THE first persons who babies learn to trust are their mothers. Babies rely on their mothers for food, warmth and protection. While fathers and extended family members may assist in the care of the infant, mothers are usually the primary caregivers. As babies grow, whether families realise it or not, they teach babies survival skills and how to interact with others.

Some mothers have ‘baby blues’ after giving birth to their babies. They feel sad and find it hard to bond with their infants, especially if they had a difficult pregnancy or labour. Luckily, these low feelings usually pass after a few days, and the mother can commence (breast)-feeding, cuddling, nurturing and enjoying her bundle of joy.

For some women, the feelings of despair and sadness may not subside. They could have postnatal depression and need assistance from a medical professional. It is crucial for new mothers in this predicament to seek help without delay, especially as their babies need all the love, devotion and attention available during this early stage

Babies learn to make eye contact and smile at people; they show excitement and joy when familiar faces approach them. Even though they cannot speak, they learn to communicate their likes, dislikes, anxieties and pleasures – through interaction with the people around them.

There will come a time, usually around four-months-old, when babies attempt to put things (they grab or find) in their mouths. But through adult guidance and intervention, they learn that not everything is meant to go there. Did you know that babies put things in their mouths for ‘oral exploration’ and not necessarily because they are hungry?

Babies learn about the taste and texture of several objects by this method, and if something is distasteful or feels weird, the chances are they will not try it again. ‘Baby mouthing’ is a key stage of infant development. It can also indicate that the infant’s first tooth is beginning to surface.

For babies to thrive and grow healthily, they need to attach themselves to someone they trust, who will feed and support them, love and care for them consistently, without fail. In the majority of cases, that person is their mother.

Babies are more accustomed to their mother’s voice which they hear from inside the womb; their mother’s arms, smell, and softness are usually their first comfort after birth. A secure attachment with a mother or caregiver leaves a child free to explore his environment and the world, knowing his security is in place. But when a child feels unsure or neglected by his caregiver, his growth is marred. Instead of learning, socialising or exploring, he is distracted and unhappy.

By 6-months-old, most babies can sit unaided as their back and neck muscles are stronger, and with each physical achievement, their cognitive, emotional, language and social skills are also developing. They are getting ready to learn, explore and discover new things.

Caregivers can introduce books to babies from birth, but at 4-6 months old, parents are more likely to grab the infant’s attention with pictures, shapes and colours, even if it is just for a few seconds each time. Babies develop language skills long before they can talk. So when caregivers stimulate their young minds with stories, songs, and nursery rhymes, they give them a head start.

Sitting quietly and cosily sharing a book with a baby is interactive and natural; the child can point to pictures and learn from their caregiver, while feeling comfortable and secure. Babies learn less through the use of iPad, and other digital devices — where they stare at a screen — and more through social contact and communication.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends no screen time for children under the age of two.

Did you know that reading to babies can create a strong bond between the adult and infant? Reading also builds a child’s imagination, vocabulary, language and listening skills.

When babies lack attachment to a primary caregiver, or if the caregiver who was once present goes away, it can have a lasting effect on the developing child’s learning and cognition. It is called ‘maternal deprivation’ in scientific terms. Maternal deprivation causes early-life stress; it can reprogramme an infant’s brain and eventual behaviour in adulthood. Children who suffer from maternal deprivation can have social and emotional difficulties and an increased tendency for aggression in childhood and beyond.

Mothers may neglect their infants or deprive them of the love and attention needed for healthy growth because the child was unplanned. Most teenagers with babies are too young to understand the importance of their role in their child’s development.

A lack of affection and support from her parents, or the absence of the baby’s father, may mean a mother does not possess the warmth and desire to nurture her baby adequately. There are many reasons babies, infants and children miss out on healthy attachments, bonding and nurturing, but the good news is recovery is possible once problems are identified.

By nine-months-old most babies are crawling around and exploring their world with curiosity. They can clap, babble, and even say a few words, imitating sounds encouraged by their caregiver. They need consistent love, security, and attention from their mothers, fathers and caregivers to enable their healthy childhoods.

Did you know that maternal deprivation can result in delinquency in adolescents? Caregivers must be consistent and committed to babies and infants to guarantee their best life outcome.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY,
MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY