PHYSICAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS OF PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

PHYSICAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

PATTERNS OF PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Physical development proceeds in the same step by step order for every baby. It follows three basic patterns: � Head to Foot � Near to Far � Simple to Complex

Head to Foot ◦ Head leads in development (this is why head is large) ◦ Develop ability to lift head first

Near to Far ◦ From trunk outwards (ex. Body-arms -hands-fingers)

Simple to Complex ◦ Being fed – eating with fingers – using a spoon

GROWTH DURING THE FIRST YEAR � Children grow and develop at individual rates. � Charts are available that show average weight, height and abilities at certain ages – remember though that very few babies are “average”.

Weight � Weight gain is one of the best indications of good health. � Most babies experience a slight weight loss just after birth and then begin to gain weight rapidly. � The average birth weight is 7 -8 lbs; the average one year old weights 20 -22 lbs.

Height � Growth in height is steady during the first year. � The average newborn is 20 inches long and by one year is 30 inches. � Heredity influences height more than weight.

Proportion � In child development, proportion refers to the size relationship between different body parts. � The head continues to grow rapidly during the first year. � Compared to an adult, a baby’s head and abdomen are large and the legs and arms are short and small. � Picture a baby’s proportions at your height! ◦ Strange isn’t it?

Proportions