Physical Development during Infancy

Physical development refers to the changes that occur in the body and its systems as an individual grows
and matures. It encompasses various aspects such as motor skills, sensory development, and changes in
body size and proportions. During infancy, physical development progresses rapidly. This occurs in the
following dimensions:

 Body Proportions
 Muscles and Fat
 Skeletal Growth
 Nervous System
 Sense Organs

Reflexes
Reflexes are an inborn, automatic response to a particular form of stimulation. They are the
neonate’s most obvious organized patterns of behaviour, and some have survival value. Some
newborn reflexes are given in the table below :

Some Newborn Reflexes

The Importance of Assessing Reflexes

Most newborn reflexes disappear during the first six months. Researchers believe that this is due to a
gradual increase in voluntary control over behaviour as the cerebral cortex develops. Pediatricians test
reflexes carefully, especially if a newborn has experienced birth trauma, because reflexes can reveal the
health of the baby’s nervous system. Weak or absent reflexes, overly rigid or exaggerated reflexes, and
reflexes that persist beyond the point in development when they should normally disappear can signal
brain damage However, individual differences in reflexive responses exist that are not cause for concern.
An observer must assess newborn reflexes along with other characteristics to distinguish normal from
abnormal central nervous system functioning.

Neonatal Behavioural Assessment

A variety of instruments enable doctors, nurses, and researchers to assess the organized functioning of
newborn babies. The most widely used of these tests, T. Berry Brazelton’s Neonatal Behavioural
Assessment Scale (NBAS), evaluates the baby’s reflexes, muscle tone, state changes, responsiveness to
physical and social stimuli, and other reactions. A recently developed instrument consisting of similar items,
the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS), is specially designed for use with
newborns at risk for developmental problems because of low birth weight, preterm delivery, prenatal
substance exposure, or other conditions. Scores are used to recommend appropriate interventions and to
guide parents in meeting their baby’s unique needs. The purpose of neonatal behavioural assessment is to
identify any abnormalities or potential issues that may require further intervention. During the assessment,
various aspects of the baby’s behaviour are observed and evaluated. It provides an opportunity for
healthcare providers to communicate and educate parents about their newborn’s behaviour and
development, promoting parent-infant bonding and nurturing.