There are many different factors that influence an infant or toddler’s development in all three areas. To name a few: technology, nutrition, and the environment all play a key role in how a child matures.
To begin, technology and the increasing popularity of it have drastically changed how children are raised. The world is moving at a much faster rate with smartphones, iPads, and watches to constantly keep us connected and busy. Although this new and improving technology can have both positive and negative implications on a young child’s development. For example, according to the International Journal of Childbirth Education, the rate of smartphone usage has increased and in turn, the rate of nonfatal accidental injuries in children 0-5 has increased because parents are more distracted. There are also studies that have shown that infants and toddlers can potentially have delayed language development because they are not interacting with other people but instead with a screen. On the other hand, there are positive aspects to this. For example, iPads offer an easy way for young children to play games that can improve their cognitive development. There are millions of apps for children to learn their colors, numbers, and more while they think they are just playing a fun game. If parents are careful with how their children use this technology it can be very beneficial. One way parents can control the amount of time their child spends with technology is via the settings on an iPad where they can control how much screen time they are allotted per day.
Next, proper nutrition specifically while a child is very young is essential for proper growth and development. For infants, feeding time can be used to bond with their caregiver and establish routine. When the child is old enough to participate in family meals they can start improving on the social aspect of feeding time. A lot of the time, children will mimic the feeding patterns and habits of family members. This makes it important for parents to be conscious of their eating habits because they will often be passed down to their children. Many times, parents will have difficulty making the transition from a cooperative infant during mealtime to a toddler who wants to be defiant and independent. The solution to this is to be patient with that child and encourage them to be independent and learn for themselves.
Finally, where a child plays, eats, and sleeps are all included in the environmental factors that affects their development. When a child is surrounded by easily accessible toys and are given positive relationships with their caregivers, they are more likely to thrive than a child who does not have access to these things. For example, a toddler who can reach toys like dolls, blocks, and stuffed animals on a low shelf will have more opportunities to learn and explore which in turn furthers their development. Also, a child who is placed in an environment with caring parents who are willing to spend time with them is more likely to be compassionate to others when they mature.
source: http://www.child-encyclopedia.com/child-nutrition/according-experts/feeding-behaviour-infants-and-young-children-and-its-impact-child