Infant Development Milestones
Introduction
- In this lecture, we'll cover growth and development milestones for infants.
- Focus on:
- Gross motor milestones
- Fine motor milestones
- Cognitive and psychosocial milestones
- Reference: Pediatrics flashcards from Level Up RN
Gross Motor Milestones
- Definition: Big body movements using larger muscles.
- Table Overview: Organized by age for clarity. Key items bolded.
Birth to 1 Month
- May lift head briefly when prone (on stomach).
- Encouraged tummy time.
- Head lag present: poor head and neck control.
2 to 4 Months
- Turning from back to side and side to back.
- Head control by 4 months.
4 to 6 Months
- Turn front to back by 4 months, back to front by 6 months.
6 to 8 Months
- Sit unsupported by 8 months.
8 to 10 Months
- Crawl or creep (walking holding on to furniture).
- Pull to standing or sitting position by 10 months.
10 to 12 Months
- Stand alone and sit down from standing.
Fine Motor Milestones
- Definition: Small movements using smaller muscles (e.g., fingers).
Birth to 1 Month
- Hold hand in a tight fist.
2 to 4 Months
- Hold a rattle or toy when placed in hand.
4 to 6 Months
- Reach and pick up small objects.
- Hold a bottle.
6 to 8 Months
- Transfer objects from one hand to the other.
8 to 10 Months
- Pick up small objects using the pincer grasp.
10 to 12 Months
- Place objects into containers through holes.
- Attempt to build a two-cube tower (might not be successful).
Cognitive and Psychosocial Development
- Cognitive Stage: Sensorimotor stage
- Risk for choking as the infant explores the world through senses, including the mouth.
- Understand the word “no” by 9 months.
- Combine syllables (e.g., "dada," "mama") by 10 months.
- Three to five words with meaning by one year.
Normal Behaviors
- Stranger Anxiety: Fear of unknown people, common around six months.
- Separation Anxiety: Distress when parents aren’t present, occurs around the same time.
Psychosocial Development
- Erikson's Stage: Trust vs. Mistrust
- Infant learns whether needs are met when they cry.
- Play:
- Solitary play is typical.
- Activities: Patty cake, peekaboo, talking, narrating, singing, reading books.
- Toys: Rattles, colorful picture books, balls, and blocks.
Quiz Questions
- By what age should a nurse expect that a child will sit unsupported?
- Describe the tower of blocks that a child should build at approximately one year of age.
- What is the term for the behavior when an infant shows signs of distress when parents are not present?
Let me know how you did in the comments!