Pediatric Nursing Demystified

Prefers the human face to all other patterns

Hearing is fully mature; recognizes some sounds

May turn toward familiar sounds and voices

Prefers sweet smells; avoids bitter or acidic smells

Prefers soft to coarse sensations

Dislikes rough or abrupt handling

Social Milestones

Birth to 1 month: helpless and dependent; eye contact, but minimal

social interaction; sleeps extensively

Up to 3 months: smile and fixates on faces

Three to 6 months: distinguishes and smiles at certain, prefers familiar

people; enjoys peek-a-boo

Six to 12 months: responds to name, gives and takes objects, understands

simple commands

Emotional Growth

Birth to 1 month: demonstrates general tension

After 1 month: delight or distress shown

After 6 months: attachment to mother with some separation anxiety

Six to 12 months: may demonstrate stranger anxiety; shows curiosity by

12 months

Language Development

Progresses from

Cries, grunts at birth to coos in 3 months

Babbling, making most vowels and about half of the consonants up to

6 months

Saying one or two words, imitating sounds, and responding to simple

commands at 12 months

CONDITIONS AND CONCERNS COMMON TO

DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE

Signs of Possible Developmental Delays

(if noted in weeks 2 to 4 or later)

Poor sucking reflex; slow nursing or bottle feeding.

Absent or minimal blink reflex to bright light.

Doesn’t focus and track (follow) a nearby object that is moving side to

side.

Moves arms and legs minimally and infrequently; appears stiff.

Limb movement is floppy or excessively loose.

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