Physical Development in Infancy and Early Childhood

Vocabulary flashcards covering physical growth measurements, primitive reflexes, fine and gross motor skills, and developmental milestones from infancy through early childhood.

Growth Measurements

Regular checks of an infant's weight, length/height, and head circumference to monitor healthy development and ensure growth follows an expected pattern over time.

Growth Pattern

The trend of physical measurements tracked over time, which healthcare professionals view as more important than any single individual measurement.

Physical Development

Increases in height, weight, and size, as well as the progressive development of movement, coordination, and control over the body.

Motor Skills

Movements involving the use and coordination of muscles, which allow infants and children to gain control over their bodies and become independent.

Gross Motor Skills

Large body movements using major muscles in the arms, legs, and torso, such as sitting up, crawling, walking, running, and jumping.

Fine Motor Skills

Small, precise movements using smaller muscles in the hands, fingers, and wrists, such as grasping toys, using scissors, holding a pencil, or buttoning a shirt.

Primitive Reflexes

Automatic movements that babies are born with that occur without conscious thought to help them survive during their first few months of life.

Rooting Reflex

A primitive reflex where an infant automatically turns their head towards a touch on the cheek to help find food.

Sucking Reflex

A primitive reflex where an infant automatically sucks when something touches the roof of their mouth.

Grasp Reflex

A primitive reflex where an infant automatically holds onto an object placed in their hand.

Startle (Moro) Reflex

A primitive reflex where an infant throws out their arms and legs when surprised by a sudden noise or movement.

Infancy Motor Milestones (Birth–3 Months)

Milestones where a newborn holds their thumb tucked into hands, a 1-month-old can lift their head briefly when lying on front, and a 3-month-old can lift head/chest and briefly grasp a rattle.

Infancy Motor Milestones (6–10 Months)

Milestones where a 6-month-old rolls over, sits up for long periods, reaches for objects, and picks up dropped toys in sight; and a 9-10 month-old crawls and uses fingers/thumbs to grasp small objects.

Infancy Motor Milestones (12–18 Months)

Milestones where an infant stands alone, walks without help, and builds a short tower with blocks.

Infancy Motor Milestones (2–2.5 Years)

Milestones where a child kicks a ball, builds a tower of 7-8 blocks, draws lines/circles, turns pages, and jumps from a low step.

Early Childhood Milestones (3–4 Years)

Milestones including fine motor skills like drawing simple shapes/people, using scissors with support, and building complex block models, alongside gross motor skills like running confidently, climbing stairs using alternate feet, pedaling a tricycle, and throwing/catching a large ball.

Early Childhood Milestones (4–5 Years)

Milestones including fine motor skills like copying letters/shapes, colouring within lines, and writing their name, alongside gross motor skills like hopping on one foot, skipping short distances, and climbing confidently on playground equipment.

Early Childhood Milestones (5–6 Years)

Milestones including fine motor skills like writing letters/numbers accurately and cutting shapes with scissors, alongside gross motor skills like riding a bicycle with stabilisers, balancing well, and participating in simple team games.

Early Childhood Milestones (6–7 Years)

Milestones including fine motor skills like using cutlery confidently and tying shoelaces independently, alongside gross motor skills like skipping confidently, catching smaller balls, and improving coordination and balance.

Early Childhood Milestones (7–8 Years)

Milestones including fine motor skills like writing longer sentences, drawing detailed pictures, completing precise tasks, and neater handwriting, alongside gross motor skills like riding a bicycle confidently, participating in organised sports, and demonstrating good balance and agility.