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Question

Difficulty: MediumDevelopmental Stages and Transitions

A registered nurse is preparing an educational pamphlet for new parents regarding expected physical growth during the first year of life. Arrange the following infant gross motor milestones in the chronological sequence they typically develop, from earliest to latest.

  1. 1Demonstrates the ability to lift the head and chest when placed in a prone position
  2. 2Successfully rolls over from the abdomen to the supine position
  3. 3Sits upright on the floor without requiring external support
  4. 4Uses the sides of a crib or household furniture to pull up to a standing position
  5. 5Cruises laterally along the edge of household furniture

Answer

The correct chronological sequence is: lifting the head and chest when prone, rolling from abdomen to supine, sitting unsupported, pulling to a stand, and finally cruising laterally.
Infant gross motor development follows a predictable cephalocaudal (head-to-toe) pattern. Cervical control, demonstrated by lifting the head and chest, occurs first around 2 months. This is followed by early truncal control allowing the infant to roll over around 5 months. Advanced core stability enables sitting unsupported by 8 months. Finally, lower extremity strength develops, allowing the infant to pull to a stand around 9 months and cruise along furniture by 11 months.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the milestone related to initial cervical control (1 to 3 months).
Demonstrates the ability to lift the head and chest when placed in a prone position.
Gross motor development follows a cephalocaudal (head-to-toe) pattern, meaning neck control develops first, typically around 2 months.
2
Identify the milestone related to early truncal control (4 to 6 months).
Successfully rolls over from the abdomen to the supine position.
As development moves down the torso, infants gain the core control to roll from front to back, usually around 5 months.
3
Identify the milestone requiring complete spinal and core stability (7 to 8 months).
Sits upright on the floor without requiring external support.
By 8 months, the infant's trunk control is established enough to maintain balance while seated without support.
4
Identify the early lower extremity weight-bearing milestone (9 to 10 months).
Uses the sides of a crib or household furniture to pull up to a standing position.
As cephalocaudal development reaches the lower extremities, the infant develops enough leg strength to pull up to a stand at roughly 9 to 10 months.
5
Identify the transitional milestone prior to independent ambulation (10 to 12 months).
Cruises laterally along the edge of household furniture.
At around 11 months, infants begin moving laterally while holding on, bridging the gap between standing and walking.

Key Concept

Infant Gross Motor Development (Cephalocaudal sequence)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Developmental Stages and Transitions

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