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Lifespan Development

What Does Psychology Say?

Lifespan DevelopmentWhat Does Psychology Say?
On the left, an infant nurses. On the right, a baby is held and smiles.
Figure 4.1 Infants show the beginnings of their individuality and personality through emotional and social behaviors, such as bonding activities like making eye contact during nursing and smiling while interacting with a parent. (credit left: modification of work “Young baby in a cradle hold” by Mothering Touch/Flickr, CC BY 2.0; credit right: modification of work “Wrapsody Artisan Ring Sling: Ceylon” by Kristi Hayes-Devlin/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

Chapter Outline

4.1 Autonomy and Sense of Self in Infants and Toddlers
4.2 Temperament and Personality in Infants and Toddlers
4.3 Emotional Development in Infants and Toddlers
4.4 Social Development in Infants and Toddlers
4.5 Social Contexts and Influences in Infants and Toddlers

Sarah and Amelia love their baby Asher, but they find the transition to life with a newborn challenging. Both mothers are sleep deprived and anxious. Like most new parents, they’re also worried about making mistakes.

Asher is now eight weeks old and quite fussy. He cries until his face turns red but seems satisfied after Sarah nurses him. Amelia often places Asher in a sling and takes him for a walk. It works every time, but only briefly.

Family and friends have been offering their advice. Amelia’s father says, “You’re going to spoil that baby if you keep picking him up,” while Amelia’s mother interjects: “Turn on that cartoon with the monster trucks! He’ll like that!” Meanwhile, the mommy blogs keep saying screentime is bad for babies. Amelia looks at her son’s face as he naps in her arms. Like many caregivers, she feels overwhelmed by conflicting advice and wonders:

  • Will picking up a crying baby spoil them?
  • Are baby boys born with a preference for toy trucks and the color blue?
  • Is screen time bad for infants?
  • Is day care or family home care better for infant development?

In this chapter, you’ll learn what current research says about questions like these.

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