physical development of infants
DESCRIPTION
Physical Development of Infants. Growth during the first year. An average healthy baby gains 1-2 lbs. each month during the first six months of life. The average infant weighs 20-22 lbs. at the end of the first year and is 30” long. Patterns of development--examples. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Physical Development of Infants
Growth during the first year
An average healthy baby gains 1-2 lbs. each month during the first six months of life.
The average infant weighs 20-22 lbs. at the end of the first year and is 30” long.
Patterns of development--examplesHead to toe: lifting head to see object,
then picking it up, then walking to itNear to far: Waving arms, grabbing
objects with palms, picking up objects with thumb and forefinger
Simple to complex: Sucking, eating with fingers, eating with utensils
Growth vs. development
Growth: increase in sizeDevelopment: increase in physical,
cognitive, emotional or social skills
Proportion
Definition: size relationship of one thing to another
Example: baby’s head and abdomen are larger compared to adults
Depth PerceptionDefinition: ability to recognize that an
object is 3-dimensional not flatThis skill is first noticeable in infants at 2
months.By 3 months, infants prefer to look at
three dimensional objects.
Hand-eye Coordination
Definition: The ability to move the hands and fingers precisely in relation to what is seen
Infants exhibit this behavior at around 3-4 months as they reach for objects
This skill continues throughout childhood
Senses
Hearing is the most developed sense at birth.
Sight, smell and taste are the least developed
What accounts for this? Prenatal development…think about “How does your baby grow?”
Hearing problems???
These signs would indicate a possible hearing problem in an infant…Not startled by a clap3 month old doesn’t turn toward a voice or
soundNot awakened by loud noises or respond to
ordinary noises
Motor Skill DevelopmentWhy may one infant’s motor skills develop
more slowly or more quickly than average?
Individual rateExperiencesEncouragement
Infant careAlways hold the head and neck because an
infant does not have the muscle support to hold it up on its own…until around 3 months.
Avoid putting a bottle in the crib so that the baby can suck and drift off to sleep more comfortably because…. 1. Choking
2. Ear infections 3. Associate milk with sleep
4. Tooth Decay
WeaningProcess of changing from breast/bottle to a
cup
Happens around 9-12 months
Remember breast milk or formula is the main source of nutrition during most of the first year.
TeethingPrimary teeth usually appear around 6 months.
Symptoms: Swelling gums, cranky, restless, wakeful, drool, lower appetite, fever, coughing and diarrhea
Helping your infant with teething…Teething rings (cold, not frozen)Cool cloth Rubbing ice on gumsCommercial medication
Should you encourage your 8th month old to feed himself?
Yes!!!Promotes independence and self-help skills,
fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination
Consistent Bedtime Routines
Very important…relaxed and pleasant rituals equal a smoother bedtime!
How can you do this?
Shaken Baby Syndrome
A set of serious problems including damage to the brain, mental retardation, blindness or deafness and death
Caused by the shaking of the infant
Physical Motor Skills: 1-2 Months
Lifts chin when placed on stomachLifts chest
Physical Motor Skills: 3-4 Months
Reaches for objectsHold up headRolls side to back and back to sideComplete head controlHolds head up when carried
Physical Motor Skills: 5-6 Months
Sits alone brieflyReaches and grasps successfullyTurns completely overPrefers to sit up with supportUses hands to reach, grasp, crumble, bang
and splash
Physical Motor Skills: 7-8 Months
Reaches for spoonPulls self upSits up steadilySquirmsEats with fingersPicks up large objects
Physical Motor Skills: 9-10 Months
CrawlsWalks when ledReaches for and manipulates objects with
good controlPicks up medium and large objectsStands holding on to somethingSkillful with spoon
Physical Motor Skills:11-12 Months
Stands aloneMay be walkingShows hand preferenceHolds and drinks from a cupEnjoys nesting toysPicks up objects using thumb and forefinger
How can caregivers or parents encourage motor skill development?