Characteristics of Babyhood

After infancy the next important stage in the life span is babyhood. This stage occupies the first two years of life after infancy and will be discussed under the headings-characteristics, pattern of development and hazards in babyhood.

Characteristics of Babyhood

Babyhood is the true foundation age- Because at this time, many behavior patterns, attitudes and emotional experience are being established. It is found that personality maladjustment in adulthood had their origin in unfavorable childhood experience. The first two years are critical in setting the pattern for personal and social adjustment, providing a rich social life for a twelve to fifteen month old child is the best thing you can do to guarantee a good mind .

Babyhood is a age of rapid growth & change - Babies grow rapidly both physically & psychologically. There is change in appearance and capacities. Limbs develop. Body proportions change. Intellectual growth takes place and baby's ability to recognize & respond to people and objects become visible. They understand and communicate their needs.

Babyhood is an age of decreasing dependency - Results from the rapid development of body control to sit, stand and walk. Negativism is one of the outstanding characteristics of the closing months of babyhood.

Babyhood is the age of increased individuality - Individuality is shown in appearance and in pattern of behaviour and then leads to treating them as individuals.

Babyhood is the beginning of socialization- They learn to be a part of the social group by attachment behaviour. They win the attention of others and develop strong emotional ties.

Babyhood is the beginning of sex-role typing - Indirectly girls are sex - role typed in babyhood by being permitted to cry and show other signs of 'Female Weakness' which are discouraged in boy babies.

Babyhood is an appealing age - They are attracted by many especially when they are dressed well.

Babyhood is the beginning of creativity - This is the age when they are learning to develop interest and attitudes that will lay the foundation for creativity.

Babyhood is a hazardous age - among the physical hazards, illness and accidents are the most serious because they often lead to permanent disabilities or to death. Since behaviour patterns, interests and attitude are established during babyhood, serious psychological hazards can result if poor foundations are laid at this time.