Infant Growth & Development- exam 1

Infant Growth

Rapid growth is an excellent health indicator; birth weight doubles by 6 months + triples by 1 year; gains 5-7 oz/week until 5 months; height ↑ 2.5 cm (1 in.) until 6 months.

Infant Physical Development

Posterior fontanel closes at 2 months; 6-8 deciduous teeth by 12 months; Babinski reflex disappears by 18 months.

Infant Gross Motor Milestones

2-3 mo: lifts head; 4 mo: rolls abdomen→back; 5 mo: rolls back→abdomen; 6-9 mo: begins crawling; 7 mo: sits unsupported; 11 mo: cruises; 12 mo: may attempt first steps.

Infant Fine Motor Milestones

1 mo: involuntary grasp; 4 mo: carries object to mouth; 5 mo: voluntary grasp; 6 mo: holds bottle + transfers objects; 11 mo: pincer grasp; 12 mo: holds crayon + stacks 2 blocks.

Infant Social/Speech Milestones

2 mo: social smile; 3 mo: coos/babbles; 6 mo: imitates sounds; 6-9 mo: stranger anxiety begins; 8-9 mo: "Dada/Mama" with meaning; 11 mo: may say 1 meaningful word; 12 mo: 3-5 new words.

Infant Nutrition: Breastfeeding

Recommend breastfeeding for at least first 6 months; provides quality nutrition, reduces likelihood of overweight, and decreases incidence of SIDS.

Infant Nutrition

Limit/no water; 2-3 oz every 3-4 hr during 1st month; 6-8 wet diapers/day; assess stool color/frequency/consistency + feeding frequency/changes in food habits.

Infant Sleep

Nocturnal sleep patterns begin by 3-4 months. By 4 months: 14-15 hr/day + 9-11 hr/night. By 12 months: sleeps through night + 1-2 daytime naps.

Infant Safe Sleep

Back to sleep; firm snug-fitting mattress; crib slats ≤6 cm apart; remove mobiles by 4-5 months; no pillows, wedges, toys, extra blankets, or co-sleeping.

Infant Burn Safety

Water temp ≤120°F; check bath-water temperature; smoke + carbon monoxide detectors; sunscreen starting at 6 months.

Infant Choking Safety

Check for loose buttons; cut grapes/hot dogs; no coin-sized foods.

Infant Environmental Safety

Cabinet locks; drowning safety; gun safety.