Question

Arrange the milestones of locomotor development of a baby up to 4 months in their correct order:
A. Lift chest
B. Lift head
C. Fetal posture
D. Reach and miss
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B, C, D
• B. C, B, A, D
• C. B, A, D, C
• D. C, B, D, A

Hint:

Remember the cephalocaudal principle: development proceeds from head to tail. So, a baby gains control over their {head} (lifting head) before their {chest} (lifting chest), and control of their trunk before their limbs (reaching).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The objective is to order early motor milestones chronologically from birth to approximately 4 months. This progression adheres to the cephalocaudal (head-to-tail) and proximodistal (center-outward) developmental principles.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The typical developmental sequence of these early motor skills is as follows:

C. Fetal posture: Present at birth (0 months), infants on their stomach adopt a fetal position with knees tucked.
B. Lift head: By approximately 1 month, infants can briefly lift their head while prone.
A. Lift chest: Between 2-3 months, infants gain sufficient neck and upper trunk strength to lift their head and chest, resting on their forearms.
D. Reach and miss: Around 3-4 months, infants begin intentional reaching. Early attempts are often uncoordinated, resulting in "reaching and missing" as they refine arm and hand control.

The correct sequence is C → B → A → D.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct chronological order of developmental milestones is C, B, A, D.