First-Year Motor Milestones: What to Look Out For
The first year of life is a period of rapid growth and development, particularly when it comes to motor skills. From lifting their heads to taking their first steps, these milestones provide valuable insights into a baby’s physical development. As a pediatric physical therapist, I often work with parents to monitor their child’s progress and identify any areas where extra support might be needed. Below, I’ve compiled a detailed guide to the gross and fine motor milestones to look out for in the first year, based on my milestone checklist.
0 to 3 Months
Gross Motor Milestones:
Pushes up on arms while lying on belly: Babies start developing their upper body strength, which is essential for rolling and crawling later.
Lifts and holds head up when lying on belly: Head control begins to improve as neck and shoulder muscles strengthen.
Turns head to both sides on back and belly: This movement is an early indicator of neck mobility and the ability to track objects.
Head lag when pulled to sit: Some head lag is normal in this stage but should reduce as muscles strengthen.
Fine Motor Milestones:
Moves fists from closed to open: Developing hand flexibility is key for future grasping.
Brings hands to mouth: This is an early step toward self-soothing and exploring.
Moves legs and arms off the surface when excited: Babies begin showing controlled movements in response to stimuli.
4 to 6 Months
Gross Motor Milestones:
Reaches for toys while on belly: Encourages weight shifting and core stability.
Rolls from back to belly and belly to back: This milestone demonstrates coordinated body movement and strength.
Pivots in a circle while on belly: Early mobility skill that sets the stage for crawling.
Accepts entire weight on feet with supported standing: Prepares the legs for independent standing and walking.
Fine Motor Milestones:
Reaches hands to play with feet while on back: Promotes coordination and body awareness.
Uses hands to support self while sitting: Indicates developing trunk control.
Picks up small objects with thumb and fingers: Early sign of fine motor precision.
7 to 9 Months
Gross Motor Milestones:
Sits without support: A major milestone that reflects improved core and balance control.
Begins creeping or crawling (using alternating arm and leg movements): Critical for strengthening coordination and bilateral skills.
Moves from laying on belly or back to sitting: Shows progress in transitioning between positions.
Turns head to visually track objects while sitting: Indicates both visual and postural control.
Fine Motor Milestones:
Sits and reaches for toys without falling: Demonstrates stability and motor planning.
Picks up small objects with thumb and fingers: Refined pincer grasp begins to emerge.
Begins to imitate though elbows during tummy time: Early imitation builds motor planning skills.
10 to 12 Months
Gross Motor Milestones:
Pulls to stand and cruises along furniture: Builds leg strength and confidence in upright positions.
Independent standing: Sets the stage for first steps.
Takes several independent steps: First steps typically emerge around 12 months but can vary.
Claps hands: Indicates motor coordination and bilateral use of arms.
Fine Motor Milestones:
Releases objects into a container or large opening: Demonstrates controlled hand movements.
Uses thumb and pointer finger to pick up small objects: Refined pincer grasp that supports feeding and play.
Stacks two blocks on top of each other: Early problem-solving and motor planning skill.
13 to 18 Months
Although slightly beyond the first year, these milestones are worth mentioning as they reflect continued motor development:
Gross Motor Milestones:
Independent walker: Mastery of balance and coordination.
Squats and picks up toys from the floor while walking: Improves leg strength and balance.
Begins to walk upstairs and crawls down stairs: Early stair navigation indicates coordination and confidence.
Fine Motor Milestones:
Stacks two blocks: Builds spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination.
Uses a spoon for feeding with supervision: Advances in self-care skills.
When to Seek Guidance
It’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace. However, if your baby isn’t frequently demonstrating many of the listed milestones or seems to plateau in their development, it’s worth discussing this with a healthcare professional. Early intervention can make a significant difference in addressing developmental delays.
Encouraging Motor Development at Home
Here are some tips to help your baby reach their milestones:
Tummy Time: Start early and increase duration gradually to strengthen neck, back, and arm muscles.
Interactive Play: Encourage reaching, grasping, and pulling with toys and activities.
Safe Exploration: Provide a safe space for crawling and pulling to stand.
Cheer on Progress: Celebrate each milestone to build your baby’s confidence and excitement.
Final Thoughts
The first year is an incredible journey of growth and discovery. By monitoring your baby’s gross and fine motor milestones, you can ensure they are developing the skills needed for future movement and independence. If you have concerns about your child’s progress, a pediatric physical therapist can provide personalized strategies to support their development.
Until next time, Dr. Brittany Nardone, PT, DPT
