HPC 3O1 - Physical Development in the First Year

What can we expect from a baby in the first year?

The First Year of Development

Monday – Physical Development

Tuesday – Social/Emotional Development

Wednesday – Intellectual Development

Thursday – In-Class Assignment: Development Collage

Schedule

Thomas Balmes’ documentary film “Babies”, 2010

Not all babies develop at the same rate.

Growth and development do not follow a timer, but are greatly affected by external factors!

Development is non-linear. Patterns of physical, emotional/social and intellectual stages will overlap.

“cross-influence” or interdependence.

Keep in Mind ...

Growth: height, weight, proportion

Sensory: sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell, and vocal abilities

Motor Skills

Physical Development

Growth is the most rapid during the first year of life!!

Week #1 Week #52

Head to Foot Growth begins with the head, and extends to the

torso, and eventually shoulders, arms, and legs.

Near to FarDevelopment starts at the trunk of the body and

moves outwards (learning to roll over, then crawl, walk)

Simple to Complex Baby will transition from simple to complex tasks.

Slowly, this allows the baby to fulfill their own needs.

Patterns of Growth

Slight weight loss immediately after birthTriple their weight in the first year! Gain = 1-2 lbs for the first 6 MonthsAverage Weight = 20-22 lbs at 1 yearPhysical Activity, Eating Habits And Heredity.

Weight Gain is a “good health”Indicator in newborns.

Weight

Height is more “slow and steady” vs. Rapid weight gain

Average at Birth = 51 cm1 year = 76 cm

Heredity has a greater affect on height than weight.

Height

Proportion - the size relationship of one thing to another.

Proportionally: Large head and torso, and tiny limbs, vs. Adults with larger limbs

Large head = rapid brain development!½ your total head growth occurs before age 1.

Proportion

No light in the uterus = minimal vision development

Uncoordinated muscles, “googly eyed”Eyes are often closed14 days = Can see 7 to 10 inches away2 Months = develop depth perception, “see

in 3-D”

3.5 Months = Normal Vision!Eye-hand coordination

Sight

Hearing begins to develop long before birth

At birth babies can tell sound direction

Respond to tone, not meaning

Hearing difficulties = trouble speaking and listening

Hearing tested by 6 Months

Hearing

Amniotic fluid prevents sense of smellAt birth – responds most to unpleasant odours

First few days – recognize familiar smells (Mom, Dad)

Sense of taste develops quickly

Differentiate between sweet, salty, sour and water soon after birth.

Preference to sweet.

Taste and Smell

Changes in throat, tongue, teeth and mouth allow new foods, noises, cries and sounds

Over time allows for “distinctive cries”Vowel sounds come first, but teeth are

needed for othersFull words usually come after 1 year.

Oral growth also allows for new foods/solids

Voice and Teeth

6-7 Months = primary teeth (first set)Teething - teeth forcing their way up through

gums. Painful, swelling, bleeding, droolingCranky, restless and wakeful2-10 days per tooth, occurs over 2 years.

What Helps?Teething ring, ice, cold liquids, commercial meds, chewing.

Teeth cont’d

Motor Skills – Abilities that depend on the use and control of muscles.

Very dependent on physical growth, but affected by social and intellectual as well.

Head to Foot 1 Month – lifting head3 Months – lifting chest4 Months – sit with head steady, rolling over5 -7 Months – reaching, pulls self up, “squirming”8-10 – crawling, walks when lead, picking up objects

Page 235-236

Motor Skills

Name that development! Be Specific and use vocabulary from today!

CONTEST!