Gross Motor Milestones in Infants and Toddlers: A Guide for Parents
Gross Motor Milestones: Introduction
Watching your child reach new milestones is an exciting part of parenting, especially when it comes to gross motor skills. From the first time they may lift their head to those initial wobbly steps, each milestone represents a significant step in their development. In this blog post, we'll explore some key gross motor milestones for infants and toddlers, helping you understand what to expect and how you can support your child's growth.
Understanding Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills involve the large muscles of the body and are crucial for everyday activities such as sitting, crawling, walking, and running. These skills are foundational for children’s physical development and help build strength, balance, and coordination. Let’s break down the key gross motor milestones for infants and toddlers and learn how these skills evolve over time.
Developmental Progression: The Top-Down Approach
Have you ever noticed how babies seem to gain control over their movements in a specific order? That's because gross motor development follows a head-to-toe pattern. It starts with the neck muscles, which allow babies to hold their heads up, then progresses down the body to the trunk, arms, and eventually to the legs and feet. This progression is natural and ensures that each part of the body is ready to support the next stage of movement.
For example, a baby will first gain head control and be able to lift their head when lying on their belly. Then, they will work on sitting up with support, then without support. After that, the focus shifts to the lower body, with skills like crawling and eventually walking.
This head-to-toe development is an essential principle to understand because it sets the stage for all future gross motor milestones.
Gross Motor Milestones for Infants & Toddlers (Newborn to 18 Months)
*** These are basic, common motor milestones and is by no means a complete, exhaustive list of all motor milestones seen in infant and toddler development.
Newborn to 2 Months: Building the Basics
In the early months of life, babies start laying the groundwork for gross motor skills. You might notice your newborn's movements seem random at first, but these are the beginning of their muscle control and coordination. Here's what to look for:
Head Control: One of the first gross motor milestones is developing head control. Newborns initially have a "head lag" when you pull them to a sitting position, meaning their heads fall backward. However, by the end of two months, many babies can lift their heads slightly and turn them to both sides while lying on their stomachs.
Kicking and Arm Movements: During this time, you may also see your baby kicking both legs and moving their arms equally while lying on their back. These simple movements are the foundation for more complex motor skills to come.
3 to 4 Months: Gaining Strength and Mobility
As babies move into their third and fourth months, their strength and control improve significantly.
Pushing Up: One of the most exciting milestones during this period is the ability to push up on their forearms while lying on their tummy. This action strengthens the neck, shoulders, and arms. You’ll see your baby begin to lift their head higher and look around more actively.
Rolling Over: Another important milestone is rolling from belly to back. It may seem simple, but this movement requires coordination and muscle strength. Rolling over is a baby's first experience of voluntary movement and offers a glimpse into their budding independence.
5 to 8 Months: Building Coordination and Balance
As babies approach the half-year mark, they become more active and begin mastering new gross motor milestones.
Sitting Up: Around five to six months, many babies can sit up with support, and soon after, without support. This ability to sit independently is a critical milestone because it frees up the hands to explore objects, leading to further cognitive and fine motor development.
Crawling: Between six and eight months, babies often start crawling on their belly. Crawling is a significant milestone as it requires strength, balance, and coordination. It also helps develop spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination. Some babies might skip crawling altogether, moving straight to standing and walking, which has been seen quite commonly in modern times.
Reaching and Pivoting: During this stage, babies also start reaching for toys while sitting and may pivot around on their belly to grab items. These movements are important for muscle development and prepare them for the next big milestone: pulling to stand.
9 to 12 Months: Preparing to Walk
The closer babies get to their first birthday, the more mobility they gain. This stage is all about preparing for walking.
Pulling to Stand and Cruising: Around nine months, many babies will start pulling themselves up to a standing position using furniture for support. Shortly after, they’ll begin "cruising," which means walking while holding onto furniture. This activity helps strengthen their legs and improve balance.
Standing Independently: By 11 to 12 months, babies might be able to stand on their own for a few seconds. This is a crucial step toward independent walking, as it shows they are gaining the necessary balance and confidence.
Walking with Assistance: Many babies start walking with assistance, such as holding onto a parent's hands or using a walker. These early steps are wobbly and cautious, but they mark the beginning of a new level of independence.
13 to 18 Months: Walking and Beyond
Entering the toddler stage, children typically reach some significant gross motor milestones.
Walking Independently: Most children take their first independent steps between 13 and 14 months. This milestone is monumental and is often accompanied by excited cheers from parents and caregivers! Walking independently requires a combination of balance, coordination, and muscle strength.
Climbing and Kicking: As toddlers become more confident walkers, they start to climb stairs (often on all fours) and may begin to kick a ball. Climbing and kicking require coordination and strength, making these activities excellent for gross motor development.
Squatting and Standing Up: Between 15 and 18 months, toddlers often start squatting to pick up objects and standing back up without support. This movement helps develop leg strength and balance.
What If My Child’s Gross Motor Development Is Delayed?
Every child develops at their own pace, and it's normal for there to be some variation in the timing of gross motor milestones. However, what if you notice your child isn't hitting these milestones around the same time as their peers? What if you have concerns about their gross motor development? If your child shows signs of gross motor delays, it's essential to consult with your Paediatrician. If there is any underlying condition impacting your child’s development, then your Paediatrician can assist you with recommending appropriate treatment plans and interventions.
Dynamic Movement Intervention: A Treatment Option
One effective treatment for children experiencing gross motor delays is Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI). DMI is an innovative therapy designed to support the development of motor skills in children with various physical, neurological, genetic, and developmental conditions. This approach focuses on structured exercises targeting specific motor patterns, helping children develop essential movement and positional skills.
What is Dynamic Movement Intervention?
Dynamic Movement Intervention is a therapy that enhances motor control by engaging children in targeted, structured exercises. These exercises are designed to stimulate neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and form new neural connections. This adaptability is crucial, especially in young children, as their brains are still developing and can significantly benefit from the kind of stimulation DMI provides. No matter the child's cognitive ability or the extent of neurological impairment, DMI has proven beneficial in improving motor functions and aiding children in reaching their developmental milestones.
How Does DMI Work?
DMI works by guiding children through specific exercises that challenge and develop their gross motor skills. These exercises may include movements that promote head control, crawling, sitting, standing and walking to name a few. The therapy focuses on active engagement, which means that children are encouraged to participate actively in their movements rather than passively going through exercises. By doing so, DMI effectively stimulates both the neural and muscular systems, promoting better sensory processing and motor planning. DMI aims to enhance children’s independence through improved strength, coordination, balance, stability, and motor planning.
When to Consider DMI
If you have concerns about your child’s gross motor development or if they have been diagnosed with a condition that affects their movement, DMI might be a suitable option. Early intervention is key to addressing motor delays, and starting a therapy approach like DMI as soon as possible can make a significant difference in a child's progress.
Always consult with a qualified health professional who is trained in DMI to discuss whether this approach is appropriate for your child’s specific needs. For more information, please visit our Dynamic Movement Intervention page!
Encouraging Gross Motor Development: Tips for Parents
Now that we’ve covered the milestones and treatment option, you might be wondering how you can support your child’s gross motor development. Here are some simple yet effective tips:
Create a Safe Space for Movement: Ensure your home is child-proofed, allowing your little one to explore and practice new skills safely. Soft mats or carpets can provide a safe area for practicing crawling, rolling, and walking.
Encourage Tummy Time: For infants, tummy time is crucial for developing neck and shoulder muscles. Start with short periods and gradually increase the time as your baby becomes more comfortable.
Engage in Active Play: Playtime is not only fun but also essential for gross motor development. Activities like playing with balls, using push toys, and simple obstacle courses can help strengthen muscles and improve coordination.
Be Patient and Positive: Remember, every child develops at their own pace. Celebrate each milestone and encourage your child, but don’t pressure them to meet milestones too quickly. Positive reinforcement and patience go a long way in supporting healthy development.
Conclusion: Supporting Your Child’s Journey
Watching your child grow and achieve gross motor milestones is one of the most rewarding aspects of parenting. From those first wobbly steps to standing tall, each milestone is a testament to their growing strength and independence. By understanding these milestones and providing opportunities for active play and movement, you can help your child develop the skills they need to thrive.
Remember, every child is unique, and their journey will be their own. Encourage them, provide a safe space for exploration, and celebrate each achievement, no matter how small. Your support is key to helping them reach their full potential.
By Scott Howard (Clinical Exercise Physiologist) │ 30/08/2024 │ Alignment Exercise Physiology
