Physical Development

By,

Suzanne and Ariel

The Newborn

Reflexes

BabinskiResponse: A baby’s toes fan out when the sole of the foot is stroked from heel to toe

Significance: A remnant of evolution

REFLEXES

Blink

Response: A baby’s eyes close in response to bright light or loud noise

Significance: Protects the eyes

REFLEXES

MoroResponse: A baby throws its arms out and then inward (as if embracing) in response to loud noise or when its head falls

Significance: May help a baby cling to its mother

REFLEXES

Palmar

Response: A baby grasps an object placed in the palm of its hand

Significance: Precursor to voluntary grasping

REFLEXES

Rooting

Response: When a baby’s cheek is stroked, it turns its head toward the stroking and opens its mouthSignificance: Helps a baby to feed

REFLEXES

Sucking

Response: A baby sucks when an object is placed in its mouth

Significance: Permits feeding

REFLEXES

Withdrawal

Response: A baby withdrawals its foot when the sole is pricked with a pin

Significance: Protects a baby from unpleasant stimulation

ASSESSING THE NEWBORN

FIVE SCORES:

0,1,or 2 is the optimal score

0 is no movement, baby is limpStrong movement is 2

Scores of 4-6 show that baby needs special care

THE NEWBORN’S STATES

Alert Inactivity

The baby is calm with eyes open and attentive; the baby seems to be deliberately inspecting the environment

THE NEWBORN’S STATES

Waking Activity

The baby’s eyes are open but they seem unfocused; the arms or legs move in bursts of uncoordinated motion

THE NEWBORN’S STATES

Crying

The baby cries vigorously, usually accompanied by agitated by uncoordinated motion

THE NEWBORN’S STATES

Sleeping

The baby alternates from being still and breathing regularly to moving gently and breathing irregularly; eyes are closed throughout

Newborns spend 2 to 3 hours crying each day.

Different Cry’s Include:

Basic Cry- begins softly and then becomes more intense, usually occuring when a baby is tired or hungry

Mad Cry- more intense then basic cry

Pain Cry- begins suddenly with a long burst of crying with a long pause and a gasp

CRYING represents a baby’s communication with his/her parent.

Newborns sleep 16 to 18 hours a day. They sleep in naps that are round-the-clock. (Not good for parents)

Typically a newborn will be awake for 1 hour, sleep 3 hours, and repeat the cycle again.

As babies get older their sleep-wake cycle becomes more of a day-night cycle.

Usually babies sleep through the night about the age of 3 or 4 months.

(REM) Rapid Eye Movement or irregular sleep is done by half of newborns and is a time when the body is quite active.

While REM sleep newborns will move their arms, legs, their eyes may move under their eyelids. Their heart beats more rapidly and breathing is more rapid.

Regular (nonREM) sleep makes breathing, heart rate, and brain activity to be steady, and they lie without the twitching.

As newborns grow REM sleep becomes less frequent.

4months-40%sleep is REM sleep

1st birthday- 25% sleep is REM sleep

2yrs old -13hours of sleep compared to 11 hours for a 6yr old

4yrs. Old- their nap is given up and sleep longer at night

20% to 30% preschool children have bedtime struggles, but most who have an active day drift off to sleep easily.

Pleasant bedtime is as a result of an established nighttime routine.

This nighttime routine should be the same every night whether 15 minutes to 45 minutes, can vary.

2yr old will need help whereas a 5yr old can do this task alone.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is where a healthy baby dies suddenly for no apparent reason.

Out of 1,000 American babies between 1 in 3 dies from SIDS. (Most between 2 and 4 months of age.)

Babies who are more vulnerable to SIDS equal babies who are prematurely or have a low birth weight.

Contributing factors: a baby who sleeps on its stomach and on its back

Also, during the winter when blankets and heavy sleepwear are put on the baby and they become overheated.

Advice to parents:

Put your babies on their backs, for research has shown that as more babies were put on their backs to sleep the more SIDS has dropped.

So keep your child sleeping on their backs, away from smoke, and do not overdress them or apply too many blankets on them.