Are Babies of Lockdown at a Disadvantage?

When do babies learn to talk? When should a baby start walking? These are common questions in the subject of baby development. While we all have an idea of the ‘right’ age to do these things, there are so many factors that can influence baby learning and development. Considering the current climate, we explore the question of whether a lockdown baby could be at a disadvantage from a developmental standpoint.

Should we be Worried about Baby Development due to the Pandemic?

Is a baby born during the pandemic really at a disadvantage when it comes to development? This is a question that we simply cannot quantify. After all, we have all come from different walks of life and we have all faced different challenges, some of which have put us at a disadvantage and others that have not.

However, it is important to consider how the pandemic and its restrictions may impact baby learning and development, so that we can be in the best possible place to counteract this and ensure it does not have a negative impact on our infants. There is much research being done into this complex subject.

In one report, entitled Babies in Lockdown, more than 5,000 parents were interviewed. The report concluded that 68 per cent of respondents said that their ability to deal with their baby had been impacted due to the pandemic. In fact, almost 90 per cent stated that they were more anxious as a consequence. And experts know that the feelings and thoughts of parents can easily be passed onto children.

However, the findings were very interesting with regard to baby behaviour and development. Almost half of the parents surveyed stated that their baby had become clingier since the pandemic and around 25 per cent stated that their baby had been crying more than usual.

We also need to consider the fact that parents and their children have not been able to see health professionals or key personnel in their children’s development face-to-face during this period, which could be cause further anxiety.

Those working in childhood development are continually looking for fresh and innovative ways to combat the impact of societal challenges on baby development and while this challenge is a rather new one, it is one those passionate about child development will certainly rise to.