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Baby milestones track a baby's growth and development. From cognitive growth to physical development, babies are on a continuous journey of hitting milestones. Each of a baby’s movements is a sign that they are growing well. Monthly or weekly checkups with the baby's paediatrician will help you understand what major milestones the baby has achieved in a week and identify any potential developmental delays.
Layered Journey
A baby’s movement is a complex development that occurs through the step-by-step progression of muscular, sensory, and cognitive development. A baby's milestones are not isolated events; they are interconnected phases of brain maturation and muscle development. Early motor skills (posture and reflex) set the foundation for motor and cognitive development.
The baby's skill accumulates through each phase. Starting from gentle pushes during tummy time leads to rolling, crawling, and walking, creating a neurological and biomechanical foundation for the next steps. A baby’s locomotion presents opportunities for developing social skills and exploring their environment. Achieving each motor skill promotes cognitive and socio-emotional engagement.
A baby's growth is like slowly building a house: neck control sets the foundation, followed by core strength, coordination, and movement, such as crawling, cruising, and walking. It’s a carefully layered journey. You don't have to push or force; progress happens automatically.
Newborn to 3 Months
The foundational stage for motor development begins at birth. Throughout these 3 months, neurology and muscles mature to kickstart motor skills.
- Cervical strength and early spinal alignment help gain head control
- Gentle pushes and movement during nursing indicate cognitive and motor development
- Set the stage for turning to the side, crawling, and independent walking
- Improve visual tracking and recognise familiar faces
- Pustral muscle strengthens for rolling and sitting
3 to 5 Months
Months 3 to 5 see a rapid neuromuscular maturation and sensorimotor integration. This phase will result in significant growth as babies go from reflexive to coordinated movements. At this transformative phase, here is what happens in their body:
- Rolling and turning are a major milestone
- 50 to 75% of babies roll from belly to back and vice versa
- Antigravity and midline-controlled movements help in late movements like sitting and crawling
- The cortex and cerebellum mature and increase postural control and muscle activation
- 10%of babies can move objects as hand-eye coordination strengthens
- The sleep-wake cycle gets established
5 to 7 Months
This is an important transition phase for babies as they grow from statistical postures into building initial locomotor skills. At 5, 6, and 7 months, the baby’s motor development increases, resulting in coordinated shuffling and scooting movements. During 5 to 6 months, babies can:
- Axial control and limb coordination increase
- Shuffling and scooting are early locomotion signs
- Belly crawling and scooting on their bottoms are signs of individual motor development
- Grasping and transferring objects also change as a part of cognitive development
7 to 10 Months
During these 3 months, the baby’s motor development increases with enhanced neuromuscular coordination, improved postural control, and increased sensorimotor integration. At 8 and 9 months, trunk and pelvic muscles mature, allowing them to sit independently. During 7 to 8 months, infants are ready to:
- Crawling starts with the commando crawl, classic cross-crawl, and bear crawl
- Spatial awareness and motor planning increase
- The motor cortex and cerebellar cortex mature to promote sensorimotor integration
- Interaction increases with caregivers and the environment
10 to 14 Months
Between these months, babies' motor development enables them to crawl, which assists or supports standing. With refined balance, posture control, and coordination, babies can:
- Get control of the core and pelvis
- Stand with the support of a piece of furniture
- Take small steps with assistance
- Move objects efficiently
14 + Months
By the 14th month, toddlers are 50 - 70% ready to walk independently. Once sensorimotor and cerebellar function develop, they can walk with controlled posture and coordination. Other than walking, babies can:
- Squat and pick small things
- Turn door knobs and open lids
- Imitate routines they see
- Participate in hide-and-seek games
- Social interaction and language develop
Parents’ Role in Supporting Baby’s Growth
A positive environment created by parents plays a crucial role in helping children achieve the right milestones at the right time. Here are a few ways parents can foster their baby’s growth:
- Baby-proof your home so the baby can explore the surroundings freely.
- Keep the floor clean and sanitised as babies naturally try to eat everything that their hands reach.
- Always respond when a baby calls or cries to ensure they feel valued and cared for.
- Ensure their toys have a wide variety of textures and shapes to prompt sensory development.
- During their playtime, reaching for balls, crawling together, and helping them stand increases muscle strength and coordination.
- Actively engaging with the kid helps support neural plasticity.
- A diverse variety of toys that allow them to grasp, transfer, move, and stack enhances gross motor refinement.
- Establish a routine, including wake-up times, feeding times, and sleep times, to regulate the baby’s energy levels.
Every small growth shows the signs of motor and cognitive development. A baby’s early movements, such as gaining control, gentle pushes, kicking, and rolling, foster brain plasticity, synaptic growth, and coordination. As the month rolls on, you'll see your baby increasingly practice movement, engage in social interactions, and focus on learning about their environment.
Baby milestones progress naturally with or without intervention. Parents can support their children by setting clear boundaries, offering encouragement, and maintaining a consistent presence. Steer clear of toxic substances and sharp objects in the area to allow the baby to explore the space safely. Instead of limiting their movement, ensure a safe and encouraging environment that fosters the baby’s growth.
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FAQs on From Rolling To Walking: Why Every Milestone Matters
- What is the hardest month for a baby?
A baby's first three months are typically the most challenging for both the mother and the baby. They both need to get familiar with each other as the baby grows each day and respond to cues that the mother may not be aware of. - What are developmental red flags?
Babies who frequently fall without balance and are unable to meet normal milestones are red flags to look for. Assessing early will make it easy to diagnose and treat.