Move It, Baby!

Motor Learning in the Young Child

By Linda Vick, M.S., P.T.

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Although not all infants demonstrate simliar feats of athleticism, most will be able to roll from their sides or backs to their tummies or vice versa by 3 to 6 months of age. The more often Baby rolls to her side, the more stimulus she receives for head-righting against gravity, which leads to improved head, shoulder and trunk control. All of these are necessary for Baby to be able to sit up by herself. "And rolling helps babies practice rotating their trunks and hips in preparation for crawling," says Dr. Letha Archer, a pediatrician in private practice near Grand Junction, Colo.

When Baby is able to sit by herself, usually by 6 to 8 months of age, roll a large, soft ball back and forth with her. "She'll gain strength in her trunk, and the forward/lateral movement will further encourage crawling," says Dr. Archer. Good hip control allows baby to be able to kneel or even pull up to a standing position.

Provide a safe space for your child to explore (watch for sharp edges on coffee tables, or flimsy chairs that are easily pulled over). Building block towers with Baby will require him to move between different positions, testing his balance while building strength in the leg muscles he'll use for walking.

From about 9 to 12 months, Baby cruises around the furniture, gaining confidence for that first step. Some caregivers are tempted to use walkers for their young children, believing them to be beneficial for speeding up the acquisition of walking skills. Not so, says Beth Ward, a physical therapist and owner of Children's Therapy Center in Las Vegas. "Walkers restrict a child's movement through the normal developmental sequence," she says. "Children who rely on walkers are slower in developing the necessary muscle strength and balance they'll need for independent ambulation." And, walkers are dangerous. "They are a leading cause of head injuries in infants under 12 months of age," Ward warns. Encourage Baby to walk by crouching a couple of feet away with your arms out, or offer supporting hands.

How Baby Moves

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Activities to Promote Motor Learning in Babies by Anonymous on 10/12/2009 11:12AM

I am having trouble trying to read to my 5 month old daughter. I do not make her sit and listen but she seems more crabby when i do read to her. What can I do to promote a healthier reading experience for both of us?

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