.

An infant in its first few months can grow over 1 inch per month, while adult hair typically grows about half an inch in the same timeframe. The seemingly simple question, "how many inches grow in 1 month," actually has multiple answers depending on what is growing and your stage of life.

Overwhelming evidence from child development experts confirms that the proper term for the thumb-and-forefinger grasping motion is **pincer grip**. Despite the common association with the verb “to pinch,” the correct term, rooted in a Latin word for a crab's claw, is *pincer*. This article clarifies the distinction and delves into the importance of this fine motor skill for a child's health.

According to studies on infant development, most babies begin to walk independently within 2-3 months of learning to stand on their own, though this timeline can vary significantly. Understanding how long until walking after standing is a matter of physical readiness and confidence, applicable across all ages.

Experts recommend direct contact for maximum benefits, so when asked, "Is it still skin-to-skin if I wear a bra?" the simple answer is no, it is not. While any close contact is beneficial, the full physiological and emotional effects are achieved through direct, uninterrupted bare chest contact.

Research consistently shows that going barefoot is the optimal way for babies to learn to walk, strengthening muscles and improving balance naturally. So, **Do shoes encourage babies to walk**? Experts overwhelmingly agree that shoes are for protection, not for promoting faster walking.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under 18 months, with the exception of video chatting. This guideline provides a clear answer to a common parental question: Does watching TV help babies? The overwhelming consensus from child development research indicates that it does not.