Lecture on Biosocial Development in the First Two Years

Overview

• Focuses on biosocial development (biological and social factors) from birth to two years.
• Covers growth, nutrition, brain development, neonatal states, abilities, motor development, and immunizations.

Growth

• Rapid growth in first two years; weight and height increase substantially.
• Percentiles: Used to compare a child's growth against averages.
  • 50th percentile is average.
  • Example: 75th percentile means taller than average.
• Average birth statistics: 7.5 pounds, 20 inches tall.
• By 2 years: 30 pounds, 34 inches tall (~50% of adult height).
• Head Sparing: Brain growth prioritized during malnutrition.

Nutrition

• Breastfeeding:
  • Provides all necessary nutrients for first 4-6 months.
  • Breastfeeding benefits include reduced risks of breast cancer, obesity, asthma, and certain diseases.
  • 81% breastfed at birth; 50% by 6 months.
• Formula: Alternative due to convenience or health issues.
• Malnutrition issues more prevalent in poorer regions but decreasing globally.
  • Protein-Calorie Malnutrition affects 8% of world children.
  • Chronic Malnutrition impacts brain development and increases disease risk.

Brain Development

• Neurons: 100 billion at birth; 70% in the cortex.
  • Cortex responsible for thinking, feeling, sensing.
• Pruning: Elimination of unnecessary neurons, critical for cognitive development.
• Brain Regions:
  • Cortex: Thinking and processing.
  • Prefrontal Cortex: Planning, impulse control.
  • Limbic System: Emotions and memory.
• Early experiences shape brain development.

Neonatal States and Abilities

• States: Alert inactivity, waking activity, crying, sleeping.
• Sleep is crucial for brain maturation and growth.
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention includes sleeping on the back.
• Senses: Present but immature at birth; develop rapidly with exposure.

Motor Development

• Gross Motor Skills: Movement of large muscles (e.g., crawling, walking).
  • Develop progressively from wiggling to running by 16 months.
• Fine Motor Skills: Small muscle movements (e.g., grasping).
  • Develop from reaching to using utensils by age two.
• Development requires muscle strength, brain development, and practice.

Immunizations

• Vaccinations are crucial for preventing diseases like measles, whooping cough.
• Vaccines do not cause autism; misinformation leads to resurgence of diseases.

Conclusion

• Understanding biosocial development helps in recognizing the critical needs and stages of growth in early childhood.