In previous posts we have discussed the difference between fine motor skills (those required for small movements using small muscles) and gross motor skills (required for larger physical activities like running). In this post we delve further into the development of motor skills by looking at the predictable and sequential order in which they develop for infants:
- Head and trunk control: babies can lift and move their head towards stimulation
- Rolling movements: infants roll from stomach to back and back to stomach until approximately 4-5 months old
- Upright seated position: strengthening of back and neck muscles between 4-6 months of age
- Pulling oneself into seated position
- Crawling
- Hitching: from seated position, infants pull themselves across the floor moving arms and legs and sliding on their bottom.
- Stronger crawling on hands and knees
- Standing with help (of furniture or adults)
- Walking with assistance
- Pulling self up into a standing position
- Standing independently
- Walking independently
Source: Infant and Toddlers (1st edition) Watson, Watson, Wilson, Crowther (2000)
