PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

INFANTS DEVELOP IN 3 WAYS: 1.HEAD TO FOOT 2.NEAR TO FAR 3.SIMPLE TO COMPLEX – (Gross to Fine Motor)

WHAT INFLUENCES GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT? *Developmental milestones – average ages at which children develop certain skills HEREDITY NUTRITION EXPERIENCES ENVIRONMENT

GROWTH DURING THE FIRST YEAR: Babies TRIPLE their weight this year Length increases by 50% Boys & girls growth patterns are different Dr. studies the pattern over time Lose weight after birth then gain 1 yr – average 20 – 22 pounds 20 inches average birth

MORE GROWTH: BODY SHAPE – tightly curled to being able to walk with protruding belly PROPORTION – Head & Abdomen are biggest – In the head there is a lot of brain development

DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIRST YEAR: Depth Perception – (vision) 3D / distance Hand-eye coordination Gross Motor Skills Fine Motor Skills Hearing Touch – respond to tone Touch Smell & taste – learning about the world

Article: CO-SLEEPING Sleeping in the same bed as other family members Possible Advantages: Studies prove it creates a strong attachment bond Gives parents less disturbed sleep, especially if the mother is nursing Leads to more confident, independent children

Article: Co- Sleeping Possible Disadvantages: Creates negative habits or sleep disorders Encourages childhood dependency Harmful to marriage

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SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

STRANGER ANXIETY FEAR of unfamiliar people

WAYS TO COPE WITH STRANGER ANXIETY: Act welcoming towards other people Speak softly to a baby / not loud Let the baby adjust – move slow Parent stay close by – w/in view

BEHAVIOR & HOW IT IS LEARNED: What other people model Repetition They notice that certain behaviors cause people to respond in certain ways Parents need to be consistent in responses (smile or frown)

SOCIAL SKILLS ARE DEVELOPED THROUGH PLAY: Play provides interaction Caregivers learn more about the child The child learns about the environment and responses

PLAY = EXPLORATION Babies explore & learn through all of their senses Exploring teaches CAUSE & EFFECT Playing with a child deepens care giver’s attachment Let children explore the world in a safe environment

COMMUNICATING WITHOUT WORDS Crying – first form of communication Crying & wait for response Special Sounds Sign Language Pointing

LANGUAGE: Talk about what is going on They learn to listen to you “Babbling” is preparation for recognizable words so respond and interact when babies do it Reading Repetition

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EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

EMOTIONAL VS. SOCIAL development EMOTIONAL Recognizing & expressing feelings Establish an identity or personality SOCIAL Learning self- expression & interaction w/ others Listen to others EMOTIONAL & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT are connected in that children’s feelings about themselves will be reflected in how they act towards others.

EMOTIONS WE SEE IN INFANCY: Joy- smiling Sadness- discomfort & unhappy Disgust- Dislike is made clear Anger – starts 3 to 6 months Interest – watch mom closely

BUILDING BONDS OF ATTACHMENT: Need to be held & cuddled Physical contact helps build bond Receive feeding as well Erickson – in order to form loving relationships later on in life Touch / baby massage Communicate –voice, tone, Expression & eye contact

LACK OF CONTACT Infants thrive when emotional needs are met FAILURE TO THRIVE –condition when babies fail to grow & develop properly, including brain development ie. Romanian Orphanages 1990’s Children learn to trust through care

TEMPERMENT: Personality & unique responses Unique nature

9 TEMPERAMENTS 1. Intensity – strong/ week emotional response 2. Persistence –determined/ easily persuaded 3. Sensitivity – strong /weak reactions 4. Perceptiveness – aware of surroundings 5.Adaptive – adapt/ resist change 6. Regularity – behavior follows patterns – schedule 7. Energy – High/ low 8. First Reaction – how they react in new situations – open to trying/ slow to & watch others 9. Mood – cheerful / cranky

CRYING Why they cry: Physical issues – hungry/ diaper change/ tired Need to feel cuddled or comforted In order to comfort: Hold close & rock Move baby to a new position/ sit/ tummy time Distract/ interest with a toy Rub back Pacifier/ suck thumb

EMOTIONAL CLIMATE Babies sense our feelings and it can affect their mood Bitterness & mistrust can hinder development Single parents are at risk for feeling more stress It is important to resolve issues and for parents to find ways to release their negative feelings.

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COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

4 ABILITIES INFANTS DEVELOP TO HELP LEARNING: 1.Remembering 2.Associating – associate caregiver w/ comfort 1.Understanding Cause & Effect 2.Paying Attention – concentrate on a task

Piaget’s Sensory Motor Stage Stage 1Birth – 1 month Inborn reflexes Doesn’t understand self as separate person Stage months Combines 2 or more reflexes Hand-mouth coordination Stage 34 – 8 months Acts intentionally to produce results Hand – eye coordination Stage Begins problem solve Object permanance Imitates others

HOW TO STIMULATE SENSES Hang a mobile in crib Change child’s view in crib or seats Talk, read, sing Cuddle, Rock & massage

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT Children learn concepts & words with general categories for objects and information. *over generalization*

READING TO BABIES Teaches communication Introduces concepts Encourages listening, memory & vocabulary Teaches them about the world around them