The Conundrum of Infant Behavior
No denying the fact, infants are adorable beings, yet they embody a mix of intriguing traits that hardly sync with adult reasoning. Their developing nervous system, absence of life encounters, brains in the maturation stage, and a lack of societal consciousness fundamentally contribute to these peculiar characteristics. Let’s delve into six captivating baby practices that manifest in the initial year.
The Baby Touching Their Genitals
You might be confused to observe your baby touching their genitals during a classic diaper change. This behavior starts around the 5 to 7 month period, asserts DeAnn Davies from Honor Health in Arizona. Though the action is similar to adults, the rationale is radically different—it’s pure inquisitiveness. Babies are energetic explorers and their body is a subject of this exploration.
Dr. Peter Vishton, from the Child Development Research Center, explains that babies are more inclined to touch their genitals because they derive pleasure from it. It is essential to note that genitals are physical components like any other body part. Hence, any negative response may induce feelings of guilt and shame. Always adopt a body-neutral approach to let them learn about their body.
The Moro Reflex – Arm Flailing When Babies are Startled
Babies have developed an automatic behavior known as the Moro reflex, which is actually a defense mechanism against getting dropped. Whenever your baby senses a fall or gets startled, they might fling their arms in a flying posture in order to establish balance. Though it might be surprising to observe the Moro reflex in action, it’s a sign that your infant is developing normally. However, be aware that it can be a bit stressful for your baby.
The Balancing Act of Standing and Returning to a Seated Position
Around the age of 10 months, your baby learns to pull themselves up onto their feet. The struggle starts when they’re unable to determine how to sit again. Sitting back down requires balance, and learning that takes practice. It’s perfectly fine to help your baby, but encourage them to learn the task independently. Let them explore their surroundings and soon they’ll be balancing confidently.
Unexpected Baby Shivers
One moment your baby seems calm and the next, they may start shivering uncontrollably. Davies ascribes these shivers to a neural-system glitch and a part of the development process. A quick check for cold hands can be a good start. But remember, turning up the heating might also provide an immediate solution. Infrequent shivering should not be a basis for worry.
Spontaneous Baby Coughs
Your baby might start coughing suddenly and even repeatedly, without any detectable reason. While this may cause concern, Vishton reassures that babies of about 6 months start understanding the world and the reactions surrounding them. This attention-seeking behavior is a sign that they are developing socially.
Transiency of New Skills
Vishton explains that like an adult who occasionally forgets how to set their DVR, babies too may forget simple actions that brought them attention such as shaking a rattle. Transitioning to new environments might also impact their response, or they might have simply moved on to a new skill. This is a normal part of their developmental progress, so there’s no need for worry.
Frequently Asked Questions: Infant Behavior
Is my baby’s unusual behavior a cause for concern?
Not all unusual behaviors are a cause for concern, as babies have their own unique ways of interacting with the world and these often change as they grow. However, persistent unusual behavior, especially when accompanied by signs of distress, should be reported to a healthcare provider.
What should I do when my baby touches their genitals?
Understand that this touching is normal and part of their self-exploration. Try diverting their attention by handing them a toy, or just let them continue. Always avoid reacting negatively as it can induce feelings of shame.