May 1, 2024
Updated June 22, 2025
20 minute read
A Comprehensive Guide to Infant Development
Infant development is a captivating field that explores the extraordinary journey of growth and change from birth through the first few years of life. It's a period of foundational development, where tiny humans acquire an astonishing array of skills and abilities at a rapid pace. This area of study examines how infants develop physically, how their thinking and understanding of the world (cognitive abilities) emerge, and how they learn to interact with others and manage their emotions (social-emotional development). Understanding this critical window is not just an academic pursuit; it informs how we care for, educate, and support our youngest members of society to help them reach their full potential.
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Find a path to becoming a Infant Development. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Infant Development.
Comprehensive overview of infant development, covering all aspects from conception to age two. It is written in a clear and concise style and is well-referenced.
This classic work by John Bowlby is one of the most influential books ever written on infant development. It presents Bowlby's theory of attachment, which has been highly influential in the field.
Focuses on cognitive development in infancy, covering topics such as object permanence, language development, and problem-solving. It is written by a leading expert in the field.
Focuses on social-emotional development in infancy, covering topics such as attachment, emotion regulation, and peer relationships. It is written by a leading expert in the field.
Focuses on language development in infancy, covering topics such as speech perception, vocabulary development, and grammar.
Provides a comprehensive overview of child development, from infancy to adolescence. It is written in a clear and concise style and is well-referenced.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/rx141p/infant