Infant Responses and Effects of Being Scared

Questions

What are the signs of infants being scared? How long does this situation usually last? Do these scares have any impact on the infant’s physical and intellectual development?

Answers

When infants are scared, they may show signs of crying and restlessness. Young infants, when suddenly exposed to a loud noise while sleeping, might simultaneously pull their arms and legs up or tremble rapidly, a reaction known as a “startle reflex.” Sometimes, the scare can even cause the infant to cry out suddenly. These reactions are typically short-lived and do not last long. As for the impact on their physical and intellectual development, these scare responses usually do not have any long-term effects.