Behavioural development of Indian infants from birth to six months

Summary Observations regarding behavioural growth of infants studied longitudinally from birth to six months, are reported. It was seen that the infants in our study were more advanced in behavioural development, than those of more advanced countries. None of the infants with above average birth weight had delayed milestones. The infants with less than average birth weight had delayed milestones during the first quarter, but caught up with the rest, during the second quarter. A positive relation between quarter weight increments and attainment of be haviour manifestations was found in both quarters. Poor socio-economic conditions, and lack of education in the mother adversel affected the behavioural development during the first quarter, but not in the second quarter. The minor and moderate illnesser recorded seemed to have a somewhat adverse effect on the developmental mile stones.