Infants exhibit a range of physiological responses to stress, primarily mediated through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. When an infant is stressed, the brain triggers the release of cortisol from the adrenal glands. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and changes in immune function. Chronic stress in infants can affect their long-term development, making it essential to identify and mitigate stressors early.
