Infancy Parenting Introduction

image by Anne Norman (lic)This topic center covers parenting and child development of infant children (ages 0-2). For a complete review of the theories of child development upon which this article is based, please visit our Child and Adolescent Development topic center. For coverage of child development and parenting topics applicable to preschool children (early childhood aged 3 to 7 please visit our Early Childhood Parenting and Child Development topic center. For information on parenting and child development of middle childhood children (ages 8 to 11), please visit our Middle Childhood Parenting and Development center and Child Development Theory: Middle Childhood center. For information on parenting adolescents (ages 12-24), please visit our Adolescence Child Development and Parenting and Child Development Theory: Adolescence topic center.

Coming home from the hospital for the first time with a tiny person who depends entirely on you for all his needs can be a daunting prospect. It's normal for new parents and caregivers to feel a mixture of excitement, joy, and love along with some anxiety, fear, and a little trepidation. However, with some technical and developmental know-how, coupled with the love and support of family friends, time, and patience, new parents can feel like capable professionals.

This document will provide new parents and caregivers the concrete, everyday knowledge they need to care for babies ages birth to two years. It will provide information on how they can safely and expertly meet basic needs such as feeding, bathing, dressing, carrying, soothing, stimulation, and discipline. It will also help parents and caregivers understand how to work with pediatricians to monitor and maintain their baby's health, including in-depth information on vaccinations and common illnesses.