Your baby is learning so much in the first few months of life, including how to move their body. New skills and movements develop quickly. These movement milestones are called “motor development.”
Know what to look for in the first 6 months.
Movement from birth to 1 month
- Your baby doesn’t have much control over their movements during the first few weeks. Motions may look jittery for a while.
- One of the first things a baby moves is their eyes. They can’t see very far in front of them, but they can begin to gaze at faces or look toward familiar sounds.
- Your baby can move their head side to the side but doesn’t have much neck control. It’s important to support your baby’s head.
- Babies are born with reflexes, such as the rooting reflex. Your baby will turn their head and open their mouth when you stroke their cheek. This reflex is necessary for your baby to find their food.
Movement at 2 months
- Your baby’s newborn reflexes are beginning to become voluntary motions because their nervous system is maturing.
- This is a great age to begin “tummy time.” This helps your baby build neck and trunk muscles. Some babies will cry when placed in this position but usually do better as you keep trying.
- Your baby is beginning to notice their own body parts. You may see your baby bring their hands to their face or mouth. Your baby is slowly learning to control their finger motion so they may often have their hands clenched into a fist.
- You may notice your baby smiling or making facial movements during sleep. Around week 6 your baby may begin to truly smile at you. Talk to your baby to see if you can make that smile appear!
Movement at 3 months
- Around this time, your baby’s body will begin to look more relaxed. Hands may be open more often. Your baby may also enjoy kicking their legs and straightening them.
- Sometimes babies can kick themselves from tummy to back. Never leave your baby alone on furniture where they could roll over or fall off.
- Babies at this age may start to swat at objects that dangle above them or are just out of reach. Your baby may be able to hold and shake a rattle or small hand toy.
- Hold your baby in a “standing” position on your lap and watch your baby enjoy learning how to bounce. Your baby is learning how to use their legs to support their weight.
Movement from 4 to 6 months
Development that happens by 4 months typically includes:
- Increased use of hands – babies may start grasping objects on purpose and bringing them to their mouths
- Waving arms to bat at things
- Kicking legs
- Better head control
Development that happens by 6 months typically includes:
- Pushing up with arms and shoulders when placed on tummy
- Kicking arms and legs while on tummy
- Rolling over from tummy to back
- Improved grasping skills
Your baby has come a long way in 6 months, progressing from mostly instinctive, reflexive movements to using hands, arms and legs with purpose. Get ready for the next phase – your baby on the move.
When to talk to your baby’s doctor
- If you notice your baby’s development going backwards or stopping, or if your baby is only using one side of their body, talk to your baby’s doctor.
- Young infants can seem “floppy” until they develop muscle control. However, if your baby seems to be limp or simply not reacting as normal, it could be a sign of sickness or infection.
- If you notice your baby’s body shaking, it could be a medical issue and you should call your baby’s doctor.
Each baby’s movements may be a little different. Remember if your baby doesn’t achieve milestones or master movements at the same pace as others, it’s not usually because of a developmental delay or problem.
If you have any questions about your baby’s development, contact your baby’s doctor or find a Sanford doctor.
Learn more
- Play games to boost your baby’s brain development
- Babies learn while on the move
- Why your baby needs to play and explore
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Posted In Children's, Family Medicine, Parenting
