Abstract
ObjectiveTo examine the correlation between birth season and early childhood development.BackgroundAlmost all previous studies that examine the effect of birth season on early childhood development were conducted in developed countries with a limited sample size. The present study was conducted in poor, rural areas of western China, a developing region with a continental monsoon climate.MethodWe administered a hemoglobin test to 650 infants (52% boys), aged 8–10 months, using a Hemocue Hb 201+ finger prick system, and assessed the cognitive and psychomotor development of sample infants using Bayley Scales of Infant Development.ResultsInfants born in winter have higher Hb concentrations (t = 3.63, p < 0.001) compared to infants born in summer. Similarly, cognitive development scores (t = 5.17, p < 0.001) and psychomotor development scores (t = 10.60, p < 0.001) were significantly higher among winter-born infants.ConclusionThe findings point to the involvement of birth season in early childhood development and suggest that aspects of the environment shape the experiences that contribute to early childhood development. Policy suggestions such as providing infants with ample opportunities for movement and stimulation during the cold season are discussed.
Highlights
The first years of life comprise a critical development period that affects lifelong outcomes
The findings point to the involvement of birth season in early childhood development and suggest that aspects of the environment shape the experiences that contribute to early childhood development
The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript
Summary
The first years of life comprise a critical development period that affects lifelong outcomes This period has been identified as an important window for skill formation, especially for cognitive development [1]. Long-term follow-ups of experiments that increased investments in the nutrition, health, and stimulation of young children have shown positive consequences on later-life outcomes, including higher educational attainment, higher earnings, better adult health, and even lower participation in crime [3,6,7,8,9,10]. An increasing number of studies have shown that young children in developing countries experience more cognitive and psychomotor delays than young children in developed countries; they have higher rates of anemia, indicating poor nutrition during the important 1000-day window [11,12]. The present study was conducted in poor, rural areas of western China, a developing region with a continental monsoon climate
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
