Study finds babies born during pandemic show slower development

SALISBURY, Md- Researchers from the Colombia Medical School have found that children born in the pandemic are falling behind on key markers for childhood development. The study originally set out to test if there was a difference in motor skills and socio-emotional learning between babies based on if the mother had covid during pregnancy.

The results however showed lower results across the board from both groups, suggesting that the stressors of the pandemic both in the months leading up to and after birth contributed to hindered development in key markers for children under 6 months old.

The study points to high levels of stress in mothers as well as a lack of socialization through programs like daycare and child-care, both in low supply during the pandemic.
Local child psychologists tell us, while that may be a cause for concern, children can still bounce back.

“There’s a lot that we can do to intervene there are a lot of ways to catch up and a lot of interventions that can happen to support kids a young as these infants,” said Dr. Leah Orchinik of Nemours Children’s Health.

Experts say the number one way parents can help is to reduce their stress levels when interacting with their children and engaging in extended activities with kids.

Those include playing games, reading, and talking back to your child when they babble.
Dr.Orchinik tells us, many of the markers used by the researchers in the Columbia University study are readily available in pediatric offices, and that parents worried their child may be falling behind should schedule an appointment.