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Philippine Normal University College of Education Department of Professional Education

Characteristics of Filipino Infants (Professional Education 2Child and Adolescent Development) Submitted to: Prof. C. Manuel Submitted by: Jennifer V. Cervo II-3 BECED

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Basic Characteristics of Infants The work of infants is developing Basic Trust Depend on adults to care for them Have physical and emotional needs intertwined Are born with unique personalities Display individual temperaments (active, cuddly, distant, curious) Develop attachments to parents and care givers Like to watch other children Use all five senses to learn about their world: seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, smelling Are fascinated with their most interesting play thing – a caring adult Communicate with their bodies, their actions, and their sounds Explore first their bodies, and then their world, as they begin to stretch, sit up, crawl, and walk Love the traditional games of babyhood which promote coordination and development of attention (Patty Cake, This Little Piggy, Peek-a-Boo) Practice new physical skills—grasping, reaching, picking up, pushing, etc. Begin to practice separating as they crawl away

Characteristics of Human Developmental Stages INFANCY: Dependency Rapid growth Need for basic nourishment Need for nurturing environment Small muscle and eye-hand coordination High energy level

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Developmental Characteristics of Infancy Age Height Weight (months) (In.) (lbs.)

Language

Motor

Development Cooing

3

24

13-14

6

26

17-18

Development Supports head in prone position Babbling—single syllable sounds Sits erect when supported

9

26

20-22

Repetition of sounds

Stands with support

12

29.5

22-24

signals emotions Single words—mama, dada

Walks when held by hand

18

32

25-26

3-50 words

24

34

27-29

50-250 words,

Grasps objects accurately, walks steadily Walks and runs up and down stairs

2-3 word sentences

Development Profiles and Growth Patterns (from birth to twelve months) Birth to four months GROWTH and PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS  Average length is 20 to 27 inches (50.868.6 cm); grows approximately 1 inch (2.54cm) per month (measured with infant lying on back, from top of the head to bottom of heel, knees straight and foot flexed).  Weighs an average of 8 to 16 pounds (3.6-7.3kg); females weigh slightly less than males.  Gains approximately 1/4 to 1/2 pound per week (0.11-0.22kg).

 Normal body temperature ranges from 96.4 to 99.6 F (35.7-37.5 C)  Head and chest circumference are nearly equal  Skin remains sensitive and easily irritated.  Arms and legs are of equal length, size, and shape; easily flexed and extended  Legs may appear slightly bowed.  Feet appear flat with no arch.  Cries with tears

MOTOR DEVELOPMENT  Grasps with entire hand; strength insufficient to hold items.

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 Holds hands in an open or semi-open position  Muscle strength and control improving; early movements are large and jerky; gradually become smoother and more purposeful.  Turns head side to side when in supine (face up) position; near the end of this period can hold head up and in line with the body. Four to Eight months GROWTH and PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS  Gains approximately1 pound (2.2kg) per month in weight  doubles original birth weight  Gains approximately1/2 inch (1.3 cm) in length per month; average length is 27.5 to 29 inches (69.8-73.7cm)  Head and chest circumferences are nearly equal  Head circumference increases approximately 3/8 inch (0.95cm) per month until six to seven months, then 3/16

inch (0.47cm) per month; head circumference should continue to increase steadily, indicating healthy, ongoing brain growth.  Teeth begin to appear with upper and lower incisors coming in first. Gums may become red and swollen, accompanied by increased drooling, chewing, biting and mouthing of objects  True eye color is established.

MOTOR DEVELOPMENT  Uses finger and thumb (pincer grasp) to pick up objects  Reaches for objects with both arms simultaneously; later reaches with one hand or the other.  Transfers objects from one hand to the other; grasps object using entire hand (palmar grasp). Eight to Twelve months GROWTH and PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS  Gains in height are slower than during the previous months, averaging 1/2 inch (1.3cm) per month. Infants reach approximately 1-1/2 times their birth length by the first birthday.  Weight increases by approximately 1 pound (0.5 kg) per month; birth weight nearly triples by one year of age: infants weigh an average of 21 pounds (9.6kg).  Head and chest circumference remain equal  Arms and hands are more developed than feet and legs (cephalocaudal development); hands appear large in proportion to other body parts.  Feet appear flat as arch has not yet fully developed.

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MOTOR DEVELOPMENT reaches with one hand leading to grasp an offered object or toy manipulates objects, transferring them from one hand to the other releases objects or toys by dropping or throwing; cannot intentionally put an object down beginning to pull self to a standing position beginning to stand alone, leaning on furniture for support; moves around obstacles by sidestepping  has good balance when sitting; can shift positions without falling.  Creeps on hands or knees; crawls up and down stairs  Walks with adult support, holding onto adult’s hand; may begin to walk alone     

Major adjustments of infancy The infant must make four major adjustments before he can resume his developmental progress. If he does not make them quickly, his life will be threatened. Temperature changes There is a constant temperature of 100F in the uterine sac, while temperatures in the hospital or home may vary from 60 to 70 F Breathing When the umbilical cord is cut, the infant must begin to breath on his own. Sucking and Swallowing The infant must now get nourishment by sucking and swallowing, instead of receiving it through the umbilical cord. These reflexes are imperfectly developed at birth, and the infant often gets less nourishment than he needs and thus loses weight Elimination The infant’s organs of elimination begin to work soon after birth; formerly, waste products were eliminated through the umbilical cord.

References: Allen, K. Eileen and Marotz, Lynn R. By the Ages; Behavior and Development of Children, prebirth through eight Dacey, John S. and Travers, John F. Human Development; Across the Lifespan Hurlock, Elizabeth B. Developmental Psychology

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