Question
An infant has just started to watch his mother intently when she talks to him. He has not yet started smiling back. What is the approximate age of the child?
| A. |
4 weeks
|
| B. |
6 weeks
|
| C. |
8 weeks
|
| D. |
12 weeks
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » A
Explanation
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|
At 4 weeks (1 month), an infant:
- Fixes and follows the mother’s face.
- Watches the mother attentively when she speaks.
- Begins to recognize familiar faces and voices.
- Has not yet developed a social smile, which typically appears at 6–8 weeks.
Thus, the described developmental stage corresponds most closely to 4 weeks.
Social Development Milestones
1 Month (4 weeks)
- Fixes and follows faces.
- Watches mother’s face attentively.
- Responds to sounds.
- No social smile yet.
6 Weeks
2 Months (8 weeks)
- Social smile well established.
- Coos and vocalizes.
- Recognizes parents.
3 Months (12 weeks)
- Laughs aloud.
- Smiles readily.
- Good social interaction.
- Improved head control.
