Observation of Infant SG and Child Development

Physical Advancement

SG spent many of the time the observation was done asleep. When SG was awake though, a few experiments were conducted to evaluate her reflexes. SG showed constant signs of every reflex other than the Stepping, and Tonic neck reflex. SG was not able to hold her head up individually yet, and didn't reveal any indications of other motor advancement turning points (Berk 2010, 107.) SG's eating practices seemed to be on a schedule with her sleeping habits too. SG was being bottle fed.

She consumed shortly after the observation started and awoke once again quickly before the observation ended.

Cognitive Development

" Piaget believed that babies and toddlers think with their eyes, ears, hands, and other sensorimotor equipment" (Berk 2010, 152.) On Piaget's Sensorimotor Stage, SG would be classified in sub stage 2. This classification was based upon the method SG would open her mouth for a bottle and a pacifier. Also when SG woke up and required bottle she would weep up until she saw her mother enter the space.

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SG's language advancement only included weeping and cooing. The baby appeared to only weep when she required a diaper change or to be fed.

Social and Personality Advancement

SG seemed to general be a pleased baby. During the observation the infant revealed no indications of colic. The mother and dad of SG were extremely caring and supplied an excellent stable home for her. SG was not overlooked by neither the mother nor dad. Both parents seemed to be patient and loving towards the infant.

SG would weep when she required to be fed or have her diaper changed and her mom would alter it and soothe her weeping. SG was fed twice during the observation. As soon as at the beginning by her mother, and in the future during the observation by SG's uncle.

The infant took the bottle well when it was given by the mother. Opposed to when SG’s uncle tried to feed her, she didn’t take the bottle so well at first. SG’s uncle had only seen her twice before. The fact that SG struggled to take the bottle from her uncle shows signs of Erickson’s theory of Trust vs mistrust. “Basic trust versus mistrust results in trust when the child receives sympathetic and loving care. The mistrustful baby cannot count on the kindness and compassion of others, so she protects herself by withdrawing from people.” (Berk 2010, 184)

Important Information learned

By observing Infant SG, I realized that although the parents were showing a lot of love and compassion by holding SG they also may have deferred some of her motor skills. A child must be given the opportunity to build strength and explore their environment. It seemed that they were “suffocating” her in a way. Not allowing her to develop as quickly. Which is not necessarily a bad thing because she’s a baby, but according to the textbook SG seems to be a little slow in the developmental process.

Reference

Berk, L.E. (2010). Development through the Lifespan, 5th ed. Allyn & Bacon.