Early On Michigan

Understanding Early Development: Newborn, Infant, and Toddler Stages

Child development happens in clear but overlapping stages, each with its own focus and milestones.

The newborn stage (birth to 3 months) is centered on adjustment, bonding, and basic survival needs.

Babies at this stage are learning to regulate through sleep, feeding, and connection with caregivers.

They rely heavily on reflexes and respond best to touch, soothing voices, and consistent care.

The infant stage (3–12 months) brings rapid growth in movement, communication, and curiosity about the world.

Babies begin rolling, sitting, crawling, and exploring objects with more intentional play.

They also develop early communication skills like babbling, gestures, and recognizing familiar voices and faces.

The toddler stage (1–3 years) focuses on independence, emotional expression, and early language growth.

Toddlers begin walking, climbing, and using words or short phrases to communicate needs and feelings.

Big emotions are common during this stage as self-control skills are still developing.

Across all stages, connection, consistency, and responsive caregiving are the foundation for healthy development.

Understanding these differences helps caregivers support children in ways that match their stage of growth.



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🗣️✨ Milestone Monday ✨🗣️

At 4 years old, children are becoming strong communicators! You may notice them speaking in complete sentences, telling stories, using basic grammar, and being understood by most people. 📚💬

Every child develops at their own pace, but knowing language and communication milestones can help you feel confident—or know when to ask questions. Trust your instincts and act early if you have concerns. 💙

👉 Learn more and track milestones at CDC.gov/ActEarly—free tools for families and caregivers to support development every step of the way.

Supporting Young Children with ADHD

ADHD in young children often shows up as big energy, impulsivity, emotional intensity, and difficulty with focus or transitions.

These behaviors are not about defiance—they reflect a developing nervous system that processes stimulation differently.

One of the most helpful supports is structure, with predictable routines that reduce overwhelm and uncertainty.

Clear, simple instructions work best, since too much language can be hard to process in the moment.

Movement is also essential—frequent breaks for jumping, climbing, pushing, or running help the body regulate.

Many children with ADHD benefit from “heavy work” activities that provide calming sensory input.

Positive reinforcement and immediate feedback can be more effective than delayed consequences.

Co-regulation is key, meaning adults stay calm and model emotional control during big feelings.

Transitions can be especially challenging, so warnings and visual cues can help prepare the brain for change.

Sleep, nutrition, and reduced overstimulation also play an important role in overall regulation.

Most importantly, connection builds cooperation—children do better when they feel understood and supported.

With the right tools and environment, children with ADHD can thrive, learn, and grow confidently.



Image credit: GoZen: Anxiety Relief for Children

Early Intervention May Improve Academic Outcomes by 3rd Grade for Children with Developmental Disabilities

Children who received Early Intervention services before age 3 were more likely to meet third-grade academic standards in math and English language arts, according to a study by researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and the New York City Health Department.

Learn more at https://phys.org/news/2026-03-early-intervention-academic-outcomes-grade.html

Understanding the Difference Between Speech & Language Development

Speech and language are closely connected, but they are not the same thing.

Speech refers to how a child says sounds and words, including pronunciation, voice, and clarity.

Language refers to how a child understands and uses communication to express thoughts, needs, and ideas.

A child can have strong language skills but still struggle with speech sounds.

For example, a toddler may know many words and communicate well, but their words may be difficult to understand.

On the other hand, a child may speak clearly but have difficulty understanding directions or forming sentences.

Speech delays may involve trouble producing sounds, stuttering, or limited clarity for their age.

Language delays may involve fewer words, difficulty understanding language, or challenges using words socially.

Early signs of delays can look different in every child, which is why early support matters.

Responsive interaction, play, reading, and everyday conversation all help support communication development.

If concerns arise, reaching out for an evaluation can provide guidance and support without waiting for a child to “grow out of it.”

Understanding the difference between speech and language helps families better support their child’s unique communication needs.



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7 Day-One Priorities That Support Infant Mental Health

The Critical Competencies for Infant–Toddler Educators offer a helpful roadmap: build warm relationships, support communication and regulation, and foster safe exploration.

Enjoy this short article that highlights some of the most important considerations.
https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/building-an-ece-environment-with-iecmh-at-the-core/
ZERO TO THREE

How Heavy Work Activities Help Regulate a Child’s Nervous System

Heavy work activities are movements that involve pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, or carrying weight through the muscles and joints.

These activities provide proprioceptive input, which helps the brain understand where the body is in space.

Proprioceptive input is deeply organizing and calming for many children’s nervous systems.

Heavy work can help children who feel overly active, overwhelmed, anxious, or constantly seeking movement.

Activities like carrying groceries, pushing a laundry basket, climbing playground equipment, or crawling through tunnels all count as heavy work.

Even helping with chores like moving pillows, wiping tables, or watering plants can provide regulating input.

This type of movement gives the body sensory feedback that can improve focus, body awareness, and emotional regulation.

Many children feel calmer, more grounded, and better able to participate after heavy work activities.

Heavy work is often especially helpful before transitions, school tasks, or stressful situations.

These activities are not just “burning energy”—they are supporting the nervous system in feeling safe and organized.

Every child has different sensory needs, so it’s important to notice what types of movement help your child most.

When children receive the sensory input their body needs, behavior, learning, and connection often improve naturally.



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New Look at Early Childhood Brain Development

A recent data release includes several types of behavioral and biomedical data, including information on prenatal health and pregnancy exposures, including substance use and environmental exposures; social and environmental determinants of health; infant brain imaging and EEG activity; cognitive, behavioral and physical assessments; and wearable biosensor data.

Learn more at https://www.uab.edu/news/research-innovation/new-data-release-offers-unprecedented-look-at-early-childhood-brain-development

Age-Appropriate Discipline for a 2-Year-Old

The goal of discipline for a 2-year-old is not punishment—it is teaching, guiding, and supporting development.

Toddlers are still learning how to manage emotions, handle frustration, and communicate their needs.

Their brains are not yet developed enough for strong impulse control or emotional regulation.

Because of this, discipline should focus on connection, safety, and consistent boundaries.

Simple, clear expectations help toddlers understand what is being asked of them.

Instead of long explanations, short phrases like “gentle hands” or “feet stay on the floor” work best.

At this age, children learn through repetition and co-regulation, not fear or shame.

Redirecting behavior, offering choices, and staying calm are often more effective than punishment.

Natural consequences and modeling appropriate behavior help toddlers connect actions with outcomes over time.

It’s also important to remember that tantrums and big emotions are developmentally normal at this stage.

A calm, supportive adult helps toddlers feel safe enough to learn from difficult moments.

Discipline during the toddler years is about building skills, trust, and emotional security—not demanding perfection.



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Children Growing Up with Frequent Conversation Show Stronger Language Abilities

Results from recent research showed a consistent pattern: higher screen time was associated with lower language scores, whereas greater child-adult conversational engagement was associated with higher language outcomes.

Read more at https://phys.org/news/2026-04-daily-habit-quietly-preschool-language.html