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Motor skills develop from the core of the body and extend outward. Explore this guide for practical advice on fostering your baby's growth. Check out additional baby care visuals.
Siri Stafford/Photodisc/ThinkstockThe motor milestones in your baby's first year may appear disconnected, but they follow a specific sequence. Development typically advances from the head downward, with abilities related to the head and arms emerging before those involving the legs and feet. Additionally, motor control evolves from the body's center outward, meaning your baby will gain control over her torso before mastering her fingers and toes.
Here are some key developmental milestones, organized from head to toe, along with tips to support your baby's progress.
1: Head Control
New parents are often reminded to support their baby's head, as infants cannot do so independently until around 3 months old.
- As neck muscles strengthen, your baby will begin performing "mini push-ups," lifting both head and chest off the ground.
- By approximately 7 months, your baby will achieve complete head control, maintaining a steady position for extended periods while sitting on your lap or being held upright.
To support your baby's head control development:
1. Place your baby on their stomach on the floor. Repeat this activity multiple times daily to encourage practice.
2. Encourage your baby to raise his head. Place an unbreakable mirror or a large image in front of him, or position yourself on the floor to engage him face-to-face.
2: Reaching and Grasping
By 8 or 9 months, babies can start picking up items using their thumb and forefinger.
Lynn James/The Image Bank/Getty ImagesBy the age of 3 months, most babies begin to wave or swipe at objects, a behavior that gradually becomes more precise over time.
- By the age of 5 or 6 months, your child should develop visually directed reaching, enabling her to spot an object, extend her hand, and grasp it.
- Between 8 and 9 months, as your baby refines her pincer grasp using her thumb and forefinger, she can pick up tiny items like food crumbs and, unfortunately, small debris from the floor. Keep a close watch, as she may try to taste whatever she grabs.
Here are four tips to help improve your baby's eye-hand coordination:
1. Set up a crib gym. This lets your baby swat at hanging objects. (For safety, remove it once he can sit up.)
2. Place your baby on his back and dangle colorful objects above him. Shake them 3 to 8 inches above his head to encourage him to reach out and swipe.
3. Help your 4-month-old practice grasping by offering rattles or other safe toys. Items that make noise when shaken or have interesting textures can motivate her to keep holding them.
4. Position several toys within her reach. Allow her to grab for objects while lying on her stomach on the floor.
3: Rolling Over
Mastering head control is a gradual process, but rolling over is a milestone that often surprises parents, as it seems to happen suddenly in babies — a development many eagerly anticipate.
- Between 4 and 5 months, your baby will likely roll over in one direction (either from back to stomach or stomach to back).
- She may not be able to roll in the opposite direction until around 6 or 7 months.
You can help your baby practice rolling by:
1. Give your baby ample space and opportunities to practice. The floor is an ideal spot for this activity.
2. Encourage your baby with praise. Speak to her and cheer her on as she works on rolling.
3. Hold a captivating object, like a rattle or baby mirror, near her. This can grab her attention and motivate her to turn her body to get a better look.
4: Sitting Up
Around 4 months old, babies can sit with support.
Tripod/Photographer's Choice/Getty ImagesOnce a baby masters rolling over, sitting up soon follows. This new skill opens up a fresh perspective of the world for them, making it as thrilling for babies as it is for their parents.
- At around 4 months, your baby can sit with assistance.
- By 6 months, your baby might sit well in a high chair, and before turning 1, she'll master sitting without support.
To help your baby develop sitting skills:
1. Sit cross-legged on the floor and place your baby in your lap, facing outward. Your abdomen and legs will support his back.
2. Support your baby with a standard pillow or a U-shaped pillow. Allow him to feel what it's like to sit while you supervise.
5: Crawling and Walking
Before crawling starts, a baby will typically get onto his hands and knees.
Laurence Monneret/Getty ImagesBetween 8 and 13 months, your child will begin to move around in some way. Parents often see crawling and walking as the most significant physical milestones. While it's thrilling, remember that each child develops at their own pace. If you're worried about your baby's progress in movement, consult his pediatrician. Most babies, however, follow a similar pattern in learning to move:
- Initially, he’ll likely get onto his hands and knees.
- Next, he’ll rock back and forth, trying to move forward.
- He’ll experiment with various movements, such as rocking, swiveling, rolling, and scooting on his stomach.
- After about a month of this, you’ll notice him starting to crawl properly.
- Many babies first crawl backward, but they quickly learn to move forward.
- Not all babies crawl the same way. Some skip crawling altogether and prefer walking with adult assistance. Others bounce on their bottoms, scoot on their stomachs, or do a "bear walk," crawling with their arms and legs straight.
Regardless of how your baby chooses to move, this stage offers her newfound freedom and the chance to explore her surroundings.
Encourage your baby’s movement skills with these fun activities:
1. Play crawling "chase." This is a delightful game for babies learning to move. Crawl after your baby, saying, "I’m going to catch you!" Then crawl away, urging her to follow. Hide behind furniture and let her "discover" you.
2. Set up an obstacle course. Fill the room with objects for your baby to crawl over, under, or around.
Safety Tips
With your baby now on the move, it’s crucial to create safe play areas. Fully babyproof your home and yard, ensuring your child is protected from hazards while also securing your belongings.
During this phase, your baby will start climbing stairs and furniture. However, most babies master climbing up long before they can safely come down. You can teach her to crawl down feet first on her stomach, but close supervision is still necessary. Install gates at the top of staircases and another a few steps from the bottom to allow safe practice. If stair railings or landings have gaps wider than three inches, use Plexiglas or safety mesh to prevent falls.
One of the most rewarding experiences for parents is witnessing the mix of wonder, frustration, and joy as their child progresses through developmental stages. Each phase is special and memorable. Cherish these moments of discovery with your baby!
Reporting by Jenny Friedman, PhD
This website is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice or treatment. Do not use this information to diagnose or address health issues without consulting a pediatrician or family physician. Always seek medical guidance for any concerns about your or your child's health.
Content courtesy of American Baby.
