Motor Skills/Reflexes
Patterns of Development Head to foot: baby’s head takes lead development, sit, crawl, walk Near to far: starts at trunk and move outwards. Wave arms, grab object with hands, pick up with thumb and finger Simple to complex: simple tasks first
Rooting Reflex Automatic response, when touched on lips or cheek, of turning toward touch and beginning to suck. Helps baby find food Stops at about 4 months of age
Grasp Reflex hand closes over anything that comes in contact with palm VERY strong Weakens at 3 months of age Disappears by 1 year
Startle Reflex Response to loud noise or touch to stomach Legs and arms extended then pull back Disappears at 5 months old
Motor Skills Most development during 1 st year is in motor skills Depend on use and control of muscles What is the infant’s first motor skill? Page 258