Chapter 21

Toddler- weight

2 year olds can approximately weigh four times their birth weight. Between 1 and 2 years old- 2 kg (5 lbs) weight gain. Between 2 and 3 years old- 1 to 2 kg (2 to 5 lbs) weight gain. The 3 year old should weigh about 13.6 kg (30lbs).

Rooting reflex

A feeding reflex elicited by touching the baby's cheek, causing the baby's head to turn to the side that was touched. the reflex usually disappears after 4 months.

Sucking reflex

A feeding reflex that occurs when the infants lips are touched. The reflex persists throughout infancy.

Tonic neck reflex or fencing reflex

A postural reflex. When a baby who is lying on its back turns its head to the right side, for example, the left side of the body shows a flexing of the left arm and the left leg. This reflex disappears after 4 to 6 months.

Neonates & Infants- length

Average length is 50 cm (20 inches). female babies are smaller than male babies. 1 in. per month for first 6 months 1/2 in. per month for next 6 months.

Neonates & Infants- Head and Chest

Average- 35 cm (14 in.) The chest circumference of the new born is usually less than the head circumference by about 2.5cm (1 in.). As infants grow the chest becomes larger than the head. At about 9 or 10 months the head and chest are about the same size. And after 1 year than the chest is bigger than the head.

Toddler- Height

Between 1 and 2 years old- 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5in) of growth in height. Between 2 and 3 years old slows to- 6 to 8 cm (2.5 to 3.5 in) of growth in height.

Neonates & Infants

Birth to 1 year Neonates- Birth to end of 1 month Infants- 1 month to 1 year

Stepping reflex (walking or dancing reflex)

Can be elicited by holding the baby upright so that the feet touch a flat surface. The legs then move up and down as if the baby were walking. This reflex disappears at about 2 months.

Toddler- Head Circumference

In toddler, head circumference increases about 2.5 cm (1 in) each year. By 24 months the head is 80% of the average adult size and the brain is 70% of its adult size.

Neonates & Infants- head molding

Molding of the head is possible bc of fontanels and sutures in the skull. Fontanels are unossified (without bone formation) membranous gaps in the bone structure of the skull. Sutures are junction lines of the skull bones that override to provide flexibility for molding of the head.

Palmar grasp reflex

Occurs when a small object is placed against the palm of the hand, causing the fingers to curl around it. This reflex disappears after 3 to 6 months.

Moro reflex

Often assessed to estimate the maturity of the central nervous system. A loud noise, a sudden change in position, or an abrupt jarring of the crib elicits this reflex. The infant reacts by extending both arms and legs outward with the fingers spread, then suddenly retracting the limbs. Often the infant cries at the same time. This reflex disappears after 4 months.

Plantar reflex

Similar to the palmar grasp reflex; an object placed just beneath the toes causes them to curl around it. This reflex disappears after 8 to 10 months.

Neonates & Infants- touch

The sense of touch is well developed at birth. The newborn is sensitive to temperature extremes and has poor self-regulation of body temp. In response to pain, young babies react diffusely, with a whole-body reaction, and cannot isolate the source of discomfort.

Toddler- Sensory Abilities

Visual Acuity- fairly well established at 1 year. 20/70- at 18 months 20/40- at 2 years of age. Hearing in a 3 year old is at adult level. The taste buds of the toddler are sensitive to the natural flavor of food, and the 3 year old prefers familiar odors and tastes. Touch is a very important sense and a distressed toddler is often soothed by tactile sensations.

Babinski reflex

When the sole of the foot is stroked, the big toe rises and the other toes fan out. A newborn baby has a positive Babinski. After age 1, the infant exhibits a negative Babinski; that is, the toes curl downward. A positive Babinski after age 1 can indicate possible upper motor neuron damage.

Neonates & Infants- weight

most babies weigh from 2.7 to 3.8 kg (6.0 to 8.5lbs) when born, just after birth most infants lose 5% to10% of their birth weight bc of fluid loss. 5 months- twice their birth weight 12 months- three times their birth weight