The first year of a child’s life is filled with incredible progress in physical abilities. From lying down to sitting, crawling, and eventually standing, every stage marks an important achievement.
This journey of growing motor skills and muscle control unfolds gradually, shaped by daily experiences and exploration.
For our Lykkers interested in understanding how babies develop their movement skills, this guide offers a clear and friendly overview of key phases during the first twelve months.
Early Muscle Control and Coordination
Initial Development: Head to Toes
During the first two months, the infant's control over muscles develops in a distinct pattern, starting from the top down and from the center outward.
At first, the baby learns to manage movements of the head and neck. Then, control expands to the torso, followed by the arms, and lastly the legs.
Fine Motor Skills Progress
After gaining basic control over larger parts of the body, the baby gradually improves movement coordination from the arms down to the hands. This progression continues over many months, sometimes up to a year, as control reaches the fingers.
Exploring Movement: Rolling and Sitting
Rolling Over Around Three Months
By about three months, the infant discovers rolling as a new way to move. From lying on the back, the baby pushes off with the foot, extends the torso, and rotates onto the tummy.
This is a significant step because it allows the infant to explore their surroundings from different angles independently.
Learning to Sit Between Five and Six Months
Transitioning from lying on the back to sitting up demands strength, balance, and repeated effort. Initially, keeping stable is difficult, with many attempts ending in falls. Over time, the baby develops muscle control and coordination to hold a seated position for longer periods. Many use their hands in front for support, resembling a “parachute” posture.
Using Legs to Balance
Leg positioning varies: some babies bend their legs close to their body, while others spread them wide to balance better. These strategies help maintain the sitting posture. By seven or eight months, many infants can sit steadily and begin using their hands to explore toys and objects while seated.
Starting to Move Around
Different Ways to Explore (7 to 9 Months)
Around this age, infants find unique ways to move across the floor. Some begin by scooting forward while seated, others crawl on hands and knees, and some slide on their bottoms with one leg tucked underneath.
This period signals the need to baby-proof living spaces, removing heavy or dangerous items from low surfaces and padding sharp edges to ensure safety.
Individual Differences in Movement Interests
Not all infants are eager to move immediately. Some prefer sitting and observing, focusing on toys or sounds. This is normal, as each child develops at their own pace, influenced by personality and interests. Some babies even bypass crawling, going straight to standing and taking early steps by their first birthday.
Advancing Mobility: Crawling and Standing
Refined Crawling by Nine Months
Most babies begin more effective crawling near nine months. This involves a coordinated movement pattern where opposite limbs move together (right arm with left leg and vice versa). The baby learns to balance weight on hands and knees, moving forward independently.
Backward Movement First
Sometimes infants initially move backward because arm strength develops before leg strength. Over time, pushing with the legs improves forward movement skills. Variations in crawling style are common, with some babies keeping their bottoms raised or moving in unique ways.
Safe Movement Requires Learning
Mastering mobility is a complex process. Each attempt teaches the infant how to use their body efficiently, gaining confidence in self-directed movement.
First Attempts at Standing and Walking
Interest in Standing (10 to 12 Months)
Between ten and twelve months, many babies become curious about standing upright. Holding onto furniture or caregivers’ legs, they pull themselves up to a standing position. This requires substantial muscle strength, balance, and coordination.
Challenges of Sitting Down From Standing
Sitting back down after standing is surprisingly difficult. Babies must manage their center of gravity carefully to avoid tipping over. Falls are common during early attempts, and sometimes the infant may simply collapse backward hoping to land safely.
Seeking Help When Needed
Some babies, cautious about balance, prefer to stay clinging to support and call for assistance. With persistence, they gradually improve, learning to stand and sit more securely.
Standing Independently
By eleven or twelve months, many infants can stand alone for short periods without support. This marks a critical step toward walking, as confidence and balance improve.
Experts in pediatric development note that infants follow a broadly predictable pattern of motor‑skill acquisition during the first year. For instance, baby movements typically begin with control of the head and neck, then progress outward and downward — from trunk to arms and eventually to legs — a pattern known as cephalocaudal and proximal‑to‑distal development.
Summary and Final Thoughts
The progression of physical skills in the first year is a remarkable journey of discovery and growth. Experts emphasize that each child follows a unique timeline, influenced by their own temperament and environment. From early control of head movements to crawling and standing, every milestone builds on previous achievements. Safe spaces and patient encouragement are key to supporting this development.
As infants explore their abilities, their movement skills become the foundation for more complex physical and cognitive growth. Caregivers and observers can celebrate these milestones as important markers of healthy progress. Understanding the typical patterns helps recognize when additional support might be needed and fosters appreciation for the incredible changes during this first year.
