Ch. dev. 2/4

Course Reminders

• Upcoming assignments

  • Reflection one due Thursday morning (8 AM)

  • Recommended to finish early for feedback

  • Extensions available if communicated in advance

Motor Development in Infancy

• Definition: Motor development relates to the body's ability to move.

• Importance: Essential for performing daily tasks; foundational for further development.

Newborn Reflexes

• Definition: Reflexes present at birth that aid in survival, unlearned and instinctive responses to stimuli.

• Assessment: Doctors evaluate these reflexes during a newborn's first day.

• Purpose: Indicates nervous system development and functioning.

Main Reflexes to Know

1. Grasp Reflexes

   • Palmar Grasp: Hand closes around a finger when stroked (disappears at 4-6 months).

   • Plantar Grasp: Toes curl when finger is placed beneath them (disappears at 9-12 months).

2. Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex): Arms extend outwards in response to sudden noise or movement (disappears at 6 months).

3. Rooting Reflex: Head turns towards cheek touch, mouth opens to suck (disappears around 4 months).

4. Sucking Reflex: Automatic sucking response when palate is touched (disappears at 4 months, becomes voluntary).

5. Babinski Reflex: Big toe bends backward and other toes fan out when foot is stroked (disappears around 1 year).

6. Crawling Reflex: When on stomach, baby pushes against pressure on foot, mimicking crawling (disappears within weeks after birth).

Reflex Significance

• Reflexes indicate the health and development of the nervous system.

• Cultural differences noted in reflex prominence, i.e., Moro reflex in Navajo children versus white children.

Milestones of Motor Development in Infancy

1. Variances in Development: Normal for some babies to develop skills faster/slower than others.

2. Milestones to Observe:

   • Grasping moving from reflexive to voluntary actions around 3-4 months.

   • Sitting without support (5-6 months).

   • Standing while holding onto something (7-8 months).

   • Walking independently (around 11 months to 1 year).

   • Jumping in place (around 2 years).

Connection Between Brain and Motor Development

• Development: Growth of neuron connections crucial for motor skills.

• Motor Cortex Role: Key in coordinating movement and physical abilities.

• Importance of perception, cognition, and motivation in motor development.

Factors Affecting Physical Development

• Nutrition: Adequate nutrition is critical for motor and physical development; malnourishment may lead to failure to thrive.

• Stressors: Environmental factors affecting brain and physical development.

Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding

• The debate emphasizes the importance of feeding over the means of feeding: "fed is best."

• Breastfeeding benefits versus formula have socioeconomic implications.

Preschool Years (Ages 3-6)

• Motor Development:

  • Rapid growth: weight doubles from age 2 to 6.

  • Increased risk of accidents due to new mobility and adventurous behavior.

• Cognitive Aspects: Brain continues to develop, including thickening of the corpus callosum, affecting communication between brain hemispheres.

Exercise and Nutrition

• Kids require regular physical activity and healthy nutrition for optimal development.

• Lack of movement noted; activity should be playful for children.

Gross and Fine Motor Skills Development

• Gross Motor Skills: Develop faster, including jumping and running.

• Fine Motor Skills: Underdeveloped till age 6 or 7 (pencil holding, cutting).

• Potty Training: Typically occurs between 12-36 months, prompted by interest and ability to change clothes.

Pre-Adolescence (Ages 6-12)

• Growth Rate: Steady growth, averaging 2-3 inches per year; weight gain around 5-7 pounds.

• Nutrition Impact: Good nutrition correlates with better emotional, mental, and physical health outcomes.