---
title: Health & Physical Development - Infant | SDStepAhead
description: Engage infants with enriching activities and create a nurturing environment for their overall well-being.
---

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- Age-Level Continuum 
    - [Infants (Birth - 12 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/infants)
    - [Younger Toddlers (8-21 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/young-toddler)
    - [Older Toddlers (18-36 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-toddler)
    - [Younger Preschooler (33-48 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/younger-preschooler)
    - [Older Preschooler (45-60+ months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-preschoolers)
    - [Transition to Kindergarten](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/transition-to-kindergarten)
- Learning Domains 
    - [Approaches to Learning](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/approaches-to-learning)
    - [Social Development & Emotional Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/social-emotional-development)
    - [Communication, Language, & Literacy](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/communication-language-literacy)
    - [Cognitive Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/cognitive-development)
    - [Health & Physical Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/health-physical-development)
    - [Appendix A: Supporting Children With Disabilities](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-a-supporting-children-with-disabilities)
    - [Appendix B: Supporting Dual Language Learners](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-b)
- About 
    - [Purpose, Children’s Success & Working Together](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sd-stepahead)
    - [Guiding Principles](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/guiding-principles)
    - [SDELG Organization](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/sdlg-organization)
    - [Using SDStepAhead](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sdstepahead)
    - [Glossary](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead)
    - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/faqs)
- [Find Services](https://sdstepahead.com/find-services)
- [Professional Development & Resources](https://sdstepahead.com/resources)
- [Contact](https://sdstepahead.com/contact)

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- Age-Level Continuum 
    - [Infants (Birth - 12 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/infants)
    - [Younger Toddlers (8-21 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/young-toddler)
    - [Older Toddlers (18-36 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-toddler)
    - [Younger Preschooler (33-48 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/younger-preschooler)
    - [Older Preschooler (45-60+ months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-preschoolers)
    - [Transition to Kindergarten](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/transition-to-kindergarten)
- Learning Domains 
    - [Approaches to Learning](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/approaches-to-learning)
    - [Social Development & Emotional Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/social-emotional-development)
    - [Communication, Language, & Literacy](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/communication-language-literacy)
    - [Cognitive Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/cognitive-development)
    - [Health & Physical Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/health-physical-development)
    - [Appendix A: Supporting Children With Disabilities](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-a-supporting-children-with-disabilities)
    - [Appendix B: Supporting Dual Language Learners](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-b)
- About 
    - [Purpose, Children’s Success & Working Together](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sd-stepahead)
    - [Guiding Principles](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/guiding-principles)
    - [SDELG Organization](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/sdlg-organization)
    - [Using SDStepAhead](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sdstepahead)
    - [Glossary](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead)
    - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/faqs)
- [Find Services](https://sdstepahead.com/find-services)
- [Professional Development & Resources](https://sdstepahead.com/resources)
- [Contact](https://sdstepahead.com/contact)

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Component%20Pictures/B-12/baby%20eating%20puree-B-12%20comp.jpeg)

# Health & Physical Development Infants (Birth to 12 months) Components and Developmental Indicators

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/close-up-portrait-little-newborn-son-lying-bed-while-playing-with-mother-kid-smiling-put-his-fingers-mouth-lookin-happy-carefree.jpg?width=649&name=close-up-portrait-little-newborn-son-lying-bed-while-playing-with-mother-kid-smiling-put-his-fingers-mouth-lookin-happy-carefree.jpg)

## COMPONENT 1: Physical Health & Growth

### Developmental Indicators

#### HPD Goal-1: Children develop healthy eating habits.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Eat different kinds of food such as liquids, pureed or soft foods, and finely chopped food.

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Show interest in feeding [***routines***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en).

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Help with feeding themselves (eat finger foods, hold bottle).

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=55&height=41&name=green%20check.png)

Show hunger or fullness using actions, sounds, or words (cry or search for food, turn away when full).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Show food preferences.

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Respond to different textures of food in their mouth (wait for the next bite, spit out food, turn head away).

#### HPD Goal-2: Children engage in active physical play indoors and outdoors.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

[***Engage***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) in [***physically active***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) moments (spending time on their tummy, repeating actions, kicking, waving arms, rolling over).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Move body to explore indoor and outdoor environment.

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Develop strength and [***stamina***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) by continuing movements over short periods of time.

 

#### HPD Goal-3: Children develop healthy sleeping habits.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Sleep for longer periods at a time (more at night, and less during the day).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Settle down and fall asleep after a routine that includes a familiar series of events, such as calming songs and stories.

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Sleep well and show alertness during waking periods.

 

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/baby-cat-basket-B-12%20HPD%20comp%20-%20motor.jpg?width=649&name=baby-cat-basket-B-12%20HPD%20comp%20-%20motor.jpg)

## COMPONENT 2: Motor Development

### Developmental Indicators

#### HPD Goal-4: Children engage in play and movement to develop the large muscle control and abilities needed to explore and move in their environment.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Develop control of head and back, progressing to arm and leg movements.

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Maintain upright posture when sitting and standing.

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)Explore body positions and movements, rolling, pushing up, pulling to stand, and kicking or reaching for objects to achieve a [***goal***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en).

4

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)Move from place to place as their abilities allow (squirm, roll, scoot, crawl, cruise, or walk).

#### HPD Goal-5: Children engage in play and experiences to develop muscle control and hand-eye coordination to manipulate objects and work with tools.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Use both hands to swipe at, reach for, grasp, hold, shake, and release objects.

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Explore shape, weight, size, and texture by turning objects, dropping, or transferring objects from one hand to another.

3

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Use index finger and thumb ([***pincer grasp***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en)) to pick up an object.

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/man--baby-boy-B12%20HPD%20comp%20-%20safety.jpg?width=649&name=man--baby-boy-B12%20HPD%20comp%20-%20safety.jpg)

## COMPONENT 3: Self-Care, Safety and Well Being

### Developmental Indicators

#### HPD Goal-6: Children develop personal hygiene and self care skills.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Tolerate care routines (mouth care, handwashing, diapering, dressing, and bathing).

[DOH Oral Health Care by Age](https://doh.sd.gov/topics/maternal-child-health/children-s-health/oral-health-for-children/toddler-oral-health-care/)

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Show interest and assist in routines (open mouth for milk or spoon, raise arms for dressing).

#### HPD Goal-7: Children use safe behaviors and personal safety practices with support from adults.

1

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Show trust in familiar [***adults***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) (calm down with adult help, make eye contact with adults).

2

![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Checkmarks/green%20check.png?width=56&height=42&name=green%20check.png)

Notice and imitate adults' reactions to new people and situations.

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