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 One month: Lifts chin when placed on stomach Two months: Lifts chest above surface when placed on stomach   3-4 Months Holds head up steadily Reaches for objects without precise control Rolls from side to back and from back to side   5-6 Months Sits unsupported briefly Uses hands to reach, grasp, bang, and splash Turns completely over when laid on back or stomach   7-8 Months 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 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 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