DEP 2004 & 2004H Human Development Across the Lifespan

Erica Jordan, Ph.D., University of West FloridaAdapted from Kail & Cavanaugh’s Human Development: A

Life-Span View and Arnett’s Human Development: A Cultural Approach

Guiding QuestionsWhat abilities and characteristics does the

healthy newborn possess?

What are helpful tips for caring for newborns?

The Newborn’s Reflexes

Pave the way to get the nutrition newborn needs to grow

Protection from danger

Foundation for larger, voluntary patterns of motor activity

Assess whether newborn’s nervous system is working properly

Assessing the NewbornApgar score - quick

assessment of newborn’s status at 1 min. and at 5 min.

7 or 8 – 10: healthy4-6: needs special

attention and care3 or less: life-

threatening situation

Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS)Used with newborns up to 2 months of ageEvaluates functioning of four systems:

Autonomic: ability to control body functions (breathing, temperature regulation)

Motor: ability to control body movements and activity level

State: ability to maintain a state (e.g., alert)Social: ability to interact with people

Newborn’s States(Classification may vary)Alert inactivity: baby is

calm with eyes open and attentive; seem to be deliberately inspecting environment

Waking activity: eye’s are open but seem unfocused while arms/legs move in bursts of uncoordinated motion

Crying: baby cries vigorously; accompanied by agitated uncoordinated movement

Sleeping: baby alternates from being still and breathing regularly to moving gently and breathing irregularly; eyes are closed

Tips for Soothing Crying

SleepingNewborns sleep 16-18 hours/day

Irregular or rapid-eye-movement (REM): irregular sleep where infant’s eyes dart rapidly beneath eyelids, body is quite active

Regular (non-REM) sleep: heart rate, breathing, and brain activity are steady

Tips for Dealing with Infant Sleep Patterns

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)When a healthy baby dies suddenly for no

apparent reason

2-4 month-old infants particularly vulnerable

Suggestions: keep away from smoke (second hand and third hand), have them sleep on their back, do not overdress or wrap too tightly

Growth of the BodyMost rapid in infancy so nutrition extremely

importantBreast-feeding ensures they get the nourishment

they need. Some benefits of strong milk breast-feeding…Increased immunity for infants and fewer allergiesPotentially linked to some health benefits for

mothersCost-effectivePotentially linked to less obesity in later childhood

Malnutrition - being small for one’s age because of inadequate nutrition