Motor skills are essential abilities that help Baby perform everyday movements and tasks, from holding their head up to picking up toys. Infant motor skills develop shortly after birth and strengthen as Baby grows, laying the foundation for independence and exploration.
Understanding the Two Types of Motor Skills
Motor skills are categorized into two groups, gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Both are needed reach Baby's motor milestones and to support overall baby motor development.
Gross Motor Skills:
Involve movements related to large muscles such as in the legs, arms, and trunk. Gross motor skills in infants look like lifting their head, pushing up on their arms, or simply moving their limbs when they're excited. Developing Baby's gross motor skills allows them to navigate and interact with their environment independently.
Fine Motor Skills:
Involve movements using smaller muscle groups such as those in the hand, fingers, and wrist. Fine motor skills in babies look like grasping small toys, closing their fists, or bringing their hands together. Developing Baby's fine motor skills is essential for tasks that require hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
The Importance of Motor Skill Development
Developing motor skills helps Baby:
Achieve Developmental Milestones: Developing motor skills is key to meeting milestones such as sitting up, standing, and walking.
Explore Their Environment: As motor skills develop, Baby can investigate and learn from their surroundings, which encourages cognitive development and sensory processing.
Build Confidence and Independence: Baby will feel empowered when they master new movements! This boost to Baby's self-esteem will encourage them to explore their world.
By helping Baby build gross and fine motor skills, parents and caregivers support their their overall development and give them the tools they need for daily activities and learning experiences.
For more information on how to support Baby's motor development and what to watch for as they grow, explore the following resources.
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Version 1:
Motor skills are simply your baby's ability to move their body. Every time they hold their head up, grab your finger, or kick their legs, they're practicing the movements that will one day let them sit, crawl, walk, and feed themselves. They start small and build up over time and every little movement counts.
Understanding the Two Types of Motor Skills
Motor skills are categorized into two groups: gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Both are needed to reach Baby's motor milestones and to support overall baby motor development.
Tummy Time helps with both Gross and Fine Motor Skills! (Additional content here!)
Gross Motor Skills - Big Body Movements
These involve the large muscles in your baby's arms, legs, and core. They're what allow Baby to hold their head steady, roll over, sit up, and eventually get moving on their own.
You'll see this when Baby...
Lifts their head during tummy time
Pushes up on their arms
Kicks and squirms with excitement
Fine Motor Skills - Small, Precise Movements
These involve the smaller muscles in Baby's hands, fingers, and wrists. They're what allow Baby to grasp objects, explore with their fingers, and eventually feed themselves and hold a crayon.
You'll see this when Baby...
Wraps their fingers around yours
Reaches for and grabs a toy
These two skills always work together.
When your baby reaches for a rattle (fine motor) and then shakes it with a big arm movement (gross motor), they're using both at once. That's why supporting all kinds of movement, big and small, matters so much in those early months. See What Baby’s Fine and Gross Motor Skills Look Like in Action!
The Importance of Motor Skill Development
Every time your baby learns a new movement something bigger is happening. Motor skills aren't just about physical ability. They open the door to exploring, learning, and feeling capable in the world.
Developing motor skills helps Baby:
Hit those big milestones
(Title options - more parent friendly - "How do you go from tummy time to first steps/walking"
Sitting up, standing, taking first steps, all of these depend on motor skills building steadily over time. Each small movement Baby masters is a stepping stone to the next big one.
Example: Rolling leads to crawling. Crawling leads to pulling up. Pulling up leads to walking.
Discover and learn about the world
Once Baby can reach, grab, and move around, everything becomes something to explore. That hands-on exploration is actually how babies learn. It sparks curiosity and helps their brain develop.
Example: Picking up a block and banging it teaches cause and effect. Reaching for something out of reach teaches problem-solving.
Build confidence and a "I can do it" attitude
Watch Baby's face the moment they figure out something new. That pride is real and it matters! Every skill they master tells them they're capable, which makes them want to try more.
Example: That huge grin after sitting up unsupported for the first time? That's confidence being built.
What to watch for, starting from birth
You don't need to be a medical professional to notice how your baby is moving. From day one, just keep an eye on these three things they're the earliest clues that development is on track.
Symmetry
Both sides of the body moving similarly. You do not notice that one leg or arm is weaker or stiffer than the other
Strength
Whether Baby is able to push, hold, kick, and move with a typical amount of effort for their age
Full movement
Arms and legs moving freely in all directions nothing that seems stuck, stiff, or limited
See what typical development looks like
How can my child work on their motor skills?
Good news! You don't need special equipment or a structured program. Motor skills grow through everyday play and movement. A little variety and encouragement from you goes a long way.
For Babies Under 6 Months
Do tummy time every day
Tummy time is the single most effective thing you can do for a young baby's motor development. It builds the neck, shoulder, and core strength Baby needs to eventually roll over, sit up, and crawl.
Try it:
Start with just a minute or two right after a diaper change, when Baby is awake and happy. Get down on the floor with them. Your face is their favorite thing to look at.
Do the Baby 180 - Switch up which direction Baby faces
Regularly changing the direction Baby lies in their sleep space so they look toward the room from different angles encourages them to turn their head both ways. This builds balanced neck strength and helps prevent a flat spot from forming on one side of the head. Learn more about these common infant conditions.
Try it:
One night, Baby's head is at the top of the crib. Next night, flip so their feet are at the top. They'll naturally turn toward the sounds and light in the room.
Limit time in bouncers, swings, and car seats
Infant containers are useful but when Baby spends a lot of time in them, they miss out on the free movement that builds strength and coordination. They're great for keeping Baby safe; just make sure floor time gets equal billing. https://pathways.org/videos/tips-using-infant-containers
A good rule of thumb:
If Baby is awake and content, try for a blanket on the floor instead of the bouncer. Save the containers for when you really need your hands free.
For older babies and toddlers
As Baby gets more mobile, your job shifts from muscle-builder to enthusiastic supporter. Keep things fun, fresh, and pressure-free.
Make it playful - Skills grow fastest when Baby is having fun. Follow their lead! If they're into it, they'll keep trying.
Cheer them on - Your reaction matters more than you think. Big smiles and "you did it!" moments motivate them to try again.
Change the scenery - A different room, the backyard, a park, new spaces give Baby new movement challenges to figure out.
Rotate the toys -You don't need more toys! Just bring out ones that have been packed away. Novelty keeps curiosity alive.
Looking for more activity ideas? As Baby grows, age-appropriate games and tasks keep motor development moving forward. See activity ideas by age
How to Track Baby’s Motor Development
It is important to track all of Baby’s milestones starting from birth. If you notice something bring it up to Baby’s healthcare provider.
Milestones are sorted by age ranges, so Baby has until the end of the range to meet them (e.g. Baby should achieve a 0-2 month motor milestone by 2 months old). All of our milestones have 2-4 games from pediatric experts, specially designed to help Baby reach each milestone.
Children outgrow many of the behaviors that can affect motor development. Some common ones to watch out for include:
For specific signs to watch for by age, check out our brochure on Baby’s physical development.
If Baby isn’t meeting their motor milestones or you suspect a motor delay, reach out to Baby’s healthcare provider. Early intervention is essential for addressing development issues and preventing further delays.
Major Motor Milestones
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For more information on how to support Baby's motor development and what to watch for as they grow, explore the following resources.
Version 2:
Motor skills are simply your baby's ability to move their body. Every time they hold their head up, grab your finger, or kick their legs, they're practicing the movements that will one day let them sit, crawl, walk, and feed themselves. They start small and build up over time and every little movement counts.
Understanding the Two Types of Motor Skills
Motor skills are categorized into two groups: gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Both are needed to reach Baby's motor milestones and to support overall baby motor development.
Gross Motor Skills - Big Body Movements
These involve the large muscles in your baby's arms, legs, and core. They're what allow Baby to hold their head steady, roll over, sit up, and eventually get moving on their own.
You'll see this when Baby...
Lifts their head during tummy time
Pushes up on their arms
Kicks and squirms with excitement
Fine Motor Skills - Small, Precise Movements
These involve the smaller muscles in Baby's hands, fingers, and wrists. They're what allow Baby to grasp objects, explore with their fingers, and eventually feed themselves and hold a crayon.
You'll see this when Baby...
Wraps their fingers around yours
Reaches for and grabs a toy
These two skills always work together.
When your baby reaches for a rattle (fine motor) and then shakes it with a big arm movement (gross motor), they're using both at once. That's why supporting all kinds of movement, big and small, matters so much in those early months. See What Baby’s Fine and Gross Motor Skills Look Like in Action!
The Importance of Motor Skill Development
Every time your baby learns a new movement something bigger is happening. Motor skills aren't just about physical ability. They open the door to exploring, learning, and feeling capable in the world.
Developing motor skills helps Baby:
Hit those big milestones
Sitting up, standing, taking first steps, all of these depend on motor skills building steadily over time. Each small movement Baby masters is a stepping stone to the next big one.
Example: Rolling leads to crawling. Crawling leads to pulling up. Pulling up leads to walking.
Discover and learn about the world
Once Baby can reach, grab, and move around, everything becomes something to explore. That hands-on exploration is actually how babies learn. It sparks curiosity and helps their brain develop.
Example: Picking up a block and banging it teaches cause and effect. Reaching for something out of reach teaches problem-solving.
Build confidence and a "I can do it" attitude
Watch Baby's face the moment they figure out something new. That pride is real and it matters! Every skill they master tells them they're capable, which makes them want to try more.
Example: That huge grin after sitting up unsupported for the first time? That's confidence being built.
Alternate version:
Hit those big milestones
Sitting up, standing, taking first steps, all of these depend on motor skills building steadily over time. Each small movement Baby masters is a stepping stone to the next big one.
Example: Rolling leads to crawling. Crawling leads to pulling up. Pulling up leads to walking.
Discover and learn about the world
Once Baby can reach, grab, and move around, everything becomes something to explore. That hands-on exploration is actually how babies learn. It sparks curiosity and helps their brain develop.
Example: Picking up a block and banging it teaches cause and effect. Reaching for something out of reach teaches problem-solving.
Build confidence and a "I can do it" attitude
Watch Baby's face the moment they figure out something new. That pride is real and it matters! Every skill they master tells them they're capable, which makes them want to try more.
Example: That huge grin after sitting up unsupported for the first time? That's confidence being built.
What to watch for, starting from birth
You don't need to be a medical professional to notice how your baby is moving. From day one, just keep an eye on these three things they're the earliest clues that development is on track.
Symmetry
Both sides of the body moving similarly. You do not notice that one leg or arm is weaker or stiffer than the other
Strength
Whether Baby is able to push, hold, kick, and move with a typical amount of effort for their age
Full movement
Arms and legs moving freely in all directions nothing that seems stuck, stiff, or limited
See what typical development looks like
How can my child work on their motor skills?
Good news! You don't need special equipment or a structured program. Motor skills grow through everyday play and movement. A little variety and encouragement from you goes a long way.
For Babies Under 6 Months (click here)
For older babies and toddlers (click here)
For Babies Under 6 Months
Do tummy time every day
Tummy time is the single most effective thing you can do for a young baby's motor development. It builds the neck, shoulder, and core strength Baby needs to eventually roll over, sit up, and crawl.
Try it:
Start with just a minute or two right after a diaper change, when Baby is awake and happy. Get down on the floor with them. Your face is their favorite thing to look at.
Do the Baby 180 - Switch up which direction Baby faces
Regularly changing the direction Baby lies in their sleep space so they look toward the room from different angles encourages them to turn their head both ways. This builds balanced neck strength and helps prevent a flat spot from forming on one side of the head. Learn more about these common infant conditions.
Try it:
One night, Baby's head is at the top of the crib. Next night, flip so their feet are at the top. They'll naturally turn toward the sounds and light in the room.
Limit time in bouncers, swings, and car seats
Infant containers are useful but when Baby spends a lot of time in them, they miss out on the free movement that builds strength and coordination. They're great for keeping Baby safe; just make sure floor time gets equal billing. https://pathways.org/videos/tips-using-infant-containers
A good rule of thumb:
If Baby is awake and content, try for a blanket on the floor instead of the bouncer. Save the containers for when you really need your hands free.
For older babies and toddlers
As Baby gets more mobile, your job shifts from muscle-builder to enthusiastic supporter. Keep things fun, fresh, and pressure-free.
Make it playful - Skills grow fastest when Baby is having fun. Follow their lead! If they're into it, they'll keep trying.
Cheer them on - Your reaction matters more than you think. Big smiles and "you did it!" moments motivate them to try again.
Change the scenery - A different room, the backyard, a park, new spaces give Baby new movement challenges to figure out.
Rotate the toys -You don't need more toys! Just bring out ones that have been packed away. Novelty keeps curiosity alive.
Looking for more activity ideas? As Baby grows, age-appropriate games and tasks keep motor development moving forward. See activity ideas by age
Alternate version:
For Babies Under 6 Months (click here)
For older babies and toddlers (click here)
For Babies Under 6 Months
Do tummy time every day
Tummy time is the single most effective thing you can do for a young baby's motor development. It builds the neck, shoulder, and core strength Baby needs to eventually roll over, sit up, and crawl.
Try it:
Start with just a minute or two right after a diaper change, when Baby is awake and happy. Get down on the floor with them. Your face is their favorite thing to look at.
Do the Baby 180 - Switch up which direction Baby faces
Regularly changing the direction Baby lies in their sleep space so they look toward the room from different angles encourages them to turn their head both ways. This builds balanced neck strength and helps prevent a flat spot from forming on one side of the head. Learn more about these common infant conditions.
Try it:
One night, Baby's head is at the top of the crib. Next night, flip so their feet are at the top. They'll naturally turn toward the sounds and light in the room.
Limit time in bouncers, swings, and car seats
Infant containers are useful but when Baby spends a lot of time in them, they miss out on the free movement that builds strength and coordination. They're great for keeping Baby safe; just make sure floor time gets equal billing. https://pathways.org/videos/tips-using-infant-containers
A good rule of thumb:
If Baby is awake and content, try for a blanket on the floor instead of the bouncer. Save the containers for when you really need your hands free.
For older babies and toddlers
As Baby gets more mobile, your job shifts from muscle-builder to enthusiastic supporter. Keep things fun, fresh, and pressure-free.
Make it playful - Skills grow fastest when Baby is having fun. Follow their lead! If they're into it, they'll keep trying.
Cheer them on - Your reaction matters more than you think. Big smiles and "you did it!" moments motivate them to try again.
Change the scenery - A different room, the backyard, a park, new spaces give Baby new movement challenges to figure out.
Rotate the toys -You don't need more toys! Just bring out ones that have been packed away. Novelty keeps curiosity alive.
Looking for more activity ideas? As Baby grows, age-appropriate games and tasks keep motor development moving forward. See activity ideas by age
How to Track Baby’s Motor Development
It is important to track all of Baby’s milestones starting from birth. If you notice something bring it up to Baby’s healthcare provider.
Milestones are sorted by age ranges, so Baby has until the end of the range to meet them (e.g. Baby should achieve a 0-2 month motor milestone by 2 months old). All of our milestones have 2-4 games from pediatric experts, specially designed to help Baby reach each milestone.
Children outgrow many of the behaviors that can affect motor development. Some common ones to watch out for include:
For specific signs to watch for by age, check out our brochure on Baby’s physical development.
If Baby isn’t meeting their motor milestones or you suspect a motor delay, reach out to Baby’s healthcare provider. Early intervention is essential for addressing development issues and preventing further delays.
Major Motor Milestones
Rolling
(link to basic Rolling)
Grasping Toys
(link to basic Grasping Toys)
Walking
(link to basic Walking)
Holding crayon or marker to color
(link to basic Holding crayon or marker to color)
For more information on how to support Baby's motor development and what to watch for as they grow, explore the following resources.
Resources
All Motor Resources
Articles/Pages:
Videos:
https://pathways.org/videos/important-motor-milestones-babys-first-year-part-1
https://pathways.org/videos/important-motor-milestones-babys-first-year-part-2
Related Resources That Are Not Linked:
Articles/Pages:
Videos: