A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which observation best demonstrates cephalocaudal growth?

A. Infant can hold head steady before rolling over is correct because cephalocaudal growth and development occur from head to toe. Control of the head and neck muscles develops first, followed by control of the trunk and then the lower extremities. Being able to hold the head steady is an early milestone that clearly demonstrates cephalocaudal progression. B. Infant can pick up small objects with thumb and forefinger is incorrect because this describes development of the pincer grasp, which reflects fine motor development and typically occurs later (around 9–12 months). It does not specifically demonstrate cephalocaudal progression. C. Infant can sit independently is incorrect because sitting requires trunk and core muscle control, which develops after head control. While related to cephalocaudal development, it is not the best example because it occurs later in the sequence. D. Infant can crawl using arms and legs simultaneously is incorrect because crawling involves coordinated use of both upper and lower extremities, which occurs later in infancy and reflects overall motor coordination rather than early head-to-toe development.