Infancy

Infancy Learning Objectives

  • Developing: Identify key milestones that occur during infancy.

  • Securing: Explain key aspects of growth and development during infancy.

  • Mastering: Discuss the importance of bonding during infancy.

Key Terms

  • Growth: Physical and biological changes observable in a child as they age.

  • Development: The progressive changes in capabilities and understanding throughout a person's life.

DO NOW Activities

  • Describe the difference between gross and fine motor skills.

    • Example of gross motor skill: Running

    • Example of fine motor skill: Pinching with fingers

  • Challenge: Explain the difference between growth and development.

    • Example of growth: Increase in height; Example of development: Learning to speak

Overview of Human Growth and Development

Topic: Human Growth and Development in Infancy

  • Keywords: Emotional Development, Attachment, Bowlby, Ainsworth

Unit Overview

  • Stages of Development: Infancy, Early Childhood, Adolescence, Early Adulthood, Middle Adulthood, Late Adulthood, Later Adulthood

Factors Affecting Growth and Development

  • Biological factors (genetics, age, life stage)

  • External factors (environment, sociocultural factors)

Misconceptions Check (True or False)

  1. Development proceeds from the feet upwards: False, it is from head to toe (cephalocaudal principle).

  2. Infants develop head control before arms and legs: True

  3. Maturation refers to changes in the environment: False, it refers to physical changes in the body.

  4. Fine motor skills develop before gross motor skills: False, gross motor skills develop first.

  5. Neural connections are formed most rapidly in early childhood: True

  6. Responsive caregiving has no impact on brain development: False, it significantly affects brain development.

Growth and Development Patterns in Infancy

Physical Growth in Infancy (0-2 Years)

  • Measurements:

    • Height, weight, muscle development

  • Milestones:

    • Rapid growth during first six months.

    • By age two, a child is approximately half their adult height.

Intellectual Development

  • Language and memory development

  • Social Development: Establishing relationships with primary caregivers and extended family

  • Emotional Development: Bonding, attachment, expressing fears and contentment

Definitions and Differences

Definitions

  • Growth: Refers to the biological and physiological changes in humans, including both visible physical changes (size) and non-visible changes (brain maturation).

  • Development: Encompasses changes in capabilities, emotional maturity, and relational capacities, indicating intellectual, emotional, and social changes.

Comparisons of Development Forms

  • Physical Development: Body growth, coordination of movements, sensory improvements.

  • Intellectual Development: Problem-solving, language acquisition, cognitive skills.

  • Emotional Development: Bonding, attachment, feelings of security.

  • Social Development: Interactions, communication skills, relationship building.

Milestones of Development in Infancy

Physical Milestones

  • By 6 months:

    • Rolling over, sitting with support

  • By 12 months:

    • Standing unaided, walking

  • By 18 months:

    • Feeding themselves, climbing

  • By 2 years:

    • Running, using 2-4 word phrases

Reflexes in Newborns

  • Babinski Reflex: Big toe bends back when the foot is stroked.

  • Root Reflex: Mouth opens when stroked, aiding feeding.

  • Moro Reflex: Startle response; arms extend when startled.

Fine Motor Skills

  • Involves small movements (e.g., fingers, wrists).

  • Development Stages:

    • Initial lack of control, progressing to pincer grasp by 9-12 months.

Theories of Attachment

Bowlby’s Theory of Attachment

  • Innate Need: Infants are biologically programmed to form attachments.

  • Critical Period: First 2.5 to 5 years are crucial for forming secure attachments.

  • Consequences of Attachment Failure: Possible development of insecure emotions, aggression, or delinquency in later life.

Ainsworth’s Strange Situation Study

  • Emphasized different attachment styles in children:

    • Secure Attachment: Child feels safe and can explore.

    • Insecure Avoidant: Shows little emotion when separated.

    • Insecure Ambivalent: Highly distressed when caregiver leaves.

    • Disorganized Attachment: Exhibits erratic behavior potentially due to trauma.

Social Development in Infancy

  • Primary Socialization: Infants learn social norms and behaviors from caregivers.

  • Types of Play:

    • Unoccupied Solo Play: Random movements, no engagement (0-6 months).

    • Solitary Play: Playing independently with little awareness of others (10 months to 3 years).

Conclusion: Emotional Security

  • Emotional Security: Establishing trust and open communication is foundational for healthy relationships and development in infancy. Having a secure bond fosters resilience and self-esteem growth in children.