Most babies and children follow a similar developmental pathway. There will be individual variations in the time they achieve particular skills and the patterns they use eg some children will crawl, some may bottom shuffle etc. Some children are quick to develop in certain areas, while others are a little later in developing a particular skill. In most instances provided the child is well and the environment is appropriate, the child will reach their motor skill potential.
Should you be concerned and feel your child is not developing as you would expect, please contact your Health Visitor or GP to discuss these concerns.
Most babies can sit to play by 9 months. All the play and activity they have done while on their tummies and back when rolling, pivoting and kicking etc has helped to strengthen their core. This allows them to develop their balance for sitting to reach and play with toys.
If you are concerned your baby is not yet sitting, have a chat with your GP or Health Visitor.
At around 6 months, most babies may stand when held and begin to bounce. They can do this as their core, pelvis and legs muscles strengthen. Many babies will begin pulling up to stand about 9 months and most will stand at the sofa or with hands held by 12 months. Some babies dislike standing especially if they enjoy bottom shuffling. Some babies don't like the feel of the flooring on their feet e.g carpet, sand, lino, grass, wood, stone.
If this sounds like your baby, try some of the ideas suggested and if you remain unsure, contact your GP or Health Visitor to discuss.
Most toddlers will walk by 18 months. Some factors may delay this exciting achievement, for example, the use of baby walkers, if your baby is a proficient bottom shuffler, or if your baby has been unwell or in hospital for a prolonged period.
If your baby has not begun walking by 18 months, it may be helpful to contact your GP or Health Visitor. You can have a chat and look together at your child’s development as a whole and at the pathway they are following.
When your baby was tiny, you might remember that their movements were very often jerky and asymmetrical (different on each side) as they had not yet developed stability of the head, neck and core.
By about 3 months your baby will become a little stronger and you will gradually see their body and limbs becoming more symmetrical (the same on both sides). By 4 months they will have their hands together and by 6 months they will be able to reach with both arms, pass toys from hand to hand and push up when lying on their tummy with both hands.
They should not show a hand preference until at least 18 months. Even when this begins to develop, they should always be able to reach and push well with both hands and open, grasp and let go of toys with both hands.
They will also kick both legs well and will begin to take weight on both legs for a short time when held standing.
They may start to commando crawl on their tummy or scoot about on their bottom. Sometimes they will use one side more than the other but you should see them use all 4 limbs well at other times.
Should you notice that they move one side of their body better or more than the other, at any stage, please contact your GP or Health Visitor.
We know that babies develop at their own pace within a fairly wide time scale and that there is a recognised sequence which most babies follow. Your baby should gradually move through this sequence and you will recognise and enjoy their developing skills. Should you feel that your baby is not progressing along this pathway or if you feel they are no longer showing previously gained abilities, please speak with your GP or Health Visitor.
Important to Note
Skills such as taking the first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye-bye” are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, behave, and move (for example, crawling and walking).
Children develop at their own pace, so it’s impossible to tell exactly when a child will learn a given skill. However, the developmental milestones give a general idea of the changes to expect as a child gets older.
As a parent, you know your child best. If your child is not meeting the milestones for their age and you have tried following the advice from the KIDS website on more than one occasion and you still think there could be a problem with your child’s development, talk with your child’s doctor or health visitor and share your concerns. Don’t wait.
As a parent, you know your child best. If your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age and you have tried following the advice from the KIDS website on more than one occasion and you still think there could be a problem with your child’s development, talk with your child’s doctor or health visitor and share your concerns. Don’t wait.