Infant/Toddler challenge

All of a baby's 5 senses are working shortly after birth.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

All 5 senses are working but vision is poor. The newborn can only see about 12 inches at first.

Before they speak, the only way a baby communicates is by crying.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Babies communicate by crying, other noises, facial expressions, and body language.

You should talk to your child even before the child can speak.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Speaking to your child is important in the bonding process AND is absolutely the most critical component for them to develop language skills.

Babies drop things just to annoy us.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

While it can be annoying when they do it over and over, the two reasons why they do it is because they are developing a mental skill called object permanence which is tied to memory and they enjoy repetitive games as part of their social development.

Babies learn better by trying things out or copying what they see rather than being told what to do.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Trial & error and imitation are the two primary ways young children will learn.

A child's brain grows the most rapidly when they enter school.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The child's brain grows most rapidly from birth to 5 years old.

Toddlers should be praised for their efforts even if they don't do things correctly.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Praise is big motivation during their developing independence. Remember Erikson's theory autonomy vs shame and doubt? We don't want to shame them.

Being tired is a major factor in toddler temper tantrums.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Proper sleep routines are very important to help curb behavior problems.

Begin potty training toddlers when they are 2.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

It isn't an age that determines when to potty train. It is a maturity level. When the child begins talking about wetness, indicating displeasure and has awareness of their body, then you can begin.

Infants and toddlers need a lot of stimulation to maximize brain development.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A stimulating environment means books, toys, dialog, interaction, and experiences. All of this aids in developing the brain to its full potential.