1) 1.1
Describe the expected pattern of children and young people’s development from birth to 19 years to include
Physical Development
Communication and Intellectual Development
Social, emotional and behavioural Development
Physical Development
There are expected patterns of development for children from birth to 19 years old. Although all children are individuals and unique and there are factors which can have a bearing on development such as health, environment and home life and parenting these milestones happen naturally. The patterns start from birth with new-born babies having very little control of their bodies and are totally dependent. Up to 1 month old, a baby can focus both eyes and use different facial expressions. They will be able to turn their head towards the source of a sound and detect smells for example the smell of milk from their mother’s breast. A sucking reflex is also present allowing baby to take milk from the breast or bottle. By 2-3 months a baby will be able to mimic a smile from a familiar face for example when a parent or sibling smiles they can usually smile back as well as being able to imitate some movements and facial expressions. Due to strengthened neck muscles, a baby of 2-3 months old will be able to hold their head up for short periods of time which will move onto having more control over their head and arm movements allowing them to reach, grasp and put objects their mouth and will investigate/explore objects by shaking, hitting, turning, dropping and throwing them- this usually happens by 6 months old. By now they would also have enough grip and coordination to hold their own bottle. At around 7-9 months having gained muscle strength they become a lot more mobile and should be able to sit unaided and crawl or bottom shuffle. By 10-12 months they can stand and mimic simple actions. As they pass their first birthday and towards 1½ we refer to them as toddlers