Did you know that by the age of six, a child's brain has formed over 1,000 trillion connections?

This
astounding growth happens in just a few short years, making early childhood a period of extraordinary
potential and change. Interactions a child has between these years can shape their entire future From
how they learn to speak to how they handle emotions, these early years are more crucial than we might
realize
now Postnatal development refers to the growth and maturation that occurs after birth, which includes
physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes.
So we’ll be covering birth- 6 years and let’s start things off by diving into the first two years of a child’s
life, I’m going to start by looking at health and well-being

General health in infancy and toddlerhood encompasses physical, emotional, and developmental
well-being. In these early years, key indicators of health include consistent weight gain, achieving
developmental milestones, and maintaining a stable overall physical condition. Regular check-ups,
vaccinations, and a balanced diet are essential components of ensuring good health.

NOW Maintaining infants general health is essential, but what happens when specific health issues
arise? , let’s now look into some specific factors that can impact an infant's health,

starting with low birth weight."

Low Birth Weight

Low birth weight refers to infants who weigh less than 5.5 pounds, or 2.5 kilograms, at birth. This
condition is further categorized into very low birth weight, which is less than 1.500 KG, and
extremely low birth weight, which is under 1 KG.

Globally, approximately 25 million infants born with lbweach year. In India, the situation is particularly
concerning. the prevalence of lbw infants is higher than in neighboring countries like Sri Lanka,
Nepal, Myanmar, and China

primary cause of low birthweight is premature birth. Being born early means a baby has less time in
the mother's uterus to grow and gain weight. Much of a baby's weight is gained during the latter
part of pregnancy.

Another cause of low birthweight is intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This occurs when a baby
does not grow well during pregnancy because of problems with the placenta, The placenta is an
important interface between mother and fetus

ACCORDING TO NATIONAL HEALTH FAMILY SURVEY Mother’s age, educational attainment and
socioeconomic status of living has been highly linked with low rates in India. addiontally
undernutrition among mothers is also a major contributing factor,

other maternal factors include,

tobacco use now both smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, has been linked to LBW.
mothers age being less than 17 or more than 35,
infection during pregnancy
If a previous baby was born with low birth weight (LBW), there is a higher risk that the next
pregnancy may also result in LBW infants

Impact of Premature Birth

Premature birth is when a baby is born before completing 37 weeks of gestation.

In 2020, India recorded the highest number of preterm births globally, representing over 20% of all
preterm births worldwide.

LBW and preterm birth are both leading causes of death in newborns and children under five
months old.The survival chances for premature babies depend heavily on their gestational age and
birth weight.

Most preterm births happen spontaneously It is difficult to predict which pregnancies will end
prematurely. Most often, no specific cause is found for it. We know of a few risk factors, but the
mechanics behind premature labour remain a mystery, so it is difficult to prevent.

but some risk factors include:

1) twin or multiple preganancies: Over 60 percent of twins and nearly all higher-order
multiples are premature (born before 37 weeks). The higher the number of fetuses in the
pregnancy, the greater the risk for early birth.
2) short time between pregnancies: Having a short interval between pregnancies is
associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. When a woman becomes pregnant
shortly after giving birth, her body may not have sufficient time to recover and replenish
nutrients. This can lead to various complications that may contribute to premature labor.
3) stressfull life events: Because Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which can
affect pregnancy outcomes and may lead to preterm labor.

COMPLICATIONS
LBW and premature babies may face various short term challenges including
● respiratory difficulties, because of immature lungs
● feeding issues, which can then lead to not gaining weights
● higher susceptibility to infections.
● Trouble staying warm - hypothermia
● Nervous system problems, such as bleeding inside the brain
 ● Serious digestive problems

Long-term risks might include

● developmental delays
● learning disabilities according to a study done individuals born with LBW have
a higher risk of lower cognitive function
● have higher prevalence of serious emotional and behavioural problems
● Preterm and LBW infants have a higher risk of developmental disabilities including
cerebral palsy .
● The consequences of prematurity and low birth weight also continues into
adulthood, increasing the risk of adult chronic conditions such as and diabetes.
SIDS
There is also sudden infant death syndrome which is describ as a sudden death
of a baby younger than 1 year of age, and it doesn’t have a known cause BUT a
study has shown that babies who are born preterm or have lbw have up to four
times the risk of SIDS than those infants born at term.
Also regarding Sid’s, babies sleeping position is very important
Babies younger than 1 year should always be placed on their backs to sleep and
never on their stomachs or sides

Understanding the challenges associated with low birth weight and preterm birth leads us to
explore interventions that can support these infants. besides NICU One such intervention is
kangaroo care

Kangaroo Care

Kangaroo care, or skin-to-skin contact, mimics how kangaroos care for their young by providing
warmth and security. This practice is recommended by the WHO as a standard care method for low
birth weight (LBW) and preterm babies. Research indicates that kangaroo care can significantly
reduce mortality rates, and prevent infections and hypothermia.

Studies have also shown that infants who experience kangaroo care spend more time in quiet sleep,
which promotes better brain organization. and Remarkably, even just 20 minutes of skin-to-skin
contact can lower a baby’s cortisol levels,easing their stress. This then helps improve nutrient
absorption and digestion while minimizing gastrointestinal problems. With lower levels of these
hormones, infants can preserve their brown fat, which is essential for maintaining birth weight and
regulating body temperature

In conclusion, kangaroo care is a powerful and low-cost intervention that can significantly improve
the health outcomes of low birth weight and premature infants, while also fostering deep
connections between parents and their babies.
VACCINATIONS:
vaccinations during the first two years are not only critical for preventing diseases but also play an
integral role in promoting overall health, cognitive development and emotional well-being,

. By ensuring that all infants receive their vaccinations on schedule, we lay a strong foundation for a
healthy, thriving future. This holistic approach is essential in developmental psychology, where the
emphasis is on the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and social development.

that supporting one aspect—such as through vaccinations—can positively impact others. For
instance, when a child is healthy and free from illness, they are more likely to participate in social
activities, which can enhance their emotional and social skills.

some important vaccines recommended for infants:

1) Hepatitis B (HBV) : Protects against hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver diseases
2) Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)
3) Polio (IPV): Protects against poliomyelitis, which can cause paralysis.
4) Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

5) Varicella (Chickenpox): Protects against chickenpox, which can lead to serious skin infections and
other complications.

6) Influenza (Flu)

END: SO Vaccination is vital for improving public health, reducing morbidity and mortality
among children, and ensuring a healthier future generation but they are just one piece of the
puzzle. To fully support a child's health and development, it's also important to consider other
factors such as nutrition and sleep patterns. SO neelakshi will give you an indepth view of these
elements.