Child motor development guidelines you can use to determine if your baby is learning and developing gross motor skills and fine motor skills on schedule.
There are two different types of motor skills in babies and children. Gross motor skills are the first and deal with the child's ability to use large muscle groups. An example of this would be walking. The second is fine motor skills. This is the child's ability to use small muscles. An example of this would be cutting with scissors. Although each child develops differently, there are some guidelines that can help you determine if your child is where she needs to be.
Children begin developing motor skills at birth. By the time your infant is three months old you will begin to see development of motor skills. Your child will begin to lift her head on her own. She will play with her own hands. She will follow the movement of objects with her eyes. It's not too early to start trying to hand small toys to your child at this age. Even shaking a rattle for a few seconds is good practice.
By the time your child is six months of age a new set of motor skills will have begun to form. Your child will probably be able to roll over and reach for objects. You can almost count on her putting anything and everything she can get her hands on in her mouth. This is one way babies learn about texture and size. Just be careful that the object she is examining in her mouth is clean.
Once your child hits the nine-month mark, it's a good idea to baby-proof if you haven't already done so. This is the time when a lot of babies start to crawl and this newfound way to explore can get baby into trouble if your home is not properly baby-proofed. You will also notice that your baby begins to move objects back and forth between her hands. This is also the time when your child will begin to develop what's known as the pincer grasp. This is what is referred to when the child grasps objects between her thumb and another finger. Feeding your child Cheerios is a great way to let your child practice her pincer grasp since they are so small.
There is a good chance your child will be up and walking by the time she is one year old. Your child should be able to sit well without support. If your child isn't walking, then she will likely be able to pull herself to a standing position. Your child should be using the pincer grasp effectively at this point and should easily be able to pick up toys and move them back and forth between her hands.
By the time your child is two she should be walking very easily. Your child should be able to go up and down stairs with your assistance. Give your child a crayon and she should scribble. Now is the time, if you haven't already, to let your child try to use a baby fork or spoon. Your child will probably be able to throw a ball. Play music and she will probably try to dance. Building blocks are a great way to build motor skills, and at this age, your child should be able to stack two or three of them successfully.
Three year old children can usually run, jump, and walk on their tiptoes. By now you should notice that your child has a preference for using one hand. This is a good time to let your child, with your supervision, practice cutting with child safety scissors. Your child should also be holding crayons between her thumb and finger.
Your four- year-old child should be able to steer a wheeled toy. She should also be able to use a small slide, balance on one foot, and catch a light ball. Your child should be able to handle clay or play-dough. Work with your child on rolling it into balls and flattening it. Your child should also be able to copy circles and build block towers with five or more blocks.
Going up and down stairs, alternating feet, should be easy for your five-year-old child. She will probably be able to walk backward and enjoy trying new stunts. Your child should be able to draw a square and may be able to print some capital letters. Your child should also be able to cut a continuous line with child safety scissors.
All children are different and develop at different paces. Your child may or may not be able to do some of the specific things listed, but you should be able to determine if what your child is doing is similar. It's easy for parents to be tempted to compare their child's development to other children, but this should be avoided. Your child may crawl early and walk late. Your child may crawl late and walk early. This is completely normal. Any concerns you have about your child's motor development would be better off discussed with a doctor rather than other mothers. Friends, family, and the like can be sources of panic for parents, especially new ones. Just remember, your child is unique and will learn at her own pace. You can help your child too. Practice is perfect. Try letting your child dress and undress herself if she is interested. Give her crayons and let her scribble. Give her safety scissors and let her try cutting. Supervise these activities at all times. If your child shows interest in housecleaning, hand her a rag and let her clean too. There are all sorts of things you can let your child try to do on her own to help her develop these skills faster. All it takes is a little patience.
