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Motor development in babies progresses rapidly from month to month during the first year of life. Learn more about it in this article!
Motor development in babies is usually rudimentary in the beginning but becomes more intense and sophisticated as time goes on. During the first year, changes take place almost daily.
Of course, each child has their own rhythm. However, the milestones for motor development in children that we list below are a good tool for evaluating your child as he grows and sees if there is anything you can help with.
Motor development in babies: the first year
The motor development of a baby is a very important indicator of possible problems with its brain. Note that motor skills include gross motor skills (arms and legs) as well as fine motor skills (coordination).
Those who spend more time caring for their baby will find it easier to notice the milestones it reaches. If your little one is at this stage, you may be able to keep notes or diary.
Next, we will take a look at what to expect in terms of motor skills during the first months of the baby’s life.
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Motor development: month 1
In the beginning, the baby’s arms and legs are bent when lying on its back. When lying on its stomach, however, it can make “crawling” movements and even lift its head for a few seconds.
At this stage, the head will fall backward if you put the child up, so be sure to give it support. At the same time, the hands remain tied most of the time, with the thumb inside the rest of the fingers.
When someone touches the palm, it grabs the hand or object.
Motor development: month 2
Motor development in babies at this stage allows them to hold their head up and try to lift their body when lying on their stomach.
They will move their legs and arms more gently when lying on their backs. The hands will be able to remain open longer.
Motor development: month 3
By the third month, most babies can lie on their stomachs and rest on their forearms while raising their heads around 40-90 degrees. The thighs are now stretched.
When lying on their backs, they can look at their body parts, grab their own hands, and test their heels against the ground. When you hold them, they sit with a straighter back.
They will also grab and shake everything you give them, and their hands will remain open for extended periods.
Motor development: month 4
Now the baby can keep his head up without support. It can also slide off with its legs when the feet are on a stable surface. By the fourth month, most babies can reach for and touch toys hanging above them.
They can even put their hands in their mouths. When the baby is lying on its stomach, it will lift its body and rest on its elbows, and may even roll over on its back.
Motor development: month 5
At this stage of development, a baby can rest on its hands and lift its upper body almost completely. When lying on its back, it can move its legs in a pedaling motion.
Now it can sit down if you hold it in your hands, and it actively participates in this maneuver. When you hold it under your armpits and set it up, it can support itself on its feet and shoot away.
Now it can grab objects with its hands as it pleases. Furthermore, it can carry things from one hand to the other.
Motor development: month 6
During the sixth month, the baby can roll to both sides when lying down and go from stomach to back and vice versa.
It can even start sitting without help for a few seconds. When in a crawling position, it will swing back and forth or even try to crawl.
Furthermore, you can notice that it can now hold things in both hands and for everything against the mouth.
Motor development: month 7
It is common for babies lying on their backs to grab their feet and suck on their toes. They can sit without support and can stretch their hands forward to support themselves or pick things up.
When held in the armpits, they actively try to jump. They can easily transfer things from one hand to the other, and they can also hold objects between the thumb and the little finger. They can drop and throw objects.
Motor development: month 8
At this point, the baby can sit alone and without support. It can also rotate and get to the crawl position on its own.
Here they begin to enjoy the simple pleasure of throwing things. When they have objects in both hands and you offer a third, they can drop one to take the new one.
Furthermore, they can start munching on food from their hands without help.
Motor development: month 9
During the ninth month, the baby can begin to stand up while holding on.
When you put it in a crawling position, it can move, and some may even start crawling. It can now grip things between the index finger and the base of the thumb. It can also stretch and give objects.
Now it begins to test its strength and musicality by hitting objects against each other.
Motor development: month 10
Now the baby is a pro at crawling and can support himself on his hands and knees. It probably likes to stand up and try to walk by holding on to stable surfaces.
They can also grab pipe mugs and drink on their own as well as hold objects between the tips of their index finger and thumb. They can pick up items from drawers and put them back.
Motor development: month 11
In the eleventh month, children often begin to crawl by leaning on only their hands and feet. Many also take their first steps while supporting themselves on furniture.
The baby can walk if an adult holds it in his hands, and it can now point with the index finger. It also likes to put its fingers in the nooks and crannies.
Now throw something so that someone else can catch it. It can also hold a spoon and bring it towards the mouth, even if the movement is not very precise.
The baby can now clap his hands.
Motor development: month 12
Here the child can usually walk if it is held in the hand, and often it can take its first steps without leaning towards anything.
It can also bend down to pick up items as well as enjoy picking things in and out of drawers. With the help of the thumb and forefinger, it can pick up small things individually.
It can also play with blocks and the like that fit in holes if you show how to do. At this stage, the child can also take off the socks and try to put them on again.
Closing thoughts
Remember that the development for each baby is different and that if your baby does not reach these milestones during the month in question, it will probably do so within a month or two.
Motor development in babies goes very fast during the first year of life, and each baby will undergo this process in its own way.
The important thing is that you pay attention and talk to your pediatrician if something does not seem normal. With that said, one should not worry or compare too much with other children.
