Physical Development of Infants and Toddlers

Part II

Motor Development

• the development of movement

Reflexes

Sucking ReflexRooting ReflexGripping ReflexCurling ReflexStartle/Moro ReflexGallant ReflexTonic Neck Reflex

• Any response you have to a stimulus that is inherent.

• the sucking reflex is initiated when something touches the roof of an infant's mouth.

• Infants have strong sucking reflex

• This reflex begins when the corner of the baby's mouth is stroked or touched.

• This reflex begins when the corner of the baby's mouth is stroked or touched.

• otherwise called "Grasping Reflex"

• Babies will grasp anything that is placed in their palm.

• lasts until about 5 to 6 months of age.

• otherwise called Plantar/Babinski Reflex

• inner sole of the baby's foot is stroked - curling of toes

• outer sole of the baby's foot is stroked - spreading out of toes

• often called a startle reflex because it usually occurs when a baby is startled by a loud sound or movement.

• last up until 5 to 6 months

• In response to the sound, the baby throws back his or her head, extends out the arms and legs, cries, then pulls the arms and legs back in.

• this is shown when an infant's middle or lower back is stroked next to the spinal cord.

• response : baby will curve his or her body toward the side which is being stroked.

• often called "the fencing position"• When a baby's head is turned to one side,

the arm on that side stretches out and the opposite arm bends up at the elbow.

Gross motor skill

• generally refer to movements involving larger muscles, like those in the arms, legs, feet or the entire body.

Milestones in Gross Motor Development

Fine motor skills

• generally refer to movements involving smaller muscles, like those in hands, wrists and fingers.

Sensory and Perceptual

Development

Characteristics

Vision - 10 to 30 times lower than normal adult vision.

- (6 mos.) vision becomes better

- (1 yr.old) vision approximates that of an adult

Hearing - develops much before the birth

- infants sensory thresholds are somewhat higher than those of adult

Sensory and Perceptual

Development

Characteristics

Touch and Pain - they do feel pain

- newborn males show a higher level of cortisol (an indicator of stress) after a circumcion than prior to surgery

- babies respond to touch

Taste - sensitivity taste might be present before birth

Sensory and Perceptual

Development

Characteristics

Smell - it requires several days of experience to recognize their mother's breast pad odor.

Intermodal Perception

- definition: the ability to relate, connect and integrate information about two or more sensory modalities such as vision and hearing.

- it gets sharpened through experience

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Presented by:Marjorie RiceMajelia Rose Dato-on