The Social Development of an Infant

According to Medline Plus, social development involves learning to play and interacting with caregivers and other non-related children. Social development begins early during the infant stage and continues for many years. Social development may vary from one infant to another and may be affected by a child's personality, parenting and temperament.

Significance

• Social development in infants begins as a means to interact with their parents or caregivers. A major aspect of early social development involves an infant's attachment to caregivers and possibly to comfort objects such as a favorite blanket or toy. Infants need to develop social skills to eventually be able to successfully interact with others in later years.

Time Frame

• Social development typically begins around 2 months with smiling and cooing. From 4 to 6 months, most babies begin to babble, laugh and imitate facial expressions. Sometime between 7 and 9 months, most infants begin to exhibit separation and stranger anxiety. By 1 year, most infants initiate interactions with other people, especially family members.

Fostering Social Development

• Socialization often occurs naturally, but it may be fostered by parents as well. Parents can encourage social development by making eye contact with their infants and talking to them often. Also, caregivers should play games such as patty-cake and peekaboo. Hugging and cuddling with infants also promotes social development.

Considerations

• In some cases, hearing or vision problems may result in delayed social skills. A physician can conduct hearing and vision screenings to determine if a problem exists. These problems occur more commonly in premature infants.

Warning

• If an infant fails to make eye contact regularly by 4 to 6 months, a problem may exist. Caregivers should voice concerns to a pediatrician who can determine if the infant requires further evaluation. Failure to make eye contact may be an early sign of a developmental disorder or even autism.