motor development in the first year

The most important milestones in motor development in the first year: from the Moro reflex to the first steps

A baby's first year of life is a fascinating journey full of impressive developmental milestones. During these twelve months, your baby goes through a series of motor developments that continually expand his ability to move and explore his environment.

Here are some of the most important milestones in motor development, from the first reflexes to the first steps.

1. The Moro reflex (birth to 4 months)

The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is one of the earliest motor reflexes exhibited by a newborn. When a baby is suddenly startled, it stretches out its arms and legs and then pulls them back towards its body. This reflex is an indicator of a healthy nervous system and usually becomes gradually less pronounced over the first four months of life.

2. Head check (2 to 4 months)

Between the second and fourth months of life, your baby increasingly develops the ability to hold its head independently. This development is crucial for subsequent motor skills, as good head control forms the basis for sitting, crawling and ultimately walking. In the tummy position, your baby will try to lift his head, which will strengthen the neck and back muscles.

3. Leaning support (3 to 4 months)

At around three to four months old, your baby can bring his elbows under his shoulders to support himself when lying on his stomach. This is known as leaning support. This position helps further strengthen the neck, back and arm muscles and prepares your baby for more complex movements.

4. High support (4 to 6 months)

Around the age of four to six months, your baby will be able to lean on his hands while lying on his stomach and lift his upper body. This position, known as high support, requires stronger arm muscles and improves head and torso control. It is an important step towards crawling and promotes hand-eye coordination.

5. One-arm support (6 to 7 months)

Between six and seven months, your baby may be able to perform one-arm support, where he supports himself with one arm and freely moves the other arm to reach for toys. This skill demonstrates improved balance and coordination and strengthens the muscles needed for crawling. 

6. Rolls (4 to 6 months)

Around the age of four to six months, your baby begins to roll over from his back to his stomach and vice versa. This rolling marks the beginning of mobility and shows your baby's muscle strength and coordination increasing. Rolling also teaches your baby to look at his surroundings from different perspectives.

7. Seals (6 to 8 months)

Before your baby crawls, he or she will probably learn to seal. This movement, which typically occurs between six and eight months, involves pulling the body forward using the arms while the stomach touches the floor. Sealing strengthens the arm, shoulder and core muscles and is an important intermediate step to crawling.

8. Standing on all fours (7 to 9 months)

Before your baby starts crawling, he or she will master standing on all fours. This usually happens between the seventh and ninth months. In this position, your baby will lean on his hands and knees and may rock back and forth to find balance. The quadruped position is an important precursor to crawling and promotes the coordination of arms and legs.

9. Crawling (7 to 10 months)

Crawling typically begins between the seventh and tenth month. It is a complex motor milestone that requires coordination, strength and balance. By crawling, your baby significantly expands his mobility and begins to actively explore his surroundings. Some babies may also choose alternative methods of locomotion, such as crawling or sliding on their stomachs.

10. Sitting without support (6 to 8 months) Between six and eight months, your baby will probably be able to sit without support. This skill is a huge milestone because it allows baby to use their hands freely to reach for and explore toys. Sitting requires strong core muscles and good balance control.

11. Pulling up and standing (8 to 11 months) Around the eighth to eleventh month, your baby will try to pull himself up and stand using furniture or other sturdy objects. This skill shows that your baby's leg muscles are getting stronger and he is becoming more prepared for walking. Pulling up and standing promote balance and coordination.

12. First steps and running (9 to 12 months) The first steps are the peak of motor development in the first year of life. Some babies take their first uncertain steps as early as nine months, while others wait until their first birthday or a little later. These first steps are often hesitant and shaky, but they mark the beginning of a new independence. Running requires arm and leg coordination, good balance, and the ability to shift weight from one foot to the other.

Conclusion Each of these motor development milestones is a testament to your baby's amazing growth and adaptability. While every baby has their own pace, these milestones provide a general overview of what you can expect in the first year of life. Observe and celebrate each of these advances as they are the building blocks for lifelong motor development and independence.