Source: bing.comTable of Contents
Introduction
As parents, we all want to know when our babies will start to develop cognitive skills. Cognition refers to the mental processes that enable us to acquire, process, store, and use information. It includes perception, attention, memory, language, problem-solving, and decision-making. In this article, we’ll explore the different stages of cognitive development in babies, from birth to 2 years old. We’ll also discuss how you can support your baby’s learning and growth during this critical period.
Birth to 6 months
At birth, your baby’s brain is already wired to process sensory information, such as sounds, sights, smells, and touch. Your baby can hear your voice and recognize your face, even though they can’t see very well yet. During the first few months of life, your baby will start to develop more sophisticated perceptual abilities, such as the ability to distinguish between different colors, shapes, and patterns. They’ll also start to differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar voices and faces.At around 4 months, your baby will start to reach for objects and put them in their mouth, which helps them learn about the texture, shape, and taste of different things. They’ll also start to develop their sense of cause and effect, such as realizing that when they push a button, a toy makes a sound.
6 to 12 months
Between 6 and 12 months, your baby’s cognitive abilities will continue to grow rapidly. They’ll start to understand simple words and phrases, such as “mama” and “dada,” and respond to their name. They’ll also start to imitate sounds and gestures, such as waving goodbye.During this period, your baby will also start to develop object permanence, which means they’ll understand that an object still exists even if they can’t see it. For example, if you hide a toy under a blanket, your baby will look for it because they know it’s still there.Your baby will also start to explore their environment more actively, crawling, and eventually walking. This helps them learn about spatial relationships, such as the distance between objects and the layout of a room.
12 to 24 months
Between 12 and 24 months, your baby’s cognitive skills will continue to develop rapidly, and they’ll start to use words and phrases to communicate more effectively. They’ll also start to understand simple instructions, such as “give me the ball” or “come here.”During this period, your baby will also start to develop problem-solving skills, such as figuring out how to open a drawer or untie a knot. They’ll also start to categorize objects based on their size, shape, and color.Your baby will also start to develop a sense of self, recognizing themselves in a mirror and understanding that they’re separate from other people. They’ll start to show empathy and understand other people’s emotions, such as hugging someone who’s sad.
Conclusion
In conclusion, babies develop cognition from birth, and their cognitive abilities grow rapidly during the first two years of life. As parents, you can support your baby’s cognitive development by providing a stimulating and nurturing environment, talking to them, and reading to them. Remember that every baby develops at their own pace, and there’s no need to compare your baby’s progress to others. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, and enjoy watching your baby grow and learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do babies start to understand language?
A: Babies start to understand simple words and phrases between 6 and 12 months, and they start to use words and phrases to communicate between 12 and 24 months.
Q: How can I support my baby’s cognitive development?
A: You can support your baby’s cognitive development by providing a stimulating and nurturing environment, talking to them, and reading to them.
Q: Is it normal if my baby’s cognitive development is slower than others?
A: Every baby develops at their own pace, and there’s no need to compare your baby’s progress to others. If you’re concerned about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician.
Q: What is object permanence?
A: Object permanence is the understanding that an object still exists even if it’s out of sight. Babies develop this skill between 6 and 12 months.
Q: How can I celebrate my baby’s milestones?
A: You can celebrate your baby’s milestones by taking photos, creating a scrapbook, or simply giving them lots of hugs and kisses.