As a general rule, one of the best things you can do for baby motor development is to have a lot of floor time. Playing on the floor, especially on their tummy, is the best way for your baby to learn to move. Limit time spent in car seats, rock’n’ plays, bouncers, exercise saucers, swings, floor seats, or other “containers.”
Baby Motor Development
Additionally, it is important that your baby’s development is symmetrical. Children do not develop right or left handedness until at least 2 ½ years old. Until then, your baby should complete all movements equally to both directions. Here are some ideas to help your baby learn to move!
1-2 months
Tummy time
Tummy time is extremely important for motor development. Completing supervised tummy time every day with your baby will help them build foundational skills and strength for movement. Tummy time strengthens neck muscles and core muscles.
Ideas for supervised tummy time:
- Tummy time on a caregiver’s chest
- Tummy time over a developmental pillow
- Tummy time while carrying your baby
Visual tracking
You can help your baby learn to visually track with their eyes by moving toys or your face from side to side. Ensure that your baby’s eyes follow the object from one side all the way to the other. This activity provides foundational visual motor skills that drive your child’s movement.
3-4 months
Reaching for objects
At this age, your baby will start to reach for and hold objects. It is important that they reach for toys with both hands equally and are able to bring both hands to their mouth or middle of their body. You can assist your baby in developing this skill by holding toys above them when they are on their back. You can also place toys in varying directions for your child to reach for on their tummy or on their back. Placing toys out of reach may also motivate your baby to try to move.
Propping on elbows during tummy time
Your baby will learn to hold their head up during tummy time. You can facilitate strengthening of muscles that will be used during crawling by helping your baby prop themselves up on their elbows during tummy time.
Rolling from back to side
The first roll your baby will likely learn is from back to side. You can help your baby learn to do this by utilizing visual tracking and reaching. When your baby wants a toy, move the toy in an arc to one side so that your baby’s eyes and head follow the toy and they reach for it to the side. You can use your hands to help them complete the roll to their side or tummy.
5-7 months
Rolling from back to tummy
You can facilitate rolling from back to tummy in a similar way that you facilitated rolling back to side. Utilize your baby’s visual tracking and reaching skills to initiate rolling. Place toys to the side and slightly above your child’s eyes. Then, you can help complete the roll to tummy by assisting at your baby’s hip.
Propping on straight arms during tummy time
Now that your baby can prop on their elbows during tummy time, you can help them prop on straight arms by holding toys above their head. At this stage, you should also encourage reaching for toys with one arm while your baby supports themselves on the other arm. Choose toys that are up off of the floor so that they are not only looking down to play.
Pivoting on tummy
Now that your baby can prop on straight arms during tummy time and reach up with one hand, you can help them pivot as a pre-crawling activity. Place toys slightly out of reach to the side of your baby so that they move themselves in a circle on their tummy to retrieve the toy. They should attempt to pivot or turn in a circle when reaching for a toy.
Sitting
First, babies will often prop sit by placing their hands on the ground in front of themselves while in sitting for support. As your baby’s balance increases, they will lift their hands from the ground to sit unsupported. You can then place toys in varying directions so your baby reaches for them then returns to sitting.
8-10 months
Achieving crawling position
You can assist your baby in achieving all fours position. From sitting, have your baby reach for a toy with both hands to one side of their body so that both hands are on the ground to their side. Then, help them at their hips to transition to all fours. Once in this position, you can facilitate rocking back and forth to prepare for crawling.
Crawling
Once your baby is comfortable achieving crawling position and rocking back and forth by themselves, they are ready to crawl. You can help them by having them reach for toys so they are supported with only one arm. You can also help by putting toys or yourself slightly out of reach so that your baby is motivated to move.
At any stage in development, if you are concerned about your child’s progression through a milestone, you can set up an evaluation with one of our experienced physical therapists by calling 773-687-9241 or emailing us at info@cptwc.com. Also check out our YouTube channel for more information on how to facilitate some of these skills with your baby! Good luck!
