Watching your baby grow and learn new things is exciting! One big part of their growth is learning how to move their body. These movements are called motor skills. Knowing what’s normal for your baby’s age can help you feel confident and spot any problems early.

How Babies Learn to Move in the First Year

Babies usually learn to move in a certain order—from their head down to their feet. Here’s what most babies can do at different ages:

0–3 Months

• Newborn: Lifts the head for a short time while lying on their tummy
• Newborn: Stretches and kicks their legs while lying on their back
• 1 month: Lifts chin and turns head
• 2 months: Lifts head, chin, and chest while on tummy; holds hands together
• 3 months: Pushes up on arms, looks at fingers, and swats at toys

4–6 Months

• 4 months: Pushes up on hands, holds head steady, rolls from tummy to back, reaches for toys
• 5 months: Sits with support, rolls from back to tummy, moves toys from hand to mouth
• 6 months: Sits for a short time, passes toys from one hand to the other, reaches with one hand

7–9 Months

• 7 months: Bounces when held, sits without help, uses arms for balance
• 8 months: Sits up on their own, pulls into sitting or kneeling, starts using hands to play
• 9 months: Pulls up to stand, bangs toys together

10–12 Months

• 10 months: Walks along furniture (cruising), stands with help, picks up small things with fingers
• 11 months: Cruises with one hand, stands for a few seconds, and walks while holding your hand
• 12 months: Stands well, takes first steps, picks up tiny things with thumb and finger, tries to stack blocks

How Doctors Check Motor Skills

At checkups, your baby’s doctor will look at how they move using a tool called the Survey of Well-being of Young Children (SWYC). You can also use a motor delay tool from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) at home to track your baby’s progress.

When to Talk to the Doctor

Every baby is different, but some signs might mean your baby needs extra help. Talk to your doctor if you notice:

1–4 Months

• Baby feels very stiff or very floppy
• Doesn’t grab or hold things
• Can’t hold their head steady when sitting

6–18 Months

• Doesn’t reach for toys
• Can’t sit up
• Can’t walk without help

What Happens If There’s a Delay?

If your baby is behind in learning to move, they might be referred to physical therapy. In Massachusetts, the Early Intervention (EI) program helps kids under 3 who need support.

You know your baby best. If you’re worried about how they’re moving, talk to your doctor. Getting help early can really make a difference!