INFANCY OR NEONATE (BIRTH TO 1

month old)
Colostrum
SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME and
SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME(SIDS) or
CRIB DEATH SYNDROME, Crandell et al p 127
 Infancy stage
 the shortest period of all
developmental stage
 birth to one month 
 rapid physical, growth and
development
 stable sleep and eating pattern is
develop
 Reflex- unlearned organized
involuntary responses occur
automatically in the presence of
certain stimuli i.e. rooting,
grasping, startle, sucking ,gag
reflex
 MAJOR PRINCIPLES
GOVERNING GROWTH
Cephalocaudal principle- Grows follows a pattern that
begins with the head and upper body parts then proceeds
to the rest of the body, “head to tail” (Greek and Latin)
Proximodistal principle-Development proceeds from
the center of the body outward, “near and far” (Latin)
Principle of Hierarchical integration- skills develop
separately and independently but are later integrated
into more complex skills
Principles of independent systems- different body
systems grows at different rates
Crandell et al. 2009 p 133
 Motor Development
Gross motor skills- Physical skills involving large body
movement like waving the arms, walking and jumping; as
infant gain muscle strength they start to wiggle, attempting
to move forward by pushing their arms shoulder and upper
body against the surface they are on.
Fine motor skills - small body movements with the hands
and fingers like picking up a coin to drawing; deliberate
movements babies can reach for, grab and hold onto most
any object that is right size bottle, rattle etc…
 Infancy stage
 Beginning to have emotional
relationships with primary care
givers
 The sense of confidence is
established when the infant gains a
feeling that caregivers on whom
they depend to fulfill their needs
and are dependable.
Continued….

need stimulating and socializing experiences for him

to become intellectual and sociable person
Erikson has thought about trust vs. mistrust to be the
psychosocial crisis during this period .
Establishing a sense of trust in caregiver will
constitute the basis of confidence and trust in oneself.
Babyhood stage
(1 month to 3 years old)
 The babyhood/ toddler stage occurs
from 1 month to 3 years of age.
 Increased motor development and
physical autonomy; child still lacks
skill and judgment, limitations are
recommended for his own safety
since accidents are very common.
 Learning to eat solid food.
 Physical autonomy may result in
clashes with parental authority.
 Critical period,time when all
foundations of adult personality are
laid
Learn to express will and
independence & make choices if not
they experience shame and doubt,
(autonomy vs shame and doubt,
Erikson).
The child now knows the meaning
and value of word/s such as “no” and
starts using them frequently.
Frustration, resulting in temper
tantrums is common.
Exhibit different temperament and
activity levels.
curiosity increases, but verbal and
intellectual abilities lag far behind
motor development.