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Gross Motor Skills 1 - 3 m
First Seeds of Control and Intention
Babies' practice yields fruit, so by now their muscles are much stronger, the limbs straighter, and they gradually relinquish the fetal position, replacing it with a more relaxed posture. Movements are now smoother and more elongated, and are seemingly better "organized" and intentional, yet they are still largely dominated by reflexes.
From Reflex to Intention
Babies now begin to strike at toys and objects. Initially, these movements are random: your baby would extend the hand and make contact with a toy, and the toy’s movement or sound would trigger your baby to move the eyes toward it. This sequence marks the first stage of the development of eye-hand coordination. By the end of the third month, babies' reflexes become less dominant, making way for greater control and intention, so they begin to striker at toys purposely.
Head Lifting
Although the head is still quite heavy, babies continue to practice head lifting; by the end of the third month, they should be able to raise the head while leaning on the chest.
- In the prone position, baby can raise his head while leaning on his chest.
- On his back, the random leg and arm movement eventually becomes more controlled.
- At 3 months, begins to intentionally reach for objects.
- To make it easier for your baby to lift her head and chest, lay her on a firm, soft surface when she is awake.
- Dress your baby in soft, comfortable, unrestrictive clothing so it is easier to roll over and move.
- Place stimulating toys to your baby’s sides, in front of her hands, to encourage her to extend her arms to reach it and move toward it.
Gross Motor Skills
