PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IN INFANTS
Review of definitions of growth and development:
Growth: an increase in size and/or weight; stops at about age 18
Development: acquiring a new skill; continues throughout life
Definitions of different stages of childhood:
Infants:
birth to age 1
Toddlers: ages 1-3
this course focuses on birth to age 6 only
Pre-school: ages 3-5/6
School age: ages 6-12
Patterns of Development
There are three general patterns of development that all children follow.
1. Head to Foot
 infants first learn to control their head, then control gradually moves down the
body.
 Once they have control over their back and hips, they can sit steadily without
support.
 Note that "average age" is just the average - babies achieve these skills on their
own timetable. Some babies walk as early as 9 months; others not until 16
months.
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Controls head
Lifts upper body when laying on tummy
Sits alone unsupported
Crawls
Pulls up to stand on furniture or caregiver
“Cruising” - walks while holding on to furniture
Walks independently
Average age:
2-3 months
3-4 months
6 months
7-9 months
9-10 months
10-12 months
12 months
2. Near to Far
Babies first learn to gain control over their torso or trunk, then shoulders, then upper
arms and finally their hands.
▪ Control moves from centre of body outward
▪ Begins with broad arm movements (e.g. batting at objects)
▪ Arm movements become more precise and intentional
▪ Increasing control of hands
▪ First, the mitten grasp (fingers & thumb close against the palm)
▪ This also requires hand-eye coordination (the ability to move the hands and
fingers precisely in relation to what is seen)
▪ Later, the pincer grasp develops (uses thumb & forefinger to pick up objects like
small toys, Cheerios, other foods)
3.
Simple to Complex
▪ Large or Gross motor (muscles of the arms/legs/ torso)
o this includes skills like walking, climbing, hopping, throwing, catching,
balancing on one foot, riding a tricycle, bouncing a ball
▪ Small or Fine motor (muscles of the hands/fingers/ toes/mouth)
o this includes skills like sucking the thumb, feeding oneself, scribbling with a
crayon, pushing buttons on a toy, stringing beads on a shoelace, printing
letters and numbers precisely
▪ Simple to complex means that simple skills are mastered first, then they are
refined and become more complex
▪ Large motor: toddling � fast walking � running � climbing �hopping
▪ Feeding: eating with fingers using mitten grasp � pincer grasp � utensils held in
fist � utensils held properly