Development Perspectives
Physical Development
Refers to biological changes that children undergo as they age. Important aspects that determine the progress of physical development in infancy and toddlerhood include physical and brain changes; development of reflexes, motor skills, sensations, perceptions, and learning skills; and health issues.
The first 4 weeks of life are termed the neonatal period. Most babies weigh between 5 1/2 and 10 pounds, and are between 18 and 22 inches long. Male babies are generally slightly heavier and longer than female babies. Physical growth is especially rapid during the first 2 years. An infant's birthweight generally doubles by 6 months and triples by the infant's first birthday. Similarly, a baby grows between 10 and 12 inches in length (or height), and the baby's proportions change during the first 2 years. The size of an infant's head decreases in proportion from 1/3 of the entire body at birth, to 1/4 at age 2, to 1/8 by adulthood. Fetal and neonatal brain developments are also rapid. The lower, or subcortical, areas of the brain (responsible for basic life functions, like breathing) develop first, followed by the higher areas, or cortical areas (responsible for thinking and planning). Most brain changes occur prenatally and soon after birth. At birth, the neonate's brain weighs only 25 percent of that of an adult brain. By the end of the second year, the brain weighs about 80 percent; by puberty, it weighs nearly 100 percent of that of an adult brain. |
Cognitive Development
A baby begins learning the basics of self-movement and begins to master the skills needed for hand-to-mouth coordination and holding objects.
0 to 3 months Raise head slightly when lying on stomach *Hold head up for a few seconds, when supported *Hold hand in a fist *Lift head and chest, while lying on stomach *Use sucking, grasping, and rooting (holding tongue to the roof of the mouth) reflexes *Touch, pull, and tug own hands with fascination *Repeat body movements, and enjoy doing so 3 to 6 months Babies are quickly becoming stronger and more agile. *Roll over *Push body forward and pull body up by grabbing the edge of a crib *Reach for and touch objects *Reach, grasp, and put objects in mouth *Make discoveries with objects (for example, a rattle makes noise when it is moved) 6 to 9 months "Child-proofing" becomes important as babies get more mobile. *Crawl *Grasp and pull things toward self *Transfer objects between hands 9 to 12 months By this time, most babies can *Sit without support *Stand unaided *Walk with aid *Roll a ball *Throw objects *Pick things up with thumb and one finger *Drop and pick up toys 1 to 2 years Walking and self-initiated movement become easier. *Walk alone *Walk backwards *Pick up toys from a standing position *Push and pull objects *Seat self in a child's chair *Walk up and down stairs with aid *Move to music *Paint with whole arm movement *Balance improves and eye-hand coordination becomes more precise. *Put rings on a peg *Turn two or three pages at a time *Scribble *Turn knobs *Grasp and hold a small ball; can use in combination with large motor skills to throw the ball *Shift marker or any drawing or painting tool from hand to hand and draw strokes 2 years Children become more comfortable with motion, increasing speed, and coordination. *Run forward *Jump in place with both feet together *Stand on one foot, with aid *Walk on tiptoe *Kick ball forward |
Social/Emotional Development
From the start, babies eagerly explore their world-and that includes themselves and other people.
0 to 3 months Babies spend a lot of time getting to know their own bodies. *Suck their own fingers *Observe their own hands *Look at the place * Can be comforted by a familiar adult * Respond positively to touch * Interact best when in an alert state or in an inactive and attentive state *Smile and show pleasure in response to social stimulation 3 to 6 months Babies are more likely to initiate social interaction. *Play peek-a-boo *Pay attention to own name *Smile spontaneously *Laugh aloud 6 to 9 months Babies show a wider emotional range and stronger preferences for familiar people. *Express several clearly differentiated emotions *Distinguish friends from strangers *Respond actively to language and gestures *Show displeasure at the loss of a toy 9 to 12 months As they near age one, imitation and self-regulation gain importance. *Feed themselves finger foods *Hold a cup with two hands and drink with assistance *Hold out arms and legs while being dressed *Mimic simple actions *Show anxiety when separated from primary caregiver 1 to 2 years Children become more aware of themselves and their ability to make things happen. They express a wider range of emotions and are more likely to initiate interaction with other people. *Recognize themselves in pictures or the mirror and smile or make faces at themselves *Show intense feelings for parents and show affection for other familiar people *Play by themselves and initiate their own play *Express negative feelings *Show pride and pleasure at new accomplishments *Imitate adult behaviors in play *Show a strong sense of self through assertiveness, directing others *Begin to be helpful, such as by helping to put things away 2 years Children begin to experience themselves as more powerful, creative "doers." They explore everything, show a stronger sense of self and expand their range of self-help skills. Self-regulation is a big challenge. *Show awareness of gender identity *Indicate toileting needs *Help to dress and undress themselves *Be assertive about their preferences and say no to adult requests |