The Importance of Motor Skill Development for Infants

The transition from the first few months of your baby's life to older infanthood is full of important changes. One of the most reassuring is the switch from quick, jerky actions to smoother, more intentional movements. This change is due to the growth of your baby's muscle development & motor skills which can be encouraged through simple activities. Read on to learn more!

But what are motor skills?

"Improving gross motor skills involves the large groups of muscles your baby uses to sit, stand, walk, run, keep balance, or change positions. Fine motor skills include using hands to eat, draw, play, or pick up small items." 

Ah, I see...tell me more!

"For the first 3 months, your baby's muscles are undeveloped, and you have to support his head and neck. By month 4, your baby has the muscle control needed to turn his head and follow objects. The ability to balance, sit up, crawl, and eventually stand normally occur within the first 12 months. Your baby's fine motor skills also advance from clumsily raking objects in the early months to accurately grasping objects."

Oh, okay! Well how do I help my baby develop these motor skills so she can be more independent?

Place your baby on his stomach to strengthen his neck and back muscles. 

Roll a large ball to your baby. 

Put a graspable object (such as a rattle) in your baby's hand and tug on it very gently. 

Bring out the blocks. 

Around 4 to 7 months, gently pull your baby to a standing position. 

Make an obstacle course. 

Use finger foods to provide fine-motor practice. 

And many other simple activities!

Get started today by checking out our Infant Motor Skill Development Activities page!

Thanks to Similac for the great information, I learned a ton and hope you did too :)

Let me know what you think or any ideas you may have to add to the activities page in the comments below!