Milestones, Motor Development and Why It Matters!
You’ve heard of the developmental milestones, I’m sure. But did you know it’s really more of a sequence than individual milestones?
The word 'milestone’ indicates unique markers of development and that these emphasize the timing of the skill over the sequence or process of development. This can lead providers and parents to focus on the age of the achievement rather than the overall connection between the skills and the quality of the skills.
But why does any of this matter anyway?
Because it’s the sequence that matters more than the timing.
When the process of development is understood, then parents are better able to nurture that process and primary care providers are better able to identify a need for intervention and offer a referral.
So what is this process of development?
First, I’ll just note that I am referring specifically to gross motor development in this post. But, there are also oral motor, speech and language, and fine motor skills that also follow a developmental sequence. The same principles should be applied to these skills, as well.
Ok, here’s what to know and look for when it comes to early gross motor development:
0 - 3 months
body movements open and close - arms and legs stretch out away from the body and bend and come back in
hands come to the center of the body and eventually the mouth
the neck and trunk begin to develop stability and control
4 - 6 months
props self up on arms when lying on tummy
reaches for toys
grasps and mouths toys
rolls from tummy to back and back to tummy
continues to strengthen neck and trunk control and stability
7 - 9 months
while lying on tummy, can pivot side-to-side, push self backward and army/lizard crawl
sits independently (without propping of any kind)
can push self up from a lying to sitting position
10 - 12 months
rocks on hands and knees
creeps (crawls on hands and knees)
pulls self to standing position
walks along furniture
13 - 15 months
stands alone
walks independently
The Deeper Meaning: Understanding the connection between the motor skills
Looking at the sequence of skills above from 0 months all the way to 15 months, you can see the progression of skills. Each step allows for the next step to be achieved.
For example, bringing hands to midline around 3 months, helps baby to establish their midline, which leads to more core stability, which is required to play on their tummy with head and shoulders off the floor.
Playing on the tummy and sides of the body, and the shifting that happens in these positions, leads to baby pushing themselves from the floor up to sitting.
Creeping (crawling on hands and knees) develops the cross-lateral coordination needed to walk.
Skipping a skill is not a sign of superior or advanced skills. You can see how it feels impossible for a 3 month-old to suddenly walk. There are so many skills that come in between bringing your hands to your mouth and walking.
Also, faster does not equal better.
It is important that a baby bask in lots of juicy time in each stage and develop the tone, strength, endurance and independence to master each skill.
This means that babies need open and safe places to play where they have the to freedom to move. Containers and baby equipment don’t teach a child how to move, they restrict and direct movement.
In order for a child to optimize their skills they need to activate their own musculature and not be rushed through development.
If you notice your baby having difficulty with their movement skills, reach out for a free phone consultation or schedule an evaluation. You can also learn more at Happy & Healthy Therapy’s free new parent nights or take the Tummy Time! Method Class to master tummy time for both you and your baby.
