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Elizabeth Irvine

Elizabeth Irvine

Nurse, mother of three, award-winning author and media spokesperson...

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Paula Statman

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Loren Slocum

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Puzzled Parents

As a new mom, you may often feel clueless about babies. Well, you’re in good company.
 
A recent study performed by the University of Rochester revealed that nearly a third of U.S. parents know surprisingly little about infant development.
 
A national sample of parents representing more than 10,000 9-month-old babies completed an 11-question survey which asked developmental questions such as ‘Should a 1-year-old child be able to tell between right from wrong?’ and ‘Should a 1-year-old child be ready to begin toilet-training?’ The answer to both questions is no, by the way—though if you can introduce us to the parent who taught a one-year-old to use the potty, we'd like to give 'em a prize!

Just 31% of parents answered four or fewer of the questions correctly, and researchers believe this lack of understanding could be harmful to a baby. The infant could either be under stimulated, or have unrealistic expectations placed on it.
 
While many books exist on pregnancy milestones, far fewer exist for infant development milestones. Researchers hope their study will prompt pediatricians to better educate new parents during well-baby visits.
 
Guess there's some validity to that pending law about requiring people to take parenting classes, after all...Did you feel adequately informed about your baby’s development milestones? What resources were helpful to you in gaining understanding about your infant?
 
 

Posted: 5/28/08