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What motor skills do infants develop in the first year?

During the first year, a baby develops motor skills—abilities that depend on the use and control of muscles. Motor-skill development follows the same head-to-foot, near-to-far, and simple-to complex patterns you learned about at the beginning of this lesson. Think about how these patterns relate to the sequence of motor-skill developments shown in the slides below.

1-2 Months

Baby laying down on stomach looking at camera
  • One month: Lifts chin when placed on stomach
  • Two months: Lifts chest above surface when placed on stomach

 

3-4 Months

Baby laying down on back reaching for modal
  • Holds head up steadily
  • Reaches for objects without precise control
  • Rolls from side to back and from back to side

 

5-6 Months

Sitting baby
  • Sits unsupported briefly
  • Uses hands to reach, grasp, bang, and splash
  • Turns completely over when laid on back or stomach

 

7-8 Months

Baby eating messily
  • Sits unsupported steadily
  • Reaches for spoon
  • Eats with fingers
  • Picks up large objects
  • Pulls self up while holding on to furniture
  • Moves by using arms, knees, or squirming motion

 

9-10 Months

Baby upright supported by table
  • Is more skillful using spoon
  • Reaches for and manipulates medium-size objects with good control
  • Stands holding on to furniture or other supports
  • Crawls on hands and knees
  • Walks when led

 

11-12 Months

Baby drinking from sippy cup in high chair
  • Show preference for one hand over the other (right-handed or left-handed)
  • Holds and drinks from a cup
  • Fits blocks, boxes, or nesting toys inside each other
  • Picks up small objects using thumb and forefinger
  • Stands without support
  • May walk without support