Infancy and Childhood
The first year after birth is calledinfancy. Infancy is a period of very fast growth. During
infancy, the baby doubles in length and triples in weight. Other important changes also
occur during infancy.
- The baby teeth start to come in, usually at about six months of age (Figure22.8).
- The baby starts smiling, paying attention to other people, and grabbing toys.
- The baby begins making babbling sounds. By the end of the first year, the baby is
starting to say a few words, such as “Mama” and “Dada.” - The baby learns to sit, crawl, and stand. By the end of the first year, the baby may
be starting to walk.
Figure 22.8: This baby is six months old, and his baby teeth have started to come in. Babies
often chew on toys or other objects when they are getting new teeth. They may even chew
on their toes, as this baby is doing. Putting things in their mouth also helps them learn
about the world. What do you think this baby might be learning by putting his toes in his
mouth? ( 5 )
Childhoodbegins after the baby’s first birthday and continues until the teens. Between
one and three years of age, a child is called a toddler. During the toddler stage, growth
is still rapid, but not as fast as it was during infancy. A toddler learns many new words.
The child even starts putting together words in simple sentences. Motor skills also develop
quickly during this stage. By age three, most children can run and climb steps. They can
hold crayons and scribble with them. They can also feed themselves. Most children are toilet
trained by age three, as well.