Health Promotion of Infants Flashcards
Head Circumference
the head circumference averages between 33-35cm
Crown to Rump length
the crown to rump length is 31-35cm, approx equal to head circumference.
Length
head to heel length averages 48-53cm
Weight
Newborn weight averages 2,700- 4,000 g
newborns lose up to 10% of their birth weight by 3-4 days of age. This is due to fluid shifts, loss of meconium, and limited intake, especially in infants who are breastfed. the birth weight is usually regained by the 10th or 14th day of life depending on the feeding method used.
Posterior Fontanel
Closes by 6-8 weeks of age
Anterior Fontanel
closes by 12-18 months of age
Infant size
is tracked using weight, height, and head circumference
Weight (2)
infant gains approx 1.5lb per month during the first 5 months of life. The average weight of a 6 month of infant is 16lbs. Birth weight should double by age 5 months, and triple by 12 months of age.
Height
infants grow approx 1 in per month for the first 6 months of life. Growth occurs in spurts after the first 6 months, and the birth length increases by 50% by the age of 12 months.
Head Circumference
the circumference of infants heads increase approx 2 cm per month during the first 3 months, 1 cm per month from 4-6 months, and then approx 0.5cm per month during th second 6 months.
Dentition
6-8 teeth should erupt in infants mouths by the end of the firs year of age. The teeth typically erupt between the ages of 6-10 months (average age, 8 months).
Some children show minimal indications of teething, such as sucking or biting on their fingers or hard objects and drooling. others are irritable, have difficulty sleeping, have mild fever, rub their ears, and have decreased appetite for solid foods.
Teething pain can be eased using frozen rings an ice cube wrapped in a wash cloth and OTC teething gels. With topical anesthetic ointments, absorption rates vary in infants; therefore, parents should be advised to apply them correctly. Acetaminophen and or ibuprofen are appropriate if irritability interferes with sleeping and feeding, but should not be used for more than 3 days. ibuprofen should be used only in infants over the age of 6 months.
Clean infants teeth using cool, wet washcloths.
Bottles should not be given to infants when they are falling asleep because prolonged exposure to milk or juice can cause early childhood dental carriers.
Piaget
Cognitive development
Sensorimotor stage (birth-24 months)
Infants progress from reflexive to simple repetitive to imitative activities.
Separation, object permanence, and mental representations are the 3 important tasks accomplished in this stage.
Separation
infants learn to separate themselves from other objects in the environment.
Object Permanence
this process by which infants learn that an object still exists when it is out of view. This occurs at approx 9-10 months of age.
Mental representation
the ability to recognize and use symbols.
Language Development
Crying is the first form of verbal communication.
Infants cry for 1-1.5 hours each day up to 3 weeks of age and build up to 2-4 hours by 6 weeks.
Crying decrease by 12 weeks of age.
Vocalized with cooing noises by 3-4 months.
Show considerable interest in the environment by 3 months.
Turns head to the sound of a rattle by 3 months.
Laugh and squeals by 4 months.
Makes single vowel sounds by 2 months.
By 3-4 months, the consonants are added.
Begins speaking 2 word phrases and progresses to speaking 3 word phrases.
Says 3-5 words by the age of 1 year.
Comprehends the word “no” by 9-10 months and obeys single commands accompanied by gestures.
Erikson
Psychosocial Development
trust v mistrust (birth-1yr)
Achieving this task is based on the quality of the caregiver-infant relationship and the care received by the infant.
The infant begins to learn delayed gratification. Failure to learn delayed gratification leads to mistrust.
Trust is developed by meeting comfort, feeding, stimulation, and caring needs.
Mistrust develops if needs are inadequate or inconsistently met, or if needs are continuously met before being vocalized by the infant.
Social Development
Social development is initially influenced by infants reflexive behaviors and includes attachment, separation, recognition/anxiety, and stranger fear.
Attachment
is seen when infants begin to bond with their parents. this development is seen within the first month, but is actually begins before birth. The process is enhanced when infants and parents are in good health, have positive feeding experiences, and receive adequate rest.
Separation-individualization
occurs during the first year of life as infants first distinguish themselves and their primary caregiver as separate individuals at the same time that object performance is developing.
Separation anxiety
begins around 4-8 months of age. Infants will protest when separated from parents which can cause considerable anxiety for parents. By 11-12 months, infants are able to anticipate the mothers imminent departure by watching her behaviors.
Stranger Fear
becomes evident between 6-8 months of age, when infants have the ability to discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar people.
Reactive Attachment Disorder
results from maladaptive or absent attachment between the infant and primary caregiver and continues through childhood and adulthood.
Body Image Changes
Infants discover that mouths are pleasure producers.
Hands and feet are seen as objects of play.
Infants discover that smiling causes others to react.
Age Appropriate Activities
Play should provide interpersonal contact and educational stimulation.
Infants have short attention spans and will not interact with other children during play (solitary play). Appropriate toys and activities that stimulate the senses and encourage development include:
Rattles, soft stuffed toys, teething toys, nesting toys, playing pat-a-cake, playing with balls, reading books, mirrors, brightly colored toys, playing with blocks.
