PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

MONTH 1-6

Infant Development

it is important to know that babies develop at different rates and should only be compared to their individual milestones from the previous week or month

Month 1

Lifts head and turns it from one side to another when placed on stomach

Focuses on objects 10 inches to 3 feet away

Reacts to parent’s voices

Month 2

Makes “ooh” and “aah” sounds

Watches objects from 6 inches away

Responds to more voices and sounds

Month 3

Holds head up

Opens/closes hands

Brings hands together

Lifts head and chest when on stomach

Month 4

Supports upper body on hands when lying on stomach

Begins to use vowels “ah” “ga”Prefers red and blue over yellowRolls from tummy to backGrasps rattlePuts hands in mouth

Month 5

Rocks on stomach making swimming motion

Reaches out and grabs toyTurns head in direction of soundKnows positive speech from unhappy

speech

Month 6

Passes block from one hand to another

Puts objects in mouth with hand

Recognizes basic sounds of language

Development During the 1st Year

Healthy Babies gain 1-2 pounds per month: first six months

Healthy babies gain about 1 pound the last half of the first year

Average Height= 30 inches

Proportions

Compared to adult proportions, a baby’s head and abdomen are large, the legs and arms are small

Three Signs: Hearing Problems

1. not startled by a sharp clap2. never turns toward sounds3. Not awakened by loud noises

Symptoms of Teething

cranky,RestlessWakefulMay refuse foodDrool excessively

Bottom front teeth come FIRST

Motor Skills

Motor skills are abilities that depend on the use and control of muscles

Gross vs. Fine Motor Skills

Gross Motor Skills: large muscles – crawling or walking

Fine Motor Skills: small muscles- writing, coloring, eating

Locomotion

The child’s ability to move from one place to another

Manipulation

A child’s ability to use hands and fingers to hold and grasp objects

Handling Newborns/Infants

Neck muscles are not developed, the head must be supported

Why will a baby cry?

Wants to be heldHas a soiled diaperIs illIs hungry

Newborn Eyes

Stares seem blank No tears at first

Sense of Smell

Develops during the first few daysInfants become sensitive to odors

Dangers of Shaking

Creates a high risk of severe bleeding in the brain

Feeding Importance

Cuddling, body contact and soft words while feeding are all important to the baby

Eat with their Fingers

8-10 months

Formula vs. Breastfed

Formula fed tends to be overfedParents might encourage infants to finish

the formula in the bottle

Best way to Walk

Barefoot

Cruising

The infant stands and walks along furniture

Sleeping

Infants must sleep on their side or back

Facedown Babies can lead to SIDS