Infant Growth, Development, Immunizations, and Child Abuse Prevention

What is the age range defined as an infant?

An infant is defined as being 4 weeks to one year old.

What percentage should an infant's birth length increase by by one year?

By one year, the birth length should have increased by 50%.

How much should an infant's birth weight change by 6 months and by one year?

An infant should double their birth weight by 6 months and triple it by one year.

What are fontanels and their purpose?

Fontanels are soft spots in the head that allow the bones to overlap during birth.

When does the posterior fontanel close?

The posterior fontanel closes around two months.

When does the anterior fontanel close?

The anterior fontanel closes around 18 months.

What is Erikson's developmental task for infants?

Erikson's developmental task for infants is trust versus mistrust.

What emotional development occurs if an infant's needs are not met?

If an infant's needs are not met, mistrust and insecurity can develop.

What cognitive milestone develops around 8 months?

Around 8 months, infants develop object permanence.

Why are infants at increased risk for shaking baby syndrome?

Infants are at increased risk due to frustration from crying, which can be difficult to manage.

What types of play do infants engage in?

Infants generally engage in solitary play but enjoy looking at people's faces.

What are some appropriate toys for infants?

Teething toys, push and pull toys, and activity boxes are appropriate for infants.

What should a one-month-old infant be able to do?

By one month, an infant should be able to raise their chin and visually focus on objects.

What can a two-month-old infant do?

By two months, an infant can raise their chest up and elevate themselves with their arms.

What milestone can a four-month-old infant achieve?

At four months, an infant can roll over when they want to, usually from front to back.

What can a five-month-old infant do?

At five months, an infant can sit alone momentarily and pick up toys with a squeeze motion.

What skills does a six-month-old infant develop?

At six months, an infant can sit alone with hands forward for support and move objects from hand to hand.

What developmental milestone occurs at seven months?

At seven months, infants begin to crawl.

What can an eight-month-old infant do?

At eight months, an infant can sit alone steadily and use a pincher grasp.

What can a nine-month-old infant achieve?

At nine months, an infant can raise themselves into a sitting position and cruise using furniture.

What can a ten-month-old infant do?

At ten months, an infant can pull themselves to a standing position and develop hand-to-mouth coordination.

What abilities does an eleven-month-old infant have?

At eleven months, an infant can stand upright while holding on and understand simple directions.

What can a twelve-month-old infant do?

At twelve months, an infant can stand alone, walk with assistance or independently, and use single words like Mama and Dada.

What behavior is common in infants related to oral fixation?

Infants are very orally fixated, and the sucking motion brings them comfort.

What should be offered to infants to satisfy their sucking needs, especially if they are on IV nutrition?

A pacifier.

What is the significance of allowing sufficient time for infants to suck?

It helps satisfy their sucking needs and supports oral development.

What behavior do infants exhibit at this stage that raises safety concerns?

They want to put everything in their mouths, necessitating close supervision.

What reflex allows infants to hold onto an object placed in their palm?

The grasp reflex.

At what age does the grasp reflex typically disappear?

Around three months of age.

What is the prehension reflex?

The ability to grasp objects between all fingers and the opposing thumb.

When does the prehension reflex typically develop?

Around 5 to 6 months of age.

How does the pincher grasp differ from the prehension reflex?

The pincher grasp involves using just the index finger and thumb.

At what age is the pincher grasp well established?

By one year of age.

What is the parachute reflex?

A protective reflex where infants extend their arms when thrust downward in a prone position.

When does the parachute reflex typically appear?

Around 7 to 9 months of age.

What is the moral reflex, also known as the startle reflex?

A symmetrical response where infants extend and abduct their extremities when startled.

When does the moral reflex typically disappear?

Between 3 to 4 months of age.

What is crucial for emotional development in infants according to the notes?

Consistency in responding to their needs helps develop trust.

Can parents spoil a baby by picking them up when they cry?

No, it actually helps reduce crying episodes by building trust.

What can happen if a child is forced to accomplish activities or milestones before they are ready?

It can cause frustration for both the child and the caregiver.

Why is sensory stimulation vital for infants?

It supports their overall development and readiness for new skills.

What was the nature of the experiment conducted in the 1940s involving babies?

It involved 40 babies and was conducted before strict regulations on human experimentation were established.

What should be ensured in the environment to prevent choking hazards for infants?

Remove any objects that they can choke on or shouldn't put in their mouths.

What is the relationship between picking up infants when they cry and their future behavior as toddlers?

Infants who are picked up consistently are less aggressive as toddlers.

What is the recommended approach when an infant shows readiness for new skills?

Encourage them, but do not force them to do things they are not ready for.

What is the primary focus of the reflex assessment video mentioned in the notes?

To demonstrate how different types of reflexes are elicited in infants.

What were the two different care approaches used in the experiment with babies?

One group received basic care (diaper changes, feeding, crib placement), while the other group was fed, diapered, loved, cuddled, and talked to.

What was the outcome of the experiment involving the babies?

The experiment had to be stopped early because half of the babies died, and several others died later despite being taken to the hospital.

What is emotional neglect, and how does it affect infants?

Emotional neglect is a lack of emotional support and affection, which is crucial for infants as they need love, cuddling, and attention.

What are some strategies for coping with irritable or lethargic babies?

Strategies include shielding their eyes from bright lights, sitting quietly with them, eliminating noise and light, swaddling snugly, and changing positions slowly.

What is colic, and how is it characterized in infants?

Colic is periods of unexplained irritability and crying in otherwise healthy infants, often accompanied by cramp-like pain and difficulty soothing.

What are some signs that an infant may be experiencing colic?

Signs include drawing legs to the abdomen, scrunching legs up, having an irritable cry, and being difficult to soothe.

What is the colic carry, and how does it help soothe a colicky baby?

The colic carry is a position that places extra pressure on the abdomen, which can provide comfort to the baby.

What are some effective methods for soothing a colicky baby?

Effective methods include burping the baby before and after feedings, keeping them upright after feeding, and using swings or car rides.

What is the importance of teaching parents coping skills for dealing with colicky infants?

Teaching coping skills helps parents manage frustration and reduces the risk of abusive head trauma or shaking baby syndrome.

What is the significance of educating parents about colic?

Educating parents reassures them that colic is not a reflection of their parenting abilities and provides support during a challenging time.

What is the typical sleep pattern for newborns?

Newborns typically sleep in 4-hour intervals and wake to feed every 2 to 4 hours.

How can infants develop a positive sleep pattern by four to six months?

If their weight has stabilized, infants can sleep up to 8 hours at a time by synchronizing their circadian rhythm with the family routine.

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and how can it be prevented?

SIDS is the sudden death of an infant, often during sleep, with no known cause; prevention includes placing infants on their back on a firm mattress.

What does the acronym AB CS stand for in relation to SIDS prevention?

AB CS stands for Alone, on their Back, in the Crib.

What precautions should be taken regarding the sleeping environment of infants to prevent SIDS?

Infants should sleep alone on their back in a crib without stuffed animals or blankets until about four months old.

Why is it important for infants to breathe through their noses?

Infants primarily breathe through their noses unless they are actively crying, which is important for their respiratory health.

What are some signs that a baby may be irritable?

An irritable baby may be difficult to soothe and may exhibit signs of distress or discomfort.

What role does environmental stimulation play in managing irritable or lethargic babies?

Keeping the environment from being overstimulating is helpful for soothing irritable or lethargic babies.

What is the recommended position for infants to help prevent SIDS?

Infants should be positioned on their back on a firm mattress.

What is the importance of swaddling for infants?

Swaddling snugly can provide comfort and security to infants, helping to soothe them.

What should parents do if their baby is colicky?

Parents should be educated about colic, given support, and taught coping strategies to manage the situation.

How can parents help themselves when dealing with a crying baby?

Parents should take timeouts for themselves and seek resources to help with baby care.

What is the impact of neglect on infant health?

Neglect can lead to severe health issues, including emotional and physical development problems.

What can happen if an infant's nares are covered while asleep?

The infant can suffocate because their body may not know to open their mouth to breathe.

What is one recommendation to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

Using a pacifier can help prevent SIDS.

What is the difference between room sharing and bed sharing for infants?

Room sharing is recommended, but bed sharing is discouraged because parents can accidentally suffocate the baby.

How should parents assist infants who wake up during the night?

Parents should help infants learn self-soothing behaviors.

What is the safest sleep position for infants?

Infants should sleep on their backs.

What is the recommended feeding frequency for breastfeeding infants?

Breastfeed every two to three hours.

What is the recommended feeding frequency for formula-fed infants?

Formula feed every three to four hours.

What should infants under one year of age consume?

Breast milk or formula.

Why should cow's milk be avoided for infants under one year?

Cow's milk contains too many proteins and minerals for the baby's kidneys to handle, which can cause bleeding.

When should solid foods be introduced to an infant's diet?

Between 4 to 6 months.

What is the extrusion reflex and when does it disappear?

The extrusion reflex is the reflex that causes infants to push food out of their mouths, and it disappears by 6 months.

What is the recommended practice for introducing solid foods?

Introduce one food at a time and wait a few days before trying the next to check for allergies.

What is the campaign slogan regarding breastfeeding?

Breast is best.

What are some benefits of breastfeeding for infants?

Breast milk provides ideal nutrients, promotes bonding, stimulates milk production, and offers immunity and protection against diseases.

What are absolute contraindications to breastfeeding?

Conditions like glycicemia, phenylketonuria (PKU), HIV positivity, chemotherapy, untreated pulmonary tuberculosis, and certain prescription medications.

What type of formula is recommended by the AAP?

Iron-fortified formula.

What is the alternative to breastfeeding?

Bottle feeding, which can include pumped breast milk or formula.

What is the key message regarding infant feeding?

Fed is best.

What is the risk associated with honey or corn syrup for infants?

They should not be given until after one year due to the risk of botulism.

What should parents do if their baby has colic?

Burp the baby before and after feedings and keep the baby upright after feeds.

What is a common misconception about sleeping positions for colicky babies?

Sleeping on their back is safe but does not help with colic.

What is the significance of human milk for infants under six months?

It has the ideal balance of nutrients and helps prevent various health issues.

What should parents consider when choosing specialty formulas?

Specialty formulas can be very expensive.

What should caregivers avoid when a mother chooses to formula feed?

Caregivers should avoid being judgmental and should offer help and education instead.

What is a critical step when preparing formula?

Always check the expiration date on the container.

Why is it important to follow the instructions for preparing formula?

Improper preparation can lead to failure to thrive, as infants may not receive the necessary calories.

What should be used for preparing formula?

Clean containers.

What method should never be used to heat a bottle of formula?

Never heat the bottle in a microwave.

What should be done with leftover formula after a feeding?

Do not save leftover formula, as it can lead to diarrhea.

Why should formula or breast milk not be stored with a lid that has a hole?

A hole invites bacteria to enter the container.

What is a dangerous practice when feeding a baby with a bottle?

Never prop a bottle up for a baby to feed themselves.