During an educational workshop for new parents at a family wellness center, a practical nurse creates a timeline of expected physical growth. The nurse asks the parents to sequence cards illustrating major infant motor achievements. Place the following gross motor milestones in the correct chronological order of expected acquisition, starting with the earliest.
- 1Lifts the head and chest off the bed while in a prone position
- 2Rolls completely over from the abdomen to the back
- 3Sits upright independently without leaning on the hands for support
- 4Pulls up to a standing position while holding onto a crib rail or furniture
- 5Cruises sideways along furniture while holding on with both hands
Answer
The correct chronological sequence is: lifting the head and chest, rolling from abdomen to back, sitting unsupported, pulling to a stand, and finally cruising along furniture.
Infant motor development follows a predictable cephalocaudal (head-to-toe) direction. Muscular control begins with the head and neck (lifting the head and chest), progresses downward to the trunk (rolling over, followed by sitting unsupported), and finally reaches the lower extremities and overall balance (pulling to a stand, and then cruising). Understanding this continuous, directional progression is essential for recognizing normal developmental transitions.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Cephalocaudal pattern of infant gross motor development