Chapter 3 – Infancy and Toddlerhood: Physical Development

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to physical and cognitive development in infants and toddlers based on the lecture notes.

Proximodistal Growth

Development pattern where growth starts at the center of the body and moves outward to extremities.

Cephalocaudal Growth

Development pattern where growth begins at the head and moves towards the lower body.

Teething

Process where infants develop sore gums, flushed cheeks, and other signs as their teeth erupt.

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

The sudden and unexplained death of an infant, often occurring during sleep.

Gross Motor Skills

Physical abilities involving large body movements, such as crawling or standing.

Fine Motor Skills

Physical abilities involving smaller movements, such as grasping or holding objects.

Reflexes

Automatic body responses that are present at birth, such as sucking or grasping.

Object Permanence

Understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen.

Attachment

Emotional bond developed between a caregiver and an infant or toddler.

Language Development

The process by which infants and toddlers learn to communicate verbally.

Cognitive Development Milestones

Key stages in infant and toddler intelligence and understanding of the world.

Synapse

The gap between neurons where communication occurs.

Human Milk vs. Formula

Comparative benefits of breast milk over formula regarding nutrition and immunity.

Sleep Patterns

Typical durations and rhythms of sleep for infants and toddlers based on age.

Solid Foods Readiness

Signs that indicate a baby is ready to begin eating solid food.

Developmental Milestones

Specific skills or behaviors expected to be achieved at particular ages.

Proximodistal Growth

Development pattern where growth starts at the center of the body and moves outward to extremities.

Cephalocaudal Growth

Development pattern where growth begins at the head and moves towards the lower body.

Teething

Process where infants develop sore gums, flushed cheeks, and other signs as their teeth erupt.

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

The sudden and unexplained death of an infant, often occurring during sleep.

Gross Motor Skills

Physical abilities involving large body movements, such as crawling or standing.

Fine Motor Skills

Physical abilities involving smaller movements, such as grasping or holding objects.

Reflexes

Automatic body responses that are present at birth, such as sucking or grasping.

Object Permanence

Understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen.

Attachment

Emotional bond developed between a caregiver and an infant or toddler.

Language Development

The process by which infants and toddlers learn to communicate verbally.

Cognitive Development Milestones

Key stages in infant and toddler intelligence and understanding of the world.

Synapse

The gap between neurons where communication occurs.

Human Milk vs. Formula Comparison

Compare the nutritional benefits of human milk and formula for infants:

• Human Milk: Nutritionally complete, easily digestible, contains antibodies for immunity, tailored to infant's changing needs.
• Formula: Designed to mimic human milk, fortified with vitamins/minerals, but lacks live cells and dynamic immune factors present in breast milk.

Sleep Patterns

Typical durations and rhythms of sleep for infants and toddlers based on age.

Solid Foods Readiness

Signs that indicate a baby is ready to begin eating solid food.

Developmental Milestones

Specific skills or behaviors expected to be achieved at particular ages.

Neurogenesis

The process of generating new neurons in the brain, prominent during prenatal development and infancy.

Synaptogenesis

The rapid formation of new synapses (connections) between neurons, crucial for brain development.

Myelination

The process in which axons are covered with a myelin sheath, improving the speed and efficiency of neural communication.

Synaptic Pruning

The process of eliminating unused or weaker synaptic connections, allowing for more efficient neural processing.

Sensory Abilities at Birth

What are the major sensory abilities of an infant at birth?

• Vision: Least developed; prefer high contrast, faces.
• Hearing: Well-developed; prefer human voices.
• Smell: Well-developed; distinguish mother's scent.
• Taste: Well-developed; prefer sweet over sour/bitter.
• Touch: Highly developed; respond to comfort and pain.

Major Gross Motor Milestones in Infancy

What are some major gross motor milestones in infancy?

• Rolling over
• Sitting independently
• Crawling
• Standing
• Walking

Individual Variability in Motor Development

How does individual variability affect motor development? Infants reach motor milestones at different ages due to factors like genetics, environment, and opportunities for practice, though the sequence is generally the same.