Evidence of developmental continuity from birth to one year: sleep, temperament, problem‐solving, and recognition memory (813.4)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Enhance the understanding of the associations between various cognitive tests and test timing used in nutrition research during the first year of life. METHODS: A longitudinal, prospective, correlational design was used to evaluate if a developmental continuity exists in a single cohort of infants. Infants of women (18‐35 y) with no pregnancy complications (n=27) were assessed using: Sleep (first 48 hours of life); temperament (ICQ 6 & RITQ, 12 mos.); problem‐solving (PS) (Willatts Infant Planning Test, 9 & 12 mos.); and Fagan Test of Infant Intelligence (FTII, 6 & 9 mos.). RESULTS: Using Spearmen correlation, there were significant positive correlations between: transitional sleep and unpredictable (r=.455, P=.017), unadaptable (r= .420, P=.026) and dull (r= .416, P=.028), ICQ domains at 6 mos. and FTII scaled novelty score at 6 mos. (r= ‐.512, P=.008). Quiet sleep was positively associated with the RITQ approachability domain at 12 mos. (r= .662, P=.005). Arousals in active sleep were negatively correlated with PS intentional solutions at 9 mos. (r= ‐528, P=.016). CONCLUSIONS: Early sleep characteristics are reflective of later infant development in the first year. These data support the notion that continuity exists between early and later developmental measures throughout the first year.Grant Funding Source: Supported in part by USDA IFAFS, Nestec S.A., Switzerland, the Hatch Act, National Fisheries Inst.