Scottish Government advisers have raised the alarm over the "harm" caused by covid restrictions to the development of young children.
The experts warned of key milestones being missed, parent and baby groups staying closed, and a rise in obesity for five year olds.
Previous lockdowns included school and nursery closures, as well as vital services for babies and toddlers being paused.
The Government has cited schools and childcare facilities staying open as a top priority for 2022, but members of a covid advisory sub-group have laid bare the concerns of the impact so far.
Members include Professors Devi Sridhar and Linda Bauld, whose commentary on covid during the pandemic has been welcomed.
In a minute of a meeting from December 14th, the advisers received an update on the effect of covid measures on younger children.
It stated: “It was noted that emerging data is now evidencing some of the predicted wider harms as a result of the pandemic.
“This included increases in developmental concerns around communication, social, and emotional needs in very young children, with key developmental milestones being missed.
“Concern was also expressed over the significant increase in 5 year olds who were reported to be overweight or obese.”
The group also flagged up the importance of face-to-face contact for health visitors and family nurses, arguing that virtual sessions made it difficult to recognise child protection issues.
The minute continued: “It was noted that some 3rd sector services which support children, young people and families, but particularly young children have not restarted after lockdown.
"These include parent and baby groups, breastfeeding groups and services providing support in the home, which play an important role.”
Part of the discussion also focused on the Government's commitment that school and nursery closures should only be a “last resort”.
Advisers repeated a point made in an earlier part of the meeting: “Evidence is growing that the pandemic has had severe social, educational and wellbeing impacts on children and young people, including on their mental health.
“There is also growing evidence of the impact on the very youngest children in terms of developmental delay, with potential long-term consequences.”
A Scottish Tory spokesperson said: "When it comes to Covid measures, finding the right balance is critical because they can have far-reaching consequences for society.
"This new information on potential developmental issues in young children as a result of restrictions is extremely concerning.
"These warnings must be taken seriously by SNP Ministers, who must carefully consider what is best for the development of our young people and listen to their own experts."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “It remains our priority to keep schools and ELC settings open to avoid any further disruption to children’s education and development, as long as it is safe to do so.
“In 2022-23, we will be investing more than £1 billion through local government to deliver 1140 hours of high quality funded early learning and childcare.
“We are extremely grateful to all those in local government and in the ELC sector who continue to work so hard to deliver the offer, despite the significant challenges of COVID-19.”
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