Infant Motor Skills Development

The development of motor skills develops rapidly from one month to the next during a baby’s first year of life. Learn more about it in this article!

A baby’s motor skill development is usually rudimentary at first, but over time it becomes more focused and sophisticated. During the first year of a baby’s life, changes occur on a daily basis.

Of course, every child has its own rhythm. However, the motor skill development milestones we present below can be a good resource for assessing your child’s growth and helping determine if there is anything you can help with.

Motor skills development in the first year

A baby ‘s motor skill development is a very important indicator of potential problems with the baby’s brain. In addition, this ability includes gross motor skills (arm and leg movements) and fine motor skills (hand-eye coordination).

However, those who spend more time caring for a baby can often better take into account the milestones in the motor skills that a baby achieves. If your little one is at this stage, it may be a good idea to take notes or keep a journal.

Below, we’ll take a look at what to expect in terms of motor skill development during the early months of your baby’s life.

Month 1

At first, the baby’s arms and legs are bent when he is lying on his back. However, when you put him on his stomach, he can crawl and even lift his head for a few seconds.

At this stage, the head will fall backwards when you stand it upright.

Meanwhile, the hands usually remain clenched with the thumb in the rest of the fingers.
When a person touches the palm of his hand, he grasps the strange hand or object.

Month 2

At this stage of development, the baby may hold its head up and try to lift its body when lying on its stomach. He will also move his legs and arms more calmly when lying on his back. His hands will be able to stay open longer.

Month 3

Motor skills development in the first year of life

By the third month, most babies can lie on their stomach and prop themselves up on their forearms while holding their head up about 45 to 90 degrees. Also, their thighs are now stretched.

When lying on their backs, they can look at their body parts and grab their hands and test their heels on a surface.
If you hold them to sit, their back will be straight.
Meanwhile, they grab and shake anything you put in their hands and keep it open longer.

Month 4

Now the baby can hold his head up without support. Also, babies can push up with their legs if their feet are on a firm surface.

By month four, most babies can reach and touch any toy hanging above them. Likewise, they put their hands in their mouths.

When the baby is face down, he can roll over and look up. He can also lean on the elbows and push himself up when lying on his stomach.

Month 5

At this stage of development, a baby can rest on his hands and hold his torso up almost completely.

When babies lie on their backs, they can move their legs in a pedaling motion.
Now they can be held by the arms to sit down and actively participate. If you hold them under the armpits and leave them standing, they can support themselves on their feet and push against a solid surface.
They can also grab objects with their hands at will. In addition, they can move objects from one hand to the other.

Month 6

By the sixth month, babies may roll in either direction as they lie down and turn onto their backs or stomachs. They can also sit without support for a few seconds.

When they get up, they can lean on their legs and try to jump.
In the crawling position, the baby will rock back and forth and even try to crawl.
In addition, they can now be able to hold an object in each hand and bring everything to their mouth.

Month 7

Normally, babies grab their feet and try to suck on their toes when lying on their backs at this stage.

Meanwhile, they can sit without support and are able to stretch their hands forward to support themselves or pick up objects.
When held under the armpits, they actively jump.
At this stage, they can switch objects from one hand to the other. Similarly, they are able to hold an object between their thumb and little finger.

They can drop and throw objects at will.

Month 8

During this month, the baby can sit independently and without support. He can also turn and independently come into the crawling position.

This is where babies start to enjoy the object throwing game.
Also, if they have an item in each hand and you offer them another item, they can let go of the item in their hand to take the new one.
In addition, they may begin to nibble on food unaided while holding it with their hands.

Month 9

Throughout the ninth month, the baby will stand up holding onto something. He can also move effectively in a crawling position. Some babies can already crawl.

They can now grasp objects between their index finger and the base of their thumb. In the same way, they are able to reach out and give objects to the parents.
Now they will start testing the power and musicality of objects by hitting them against each other.

Month 10

Now the baby is a pro at crawling and can support himself perfectly on his hands and knees. They probably like to stand and try to walk by holding on to anything that makes them feel stable.

They are also able to grab a cup and drink its contents themselves. They can now hold objects between the tips of their index finger and thumb. They are even now able to take items out of a box and put them back in again.

Month 11

In the eleventh month, babies begin to crawl by simply moving their hands and feet. Then they can take their first steps while leaning on the furniture.

The baby can also walk if an adult holds him with both hands.
They can now point to it with their index finger. In the same way, they stick their fingers in holes and crevices.
They are now able to throw something for someone to catch.
In addition, they can grab a spoon by the handle and bring it to their mouth, even if the movement is not as precise and they spill the soup.

The baby can now even applaud.

Month 12

Here the child can usually walk if held with one hand. Then babies take their first steps without leaning on anything. In addition, at this stage, they can take off their socks and try to put them on.

They may also bend over to pick up an object. Also, they can start enjoying the game of moving objects in and out of a box.

Using their index finger and thumb, they can grab small objects individually. They can now also play with pieces that match if you show them how.

A final consideration on motor skill development

Keep in mind that every baby’s motor skill development is different and if your baby doesn’t reach any of these milestones at the exact month. If so, he will probably reach it in the next month.

A baby’s motor skills development changes very quickly during the first year of his or her life, and each baby will achieve it in his or her own time.

Most importantly, you should pay attention to this and consult with the pediatrician if there is anything that seems abnormal.