Physical Development & Care of Infants Objective 4.01 Physical Development & Care of Infants

Physical Development Includes: Growth in size and weight. Increasing ability to control and coordinate in body movements Physical development starts at a prenatal stage.

Head-to-Toe Babies develop control of head and neck muscles first. Then the muscle control moves down the baby’s body. For example, they will raise their heads to see an object before they learn to crawl and use their legs.

Near-to-Far The infants development starts at the trunk of the body and moves outward. They can simply wave their arms before they can reach and grab an object.

Simple-to-Complex Babies first develop their large muscle groups such as their legs, arms, neck, and torso. After gaining control of these muscles, they begin to learn complex tasks such as... Controlling the head, rolling, reaching, crawling and continue through to walking.

Growth & Development during the First Year Average weight: 20 to 22 pounds Average height: 30 inches Body shape: usually hold themselves tightly in a secure position with the fists clinched.(Body usually straightens out during the first six months) Skinny arms and legs, with large abdomen

Senses Vision is blurry but within a week or so, infant is aware of surroundings. Vision improves rapidly during the first year. Hearing develops before birth, infant can tell the direction of sound. Language develops with hearing spoken words. Voice is shrill at first, but softens as lungs mature.

Senses Cont.. Touch: Baby relies on touch of others to teach them about the environment. Touch becomes a more important sense as year progresses. Smell: Within ten days they can distinguish their mother from other people by smell. Taste: Two week old babies can taste the difference between water, sour, sugar, salt, and milk.

Motor Skills At birth babies have little control over their muscles. Gross motor skills involve use of large muscles such as arms and legs. Fine motor skills involve use of small muscles such as hands and fingers.

Reflexes At birth babies have an automatic set of reflexes to help them survive. Rooting: When cheek is stroked babies tend to turn to the side stroked with an open mouth. Startled: When babies positions change quickly or a loud noise occurs baby throws head & arms out and arches back. Babinksi reflex occurs when baby’s foot is stroked and the toes fan out and foot twists in. Sucking occurs when something is put in a baby’s mouth.

Influences on Physical Development Heredity provides a unique combination of genes from parents. Staying healthy is closely related to eating well and having energy to be active. A stimulating environment in which the baby has a wide variety of things to see, taste, smell, hear, and touch enhances development.

Infant Physical Care: Handing: Neck & head support. Feeding: Breast feeding vs bottle feeding, burping, introduction of solid foods and food allergies. Teeth: teething and care. Bathing: Sponge bath and tub bath. Dressing: Comfort, climate appropriate. Diapering: Disposable and cloth diapers, changing steps. Sleeping: Routines and proper position. Medical Care: Wellness check-ups.