Do you think your baby's development has been hindered by lockdown?

[gratitutesmynewattitude]

I had my baby in Jan 2020, so most of her time in lockdown, she is now 1 years old. I think she has developed ok, seems very happy, but maybe not so chatty as she could be 🙁 I know baby's vary on this. I find conversation hard when it's so one sided. I try to name things a lot and do some repetitive activities, sing the same songs, but honestly it can get quite boring and she doesn't say anything back. And with no visitors she can't experience people talking. She does babble, but is at home all day with just me and my DH is working out of the house long hours KW. I do some KW work too when she naps, but I'm only part time flexi. So I can't sit with her all day as have house stuff to do also as I can't do it when she's sleeping.

Honestly, I didn’t notice til they went to nursery (only child). The speed at which they’ve developed opened my eyes to how much our bubs missed out last year. I suspect the effect is less pronounced in kids with sibs - but it could be mine is lazy! We suddenly have a cacophony of words and they’re finally showing interest in walking.

I think nursery staff are true heroes for staying open through this, Early years really is critical and I know for some of them it has been a really difficult and worrying decision but I hope all parents who use them are making it clear how much they value the staff. I wish the gov would do more to support such a critical sector.

At that age all they want and need is you. Baby groups are where they get poked in the eye by another crawling baby, stood on by a humphing great toddler, and every time they go for a toy a bigger one gets there first.

No, DS2 was born in January 2020 and seems similar to DS1 development wise.

He learnt to walk about a week before his birthday and has one clear word and 2 other words he says occasionally. He also likes scribbling on paper (DS1 is home learning) and pointing the remote at the tv. He can eat with a spoon and use a sippy cup.

DS1 at the same age could stand up but not walk by himself but had a few more words. He could eat with a spoon but not as well as DS2.

A one year old mostly learns from their primary carer

Having said that he does have an older sibling at home and sees his grandparents most days...do you have anyone you can make a support bubble with?

I think the reverse; spending so much time at home with me and DH has really helped his development and particularly his level of attachment/security which is so important at this age.

You do realise that a generation or so again, babies were just dumped to sleep outside in their prams for 8 hours a day. And yet they all managed.

@OiAlexaShutUp I still do that if we come back from a walk I'll happily park her in the garden rather than wrestle the snowsuit off her and risk waking her up. I do watch out the window with a cuppa !

@Camomila it's tricky with DH's job we have a higher risk of Covid exposure and both sets of GPs haven't wanted to come since October really. Did see both sides on Xmas day, but took some convincing. They are all a reasonable distance away, so it's not just easy to pop over or do a socially distanced meet up. I know people to walk with, but it's more that playing with another adult, being around different people and seeing other children. @Witchend that did make me laugh, I will steal a few toys off her to replicate !