DEP 2004 & 2004H Human Development Across the Lifespan Erica Jordan, Ph.D., University of West Florida Adapted from Kail & Cavanaugh’s Human Development: A Life-Span View and Arnett’s Human Development: A Cultural Approach

Guiding Questions What abilities and characteristics does the healthy newborn possess? What are helpful tips for caring for newborns?

The Newborn’s Reflexes Pave the way to get the nutrition newborn needs to grow Protection from danger Foundation for larger, voluntary patterns of motor activity Assess whether newborn’s nervous system is working properly

Assessing the Newborn Apgar score - quick assessment of newborn’s status at 1 min. and at 5 min. 7 or 8 – 10: healthy 4-6: needs special attention and care 3 or less: life- threatening situation

Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) Used with newborns up to 2 months of age Evaluates functioning of four systems: Autonomic: ability to control body functions (breathing, temperature regulation) Motor: ability to control body movements and activity level State: ability to maintain a state (e.g., alert) Social: ability to interact with people

Newborn’s States (Classification may vary) Alert inactivity: baby is calm with eyes open and attentive; seem to be deliberately inspecting environment Waking activity: eye’s are open but seem unfocused while arms/legs move in bursts of uncoordinated motion Waking activity

Crying: baby cries vigorously; accompanied by agitated uncoordinated movement Sleeping: baby alternates from being still and breathing regularly to moving gently and breathing irregularly; eyes are closed

Tips for Soothing Crying

Sleeping Newborns sleep hours/day Irregular or rapid-eye-movement (REM): irregular sleep where infant’s eyes dart rapidly beneath eyelids, body is quite active Regular (non-REM) sleep: heart rate, breathing, and brain activity are steady

Tips for Dealing with Infant Sleep Patterns

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) When a healthy baby dies suddenly for no apparent reason 2-4 month-old infants particularly vulnerable Suggestions: keep away from smoke (second hand and third hand), have them sleep on their back, do not overdress or wrap too tightly

Growth of the Body Most rapid in infancy so nutrition extremely important Breast-feeding ensures they get the nourishment they need. Some benefits of strong milk breast-feeding… Increased immunity for infants and fewer allergies Potentially linked to some health benefits for mothers Cost-effective Potentially linked to less obesity in later childhood Malnutrition - being small for one’s age because of inadequate nutrition