Your baby’s movement skills aren’t just from physical strength. They are also from the progression and maturity of the central nervous system.

Initially, reflexes such as grasping and sucking are controlled by primitive parts of the brain. However, as the central nervous system matures, more sophisticated motor skills emerge, like crawling, standing, and eventually walking. This maturation involves strengthening neural connections and the development of motor pathways in the brain, allowing your baby to gain greater control over their muscles and movements.

While every baby will achieve milestones on their own timeline, there is a predictable order to motor and nervous system development:

Babies acquire strength and coordination from head to toe:

Motor skills also develop from the center of their bodies outward, referred to as “proximal-distal.” In other words, your baby needs trunk and arm strength before they gain more precise finger strength.

Understanding this process can help you appreciate all that goes into each physical milestone. These skills cannot be rushed, and they unfold naturally over time. However, you can support your baby by creating a stimulating environment that promotes the free movement they need to practice these skills. Too much time in baby gear can hinder motor development, so experts emphasize floor play and tummy time from the start.