• 4 days ago

How to Assess Motor Development in Babies During the First 6 Months

What Is Motor Development?

Motor development refers to a baby’s ability to move and control body movements. It includes:

  • Fine motor skills: Small movements like grasping with fingers
  • Gross motor skills: Larger movements like rolling, sitting, or holding the head up

Motor milestones also reflect neurological and brain maturation.

Month-by-Month Motor Development in the First 6 Months

1 Month

  • Arms and legs remain mostly flexed
  • May lift head briefly when on tummy
  • Reflexes like sucking and grasping dominate
  • May bring hands near the face

2 Months

  • Begins to stretch arms and legs more freely
  • Can lift head slightly longer during tummy time
  • May turn head toward visual stimuli
  • Hands begin to open more often

3 Months

  • Improved head control in upright positions
  • Symmetrical arm movements begin
  • Watches hands and brings them to mouth
  • Pushes up slightly with forearms while on tummy

4 Months

  • Holds head steady and upright
  • Lifts chest during tummy time
  • Begins reaching for nearby objects
  • Develops hand-to-mouth coordination

5 Months

  • Brings hands together while lying on back
  • Grasps and brings toys to mouth
  • May start rolling from tummy to back
  • Pushes up higher on arms while on tummy

6 Months

  • Sits with support
  • Rolls both directions (back-to-tummy and tummy-to-back)
  • Transfers toys between hands
  • Reaches purposefully and follows dropped toys

How Is Motor Development Assessed?

1. Developmental Charts and Screening Tools

Pediatricians may use tests like Denver II or ASQ to monitor motor milestones by age.

2. Physical Exam and Observation

During routine checkups, doctors observe head control, hand use, symmetry, and movement coordination.

3. Parental Input

Parents’ observations—such as “she doesn’t lift her head yet” or “he doesn’t reach for toys”—are essential for early detection.

When to Be Concerned About a Delay

You should consult a healthcare provider if:

  • Poor head control persists beyond 3 months
  • No reaching for toys by 4 months
  • No rolling by 5 months
  • Inability to sit even with support by 6 months
  • Primitive reflexes last too long (e.g., Moro reflex beyond 4 months)

These may indicate a neuromotor developmental delay.

How Parents Can Support Motor Development

  • Provide daily tummy time, starting with short sessions
  • Allow free movement on a safe surface—avoid restricting the baby in car seats or swings for long periods
  • Offer age-appropriate toys that encourage reaching, holding, and exploring
  • Avoid prolonged use of devices like walkers or jumpers that can hinder natural motor progress