GrowthandDevelopment-Attachment#3.docVIP

Growth and Development - Attachment #3 Lecture notes: Infancy – birth to 1 year. Physical Growth: The most dramatic and rapid changes in growth and development occur during the first year of life. A newborn baby usually weighs 6 to 8 pounds and measures 18 to 22 inches. By the end of the first year of life, weight has usually tripled, to 18 – 24 pounds and height has increased to 29 – 30 inches. The muscular and nervous systems are very immature at birth. Certain reflex actions present at birth allow the infant to respond to the environment. These include the Moro, or startle, reflex to a loud noise or sudden movement; the rooting reflex, in which a slight touch on the cheek causes the mouth to open and the head to turn; the sucking reflex, caused by a slight touch on the lips; and the grasp reflex, in which infants can grasp an object placed in the hand. Muscle coordination develops in stages. At first, infants are able to life the head slightly. By 2 months, they can usually roll from side to back. By 4 to 5 month, they can turn the body completely around, accept objects handed to them, grasp stationary objects, and with support, hold the head up while sitting. By 6 to 7 months, infants can sit unsupported for several minutes, grasp moving objects, and crawl on the stomach. By 12 months, infants frequently can walk without assistance, grasp objects with the thumb and fingers, and throw small objects. By the end of the first year, most infants have 10 – 12 teeth. At birth, vision is poor and eye movements are not coordinated. By 1 year of age, close vision is good and the infant can readily focus on small objects. Sensory abilities are good at birth but become more refined and exact. Mental Development: Newborns respond to discomforts such as pain, cold, or hunger by crying. As their needs are met, they become more aware of their surroundings and begin to recognize individuals associated with their care. As infants respond to stimuli in the environment, lear