Physical Growth and Development in Infancy | FCS 1800, Study notes of Developmental Psychology

Download Physical Growth and Development in Infancy | FCS 1800 and more Study notes Developmental Psychology in PDF only on Docsity! 1 Physical Growth and Development in Infancy Physical Growth and Development Average newborn in the U.S. is 20 inches long and weighs 7.5 pounds • Cephalocaudal pattern - a sequence in which the greatest growth occurs at the top and works down • Proximodistal pattern - a sequence of growth in which growth starts at the center of the body and moves to the extremities Characteristics of Neonates • Remnants of umbilical cord for first 7 to 10 days • Red in color, may have misshapen head • Vernix then dry, peeling skin • Puffy eyes, genitals • Most newborns lose 5-7% of body weight • Gain 5 to 6 oz. Per week for first month • Have doubled birth weight by four months and tripled it by first birthday • Grow about one inch a month during first year 2 Breast Feeding Pros: • clean (especially important in dev. countries) • easily digestible • provides immunity • has psychological benefits • helps mother’s body return to pre- pregnancy state • inexpensive Breast Feeding Cons: • father’s involvement may be scant • difficult if mother employed • mother must watch diet • is sometimes difficult or painful Reflexes • Blinking • Babinski • Grasping • Moro (startle) • Rooting • Stepping • Sucking • Swimming • Tonic neck