Newborn

and Infant

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INTRODUCTION
Dynamic systems theory is key in understanding the development of newborns and infants
since it gives a framework that highlights the dynamic and linked nature of their growth.
As a result, this theory is important for this age group since it explains:

• Self-organization- Self-organization is the concept emphasized in this theory stating

that developmental changes stem from interactions within the system itself.
• Adaptability- infants have to become accustomed to an extremely dynamic
environment. Dynamic systems theory highlights the adaptive nature of development
since infants are constantly readjusting their behaviors and skills in response to new
challenges or information.
• Complex interactions- Dynamic systems theory acknowledges that the development of
an infant is a complicated interplay among many factors like motor skills and sensory
perceptions, social interactions, and thought processes.
• Motor development- Dynamic systems Theory is frequently used in motor
development studies to provide insight into the process through which infants are
learning and perfecting their motor skills. It stresses the involvement of exploration,
practice and feedback in developing coordinated movements.

,
 Major milestones

Gross motor Fine motor Sensory Social Emotional Cognition

0-3 Months Lifts and turns head while lying on
the stomach.
Begins to display some head control.
Reflexive grasp of objects placed
in the hand.
Begins to bring hands to the
mouth.
Limited visual focus, prefers
high-contrast patterns.
Begins to respond to sounds
in the environment.
Develops a social smile,
particularly in response to
caregivers.
Shows interest in faces,
especially eyes.
Begins to differentiate
between familiar and
unfamiliar people.
May display basic emotions
such as pleasure and
distress.
Begins to track moving
objects with eyes.
Starts to show interest in the
surroundings and simple
toys.

4-6 Months Rolls over from front to back and
vice versa.
Begins to support weight on legs
when held in a standing position.
Experiences palmer grasp i.e
grasping objects with their whole
hands
Starts to explore objects like toys
by bringing them to their mouths
Child responds to different
sounds
More coordinated eye
movement is developed
Starts to imitate facial
expressions.
Joy and excitement are Shows increased awareness
readily expressed i.e. of object performance
through giggling
Able to show signs of
distress

7-9 Months Begins to crawl Bangs things together i.e spoon Constant exploration of Shows preferences for Able to show different Increased curiosity when
Able to sit without support Develops a pincer grasp objects with hand and mouth familiar faces emotions like frustrations exploring objects
Starts to understand simple Able to show understanding
gestures i.e waving and fist of simple instructions
bumps

10-12 Months Able to make independent steps. Increased pincer grasp Increased awareness of the Shows interest in other Increased ability to display Begins to comprehend
Ability to stand and cruise along environment children more complex emotions simple commands and
furniture Explores objects with more Able to engage in simple words.
purpose games
 Reference
Scharf, Rebecca J., Graham J. Scharf, and
Annemarie Stroustrup. "Developmental
milestones." Pediatrics in review 37.1 (2016): 25-
38.
The authors explain that early
intervention, especially when it
This source indicates that comes to speech/language therapy
As a result, Clinicians must
developmental milestones in and physical therapies at the same
recognize normal development as
infants and children that are time as special education in an
this will help them spot and deal
predictable development form the environment filled with languages
with delays early.
basis of further skills. has proven to lead to various
remarkable outcomes for children’s
development.