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Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
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Longitudinal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on infant and toddler development: a retrospective cohort study

Gretchen Domek1,2, Harisa Spahic3,4, Alyssa Cole4

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA gretchen.domek@childrenscolorado.org.

BMJ Paediatrics Open
|March 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted early childhood development, particularly language and social skills, in US children. Boys showed a higher likelihood of developmental delays compared to girls.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric developmental outcomes
  • Impact of pandemics on child development
  • Public health and early childhood

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented environmental changes affecting early childhood.
  • Understanding the pandemic's influence on developmental trajectories is crucial for timely interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare 24-month developmental outcomes in US children born before versus during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To identify specific developmental domains affected by pandemic-related exposures.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 604 children completing 24-month well visits.
  • Cohorts defined by birth date: prepandemic, transitional, and pandemic.
  • Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) used to assess developmental domains; multivariable regression applied.

Main Results:

  • Children born during the pandemic scored lower on total ASQ-3, communication, and personal-social domains compared to prepandemic children.
  • Pandemic-born children had higher odds of atypical fine motor development.
  • Males were more likely to exhibit atypical communication and fine motor skills.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated a negative association with early child development, especially in language and socioemotional skills.
  • Findings suggest males may be disproportionately affected by pandemic-related developmental impacts.
  • Early identification and support are vital for children experiencing pandemic-related developmental challenges.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19Child HealthInfant

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