Encouraging Social Development in Infants

Posted On: 09-30-2016

Your infant begins the process of bonding and developing socially from birth. The early months of his life are especially important for this type of development. To make sure your baby has the best chance at proper social development and secure attachment, it’s important to be familiar with simple activities and actions that will help.

Typical Development

Understanding your infant’s typical social development will help you understand which activities can foster her progress. From birth to three months of age, her social development will consist of recognizing primary caregivers and responding to touch and smiles. She will be able to be comforted by someone familiar. After three months of age, she will begin to initiate her own interactions and smile spontaneously.

Responding

According to most doctors, there is no such thing as too much attention during the early months of your infant’s life. Responding to his needs quickly is an effective way to help with his social development because of the bonding that occurs through feeding, bathing, and close contact. Frequent eye contact is also a good way to foster positive attachment with you and your infant.

Other Activities

In addition to responding to your infant’s needs, you can encourage her social development by mirroring her movements and sounds. Your baby benefits most from short and frequent interactions. When she is awake and alert, try reading to her and singing. A very gentle infant massage can be beneficial for attachment as well, so ask her doctor about the best way to perform an infant massage.

Considerations

Keep in mind that attachment with your infant can be delayed by medical issues, postpartum depression, or adoption. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a social delay can also indicate a vision or hearing problem. If you are concerned about your infant’s social development, be sure to mention it to his doctor.

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