A nurse in a clinic is assessing the weight of an infant. Which infant’s weight indicates to the nurse that the infant’s weight is normal for the infant’s age?

Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial developmentis a framework that explains how people evolve emotionally and socially across their lifespan. He proposed that human development unfolds in eight distinct stages, each marked by a central conflict that must be resolved for healthy psychological growth.

Rationale for correct answer:

B.According to Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, the stage for infants is trust vs. mistrust. When caregivers consistently meet an infant's physical and emotional needs, the child learns the world is safe and predictable, forming the basis for future secure relationships and emotional regulation. Meeting needs such as feeding, comfort, and holding does not spoil an infant.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

A.“She just needs love and attention. Don’t worry; she’s too young to spoil.”This is partially correct, but lacks developmental context. While it affirms the infant can't be spoiled, it doesn’t explain the importance of consistent caregivingin promoting trust and security.

C.“Infants need to be fed and cleaned; if you’re sure those needs are met, just let her cry.”Ignoring cries, even when physical needs are met, can cause distress and erode trust. Crying is an infant’s only communication tool. Emotional comfort is a legitimate need, and withholding it can be harmful.

D.“Consistency in meeting needs is important, but you’re right, holding her too much will spoil her.”Infants cannot be spoiled by being held or comforted. This response reinforces harmful myths and undermines appropriate bonding and attachment behaviors.

Take home points

• Infants cannot be spoiled; they rely on consistent caregiving to feel secure.
• Prompt, nurturing responses to distress foster trust, emotional health, and future autonomy.
• Nurses should educate caregivers using evidence-based, developmentally appropriate guidance, especially when addressing myths rooted in cultural or generational beliefs.

Developmental milestonesare age-specific tasks and behaviors most children can do within a certain age range. They guide parents and healthcare professionals in monitoring a child's development and identifyingpotential developmental delays. The milestones are categorized into different areas, such as motor skills, sensory development, language, and social skills.

Rationale for correct answer:

A.By 10 to 12 months, most infants begin to say simple words like “mama” or “dada” with meaning. They also understand basic instructions like “no” or “bye-bye”, use gestures like pointing or waving, and attempt to imitate speech sounds. This stage marks the beginning of expressive languageused to meet basic needs.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

B.Age 1–2 years:While vocabulary expands rapidly during this stage (up to 50+ words), first simple wordstypically begin before 12 months, making this slightly late for the initiation of verbal communication.

C.Age 6–9 month:Infants this age begin babbling(e.g., “ba-ba,” “da-da”) but these are not yet meaningful words. Communication is mostly nonverbal (smiles, cries, gestures).

D.Age 2–3 years:By this age, children usually form two- to three-word sentencesand have a vocabulary of several hundred words. This stage reflects complex communication, not the beginning of speech.

Take home points

• Infants typically say first meaningful words around 10–12 months.
• Language development is closely tied to nutritional and neurological health.
• Early language delays may indicate hearing issues, developmental delays, or nutritional deficits and should prompt further assessment.
• Nurses play a key role in monitoring milestones and guiding caregivers on what to expect and when to seek help.