The first year of life is a period of rapid growth and development, especially in the area of gross motor skills. It is such an exciting time as your watch your baby explore their environment by learning to roll, crawl, sit, stand, and eventually walk. Helping ensure your child
has a good foundation of gross motor skills in their first year is so important for long-term mobility, strength, and coordination. For parents in throughout Cleveland, understanding how to support and facilitate this development is key to ensuring their child reaches important milestones.
This comprehensive guide, brought to you by Tiny Strides Pediatric Physical Therapy, provides expert insights and practical tips on promoting gross motor development during the first year of life. Whether you’re a first-time parent or have had children before, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to support your child’s physical development effectively.
Understanding Gross Motor Development
What Are Gross Motor Skills?
Gross motor skills involve the coordination of large muscles in the body, enabling actions such as sitting, standing, crawling, and walking. Balance and coordination are also essential component of gross motor development. These skills are essential for a child’s ability to explore their environment and interact with the world around them.
The Importance of Early Development
Gross motor development lays the foundation for more complex physical activities as your child grows. Early development in this area also supports cognitive, social, and emotional growth, as movement is closely linked to exploration and learning.
Typical Milestones in the First Year
- 0-3 Months: Lifting the head while on the tummy, bringing hands to midline, beginning to reach.
- 4-6 Months: Bringing hands to feet, rolling over, and pushing up on arms when on the tummy.
- 7-9 Months: Sitting without support, beginning to crawl, and pulling to stand.
- 10-12 Months: Cruising along furniture, standing independently, and potentially taking first steps.
Facilitating Gross Motor Development at Home
Tummy Time: The Foundation of Gross Motor Skills
Tummy time is one of the most important activities for infants. It strengthens the neck, shoulders, arms, core, and back muscles, which are crucial for all subsequent gross motor milestones. My recommendation is trying to do at least 10 minutes of tummy time for every month old. For example, a 3-month-old baby should be getting at least 30 minutes of tummy time per day. I also recommend slowly transitioning from tummy time on a parent’s chest to tummy time while inclined on a surface and then flat on the floor.
Encouraging Movement Through Play
Interactive play is a great way to encourage movement. Place toys just out of reach to motivate your baby to roll, reach, and eventually crawl. Incorporate a variety of textures, sounds, and colors to stimulate sensory development alongside motor skills.
Creating a Safe Environment for Exploration
Ensure your home is a safe space for your baby to explore. Soft mats, child-proofing furniture, and removing small objects that could be choking hazards allow your baby to move freely and confidently.
Promoting Crawling and Walking
To encourage crawling, place toys or yourself at varying distances to motivate your baby to move. For walking, provide sturdy furniture or push toys that your baby can hold onto as they practice standing and taking steps. Always supervise closely to ensure safety.
Recognizing Potential Delays and When to Seek Help
Signs of Potential Delays
While every child develops at their own pace, certain signs may indicate a delay in gross motor development:
- Difficulty tolerating tummy time or lifting their head off the floor by 3 months.
- Not rolling over by 6 months
- Difficulty sitting independently by 7-8 months
- Not showing signs of crawling by 11 months
- Not pulling to stand by 12 months
- A preference to complete skills on one side versus the other
If you notice any of these signs, or if your child seems to struggle with movement more than expected, it may be time to consult a pediatric physical therapist.
How Pediatric Physical Therapy Can Help
Pediatric physical therapy can provide targeted interventions to address delays in gross motor development. Tiny Strides Pediatric Physical Therapy is dedicated to helping your tiny mover conquer gross motor milestones through intentional, play-based therapy. We also believe parents are key partners in their child’s progress; therefore, we provide guidance, education, and support so you feel empowered to continue to foster your child’s development at home.
What to Expect During a Physical Therapy Session
During a pediatric physical therapy session, the therapist will assess your child’s current abilities and develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan may include guided exercises, play-based activities, and recommendations for home exercises to reinforce the skills learned during therapy.
Local Resources and Support Infant Development in Greater Cleveland
Connecting with Local Pediatric Physical Therapists
For parents in Greater Cleveland, Tiny Strides Pediatric Physical Therapy is a valuable resource. We are dedicated to supporting your child’s gross motor development from birth through the first year and beyond. We offer comprehensive evaluations and individualized therapy sessions to help your child achieve their developmental milestones.
Concierge Physical Therapy
Tiny Strides Pediatric Physical Therapy offers concierge services to bring quality pediatric physical therapy into your home. This cuts down on travel time for you and your family and allows your little one to learn and play in the comfort of their own home.
Supporting your child’s gross motor development during the first year is an essential aspect of fostering overall growth and well-being. By understanding the typical milestones, providing opportunities for movement, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can play an active role in helping your child reach their full potential.
At Tiny Strides Pediatric Physical Therapy, we’re committed to helping parents in Greater Cleveland navigate this exciting journey. Whether it’s rolling, crawling, walking, balance and coordination, or torticollis and head shape, we’re here to celebrate every stride your child takes as they learn to explore their world.
