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?