1. Physical Development of Infants

2. Patterns of Physical Development
Head to Foot
Lifts up head first, then shoulders, then knees to eventually standing
Starts long before birth when the head takes the lead in development
Near to far
They move their arms and legs before their fingers and toes
Simple to Complex
They learn to use their large muscles first then their fine muscles

3. Influences on Growth and Development
Heredity
Genes influence a person’s intellectual potential and artistic abilities
Nutrition
Eating nutritious foods is going to insure that a child develops properly
Health
If babies are born sick they may develop slower
Experiences
Interaction with parents and other family members also influences the way a child develops

4. More Influences Environment
Making sure that babies have a stimulating environment which means that they have a variety of things to see, taste, smell, hear, and touch enhances brain development

5. Growth in First Year Weight Length Body Shape Proportion
A baby usually gains about pounds in its first year.
Length
They usually grow about inches in the first year
Body Shape
Newborns usually hold themselves in a curled position
As they get older they tend to stretch out more
Proportion
A baby’s head and abdomen are its largest body parts.

6. Development During the 1st Year
Vision
At first, their vision is blurry and doesn’t reach the clarity of an adults vision till around 6 months
Hearing
Babies hearing develops long before they are born. They are able to recognize voices that are heard while in the womb once they are born.
Smell and Taste
From a few days after birth, a newborn can determine its mother’s smell from another persons
Babies usually show a preference for sweet tastes early on
Touch
Newborns usually lack sufficient brain development and movement skills to explore their world through touch.
Voice
Newborns cries are shrills which softens as the baby lungs mature. The tongue and inside of mouth change in shape during the first months of life

7. Motor Skills
Reflexes occur since babies have little control over their muscles
Gross motor skills (large muscles)
Babies learn to control these first: legs, arms, shoulders
Fine motor skills (small muscles)
Babies learn to control these later which include: fingers, toes, and activities requiring precise movements.

8. Reflexes Sucking reflex Rooting reflex Grasping reflex
Happens whenever something is put in the baby’s mouth
Rooting reflex
Whenever a baby’s cheek is rubbed a baby usually turns toward the side it was rubbed on
Grasping reflex
Whenever you place something in their hand they usually close it

9. Hand-Eye Coordination
This is an essential skill for many tasks in life.
Newborns hand-eye coordination develops as their motor skills improve.
By the end of the first year, they can move items from place to place with their hands.

10. Conclusion
With a stimulating environment, infants can develop normally and with ample opportunities.