MODULE 12: Physical Development of Infants and Toddlers: Cephalocaudal and Proximodistal Pattern

Discussant: Odeña, Thamiah Izabell B. Professor: Dr. Salvacion J.
Mopas
Course & Section: BSE-English 1A
MODULE 12: Physical Development of Infants and Toddlers
Cephalocaudal and Proximodistal Pattern

Cephalocaudal Trend is the postnatal growth from conception to 5 months when the
head grows more than the body. 'cephalo' is used to describe things related to the head and
brain while the term 'caudal' is used to describe the body. The cephalocaudal trend of growth
that applies to the development of the fetus also applies in the first months after birth. Infants
learn to use their upper limbs before their lower limbs. The same pattern occurs in the head area
because the top parts of the head – the eyes and the brain – grow faster than the lower parts
such as the jaw.
The Proximodistal trend is the pre-natal growth from 5 months to birth when the fetus
grows from the inside of the body outwards. The ‘proximo’ means near and the ‘distal’ means
far. This also applies in the first months after birth as shown in the earlier maturation of muscular
control of the trunk and arms, followed by that of the hands and fingers. When referring to motor
development, the proximodistal trend refers to the development of motor skills from the center
of the body outward.
Height and Weight

 It’s normal for new born babies to drop 5 to 10 percent of their body weight within a
couple of weeks of birth. (Due to the baby’s adjustment to neonatal feeding. Once they
adjust to sucking, swallowing and digesting, they grow rapidly.)
 Breastfed babies are typically heavier than the bottle-fed babies through the first 6
months. (After 6 months, breastfed babies usually weigh less than bottle-fed babies.)
 In general, an infant’s length increases by about 30% in the first 5 months.
 A baby’s weight usually triples during the first year but slows down in the second year of
life.
 Low percentages are not a cause for alarm as long as infants progress along a natural
curve of steady development.
Brain Development
 Among the most dramatic changes in the brain in the first two years of life are the
spreading connections of dendrites to each other.
Myelination or Myelinization – process by which the axons are covered and insulated by
layers of fat cells, begins prenatally and continues after birth. The process of myelination or
myelinization increases the speed at which information travels through the nervous system.
 At birth, the newborn’s brain is about 25% of its adult weight. By the second birthday, the
brain is about 75% of its adult weight.
 Shortly after birth, a baby’s brain produces trillions more connections between neurons
than it can possibly use. The brain eliminates connections that are seldom or never used
(Santrock, 2002). The infant’s brain is literally waiting for experiences to determine how
connections are made.
 A study on rats conducted by Mark Rosenzweig in 1969 revealed that the brains of rats
that grew up in the enriched environment developed better than the brains of the animals
reared in standard or isolated conditions. The brains of the ‘enriched’ animals weighed
more, had thicker layers, had more neuronal connections and had higher levels of
neurochemical activity. Such finding implies that enriching the lives of infants who live in
impoverished environments can produce positive changes in their development
(Santrock, 2002). Depressed brain activity has been found in children who grew up in a
depressed environment (Circhetti, 2001, cited by Santrock, 2002).
Motor Development
The development of a child's bones, muscles and ability to move around and manipulate
his or her environment. Along this aspect of motor development, infants and toddlers begin
from reflexes, to gross motor skills and fine motor skills.
Reflexes
 The newborn has some basic reflexes which are, of course automatic, and serve as
survival mechanisms before they have the opportunity to learn. Many reflexes which are
present at birth will generally subside within a few months as the baby grows and
matures.
 There are many different reflexes. Some of the most common reflexes that babies have
are:
Sucking Reflex: The sucking reflex is initiated when something touches the roof of an infant’s
mouth. Infants have a strong sucking reflex which helps t ensure they can latch unto a bottle or
breast. The sucking reflex is very strong in some infants and they may need to suck on a pacifier
for comfort.
Rooting Reflex: The rooting reflex is most evident when an infant’s cheek is stroked. The bay
responds by turning his or her head in the direction of the touch and opening their mouth for
feeding.
Gripping Reflex: Babies grasp anything that is placed in their palm. The strength of this grip is
strong, and most babies can support their entire weight in their grip.
Curling Reflex: When the inner sole of a baby’s foot is stroked the infant respond by curling his
or her toes. When the outer sole of a baby’s foot is stroked, the infant will respond by spreading
out their toes.
Startle/Moro Reflex: Infants will respond to sudden sounds or movements by throwing their
arms and legs out, and throwing their heads back. Most infants will usually cry when startled and
proceed to pull their limbs back into their bodies.
Galant Reflex: The galant reflex is shown when an infant’s middle or lower back is stroked next
to the spinal cord. The baby will respond by curving his or her body toward the side which is being
stroked.
Tonic Neck Reflex: The tonic neck reflex is demonstrated in infants who are placed on their
abdomens. Whichever side the child’s head is facing, the limbs on that side will straighten, while
the opposite limbs will curl.
Sources:
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Diagrammatic-representation-of-the-Cephalocaudal-
growth-pattern-Note-the-relative_fig1_318207150
https://www.alleydog.com/glossary/definition.php?term=Proximodistal+Development+
https://www.alleydog.com/glossary/definition.php?term=Cephalocaudal+Development

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MODULE 12: Physical Development of Infants and Toddlers: Cephalocaudal and Proximodistal Pattern

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What are some common reflexes that infants have?

How does an infant's brain develop in the first two years?

Discussant: Odeña, Thamiah Izabell B. Professor: Dr. Salvacion J.

MODULE 12: Physical Development of Infants and Toddlers

Cephalocaudal and Proximodistal Pattern

Height and Weight

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