🧩 Module 1: Movement Matters
“Every wiggle is a workout—building the strength and confidence your baby needs for life’s big adventures.”
Theme: “Strong Bodies, Strong Foundations”
This module focuses on your baby’s gross motor skills—the big movements of rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. Every wiggle, stretch, and kick builds the strength, balance, and coordination needed for all future skills, from running on the playground to sitting at a school desk.
In this module, we’ll explore:
How gross motor skills develop step by step in the first year.
Age-appropriate milestones for posture, balance, and movement.
Why free floor play is essential for brain and body development.
Practical ideas to support rolling, crawling, sitting, standing, and walking at home.
How to give babies space and time to move, grow, and explore at their own pace.
🌱 1.1 Why Movement Matters
From the moment your baby is born, movement becomes their way of exploring the world. Every tiny kick, stretch, and wiggle is helping to build the strength and coordination they’ll need for rolling, crawling, and eventually walking. But gross motor skills are about much more than just reaching big milestones. They lay the foundation for so many areas of development — including sensory processing, problem-solving, independence, and even language and social skills.
Every baby develops at their own pace, and there’s a wide range of what’s considered “typical.” Some babies may skip crawling, while others take a little longer to walk. What matters most is giving them regular opportunities to move freely, explore different positions, and practice new skills. What you can expect, however, is that your baby will move from being fully supported in your arms, to holding their head steady, to sitting, moving across the floor, and perhaps taking those first exciting steps. Along the way, movement helps them develop balance, coordination, and body awareness — all while strengthening their growing brain.
As a parent, you play a key role in supporting your baby’s gross motor journey. The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment. Everyday routines — from tummy time on your chest to encouraging your baby to reach for a toy — provide rich opportunities for learning and connection. By celebrating small achievements and following your baby’s lead, you’re helping them build confidence, resilience, and joy in movement.
Brain development: Every wiggle fires brain connections. When your baby pushes up in tummy time, their brain is learning how to link muscles, senses, and balance. And when they move and exercise, the brain actually produces new brain cells — something scientists once thought was impossible, but recent studies have shown otherwise.
Future learning: Movements like crawling (using opposite arms and legs together) give practice in cross-body coordination — the same kind of skill later used for things like reading across a page or writing while holding the paper. But crawling isn’t the only way babies learn this — rolling, walking, and two-handed play all help too.
Confidence: Mastery builds resilience. Babies who fall, try again, and succeed are practicing persistence — a life skill that carries into childhood and beyond
Bonding: Movement is also one of the best ways to connect. Tummy-to-tummy cuddles, gently bouncing together, or clapping when your baby tries something new all strengthen your relationship.
💡 Movement is the foundation. Think of it as the bottom layer of the pyramid: without it, higher skills like talking, socializing, and problem-solving don’t stand as strong.
Key Takeaways
Movement in the first year is about much more than milestones — it supports the whole child.
Every wiggle and stretch helps the brain wire up for future learning.
Giving babies space to move builds confidence and resilience.
Movement play is also bonding play — it strengthens your connection as much as their muscles.
There’s no “perfect” timeline — follow your baby’s lead and celebrate each small achievement.
📊 1.2 What to Expect: Gross Motor Milestones by Age
0–3 months Gross Motor Foundations
Milestone
- Early head control
- Hands to midline
- Beginnings of rolling
What this looks like
- Lifts/turns head in tummy time
- Clasps hands; brings to mouth
- Side → back roll
Your role
- Short, frequent tummy time
- Encourage tracking
- Side‑lying play
Red flags / When to check in
- No head lift by 3–4m
- Very stiff or very floppy tone
4–6 months Rolling & Early Sitting
Milestone
- Rolling both ways
- Pushes up on straight arms
- Tripod sitting
- Weight‑bearing when supported
What this looks like
- Tummy ↔ back rolls
- Reaches in tummy time
- Leans on hands in sitting
- Enjoys gentle bouncing
Your role
- Place toys just out of reach
- Offer supported sitting
- Vary tummy play (mirror/songs)
Red flags / When to check in
- Not rolling by ~6–7m
- Poor head control in sit
7–9 months Sitting & Starting to Move
Milestone
- Independent sitting
- Rocks on hands & knees
- Crawls or bottom‑shuffles
- Pulls to stand
What this looks like
- Reaches without toppling
- Shifts weight in quadruped
- Commando → hands‑knees crawl
- Uses low furniture to rise
Your role
- Safe floor space (cushions/tunnels)
- Toys at varied heights
- Encourage pulling up
Red flags / When to check in
- Not sitting independently by ~9m
- Strong one‑side preference
10–12 months Cruising & First Steps
Milestone
- Cruising & standing balance
- Controlled lowering
- First independent steps
What this looks like
- Side‑steps along furniture
- Bends to pick up toy
- A few wobbly steps
Your role
- Safe cruising routes
- Push‑along (sturdy basket with books)
- Celebrate attempts
Red flags / When to check in
- No movement method by ~12m
- Not pulling to stand by ~12m
Every baby’s movement journey is unique, but there are common patterns most follow. These milestones give you a guide to what babies may be working on in their first year. Think of them as signposts, not deadlines — some babies reach them earlier, others later, and many find their own way there.
🎲 1.3 Play Ideas by Age
"Play is the best way to support movement. The ideas below are simple, practical activities you can do at home — no special equipment needed. Each one shows you how to engage your baby and why it matters for their development. Choose the ideas that fit your baby’s age and stage, and most importantly, enjoy the time together.
0–3 months Gross Motor Play Ideas
-
Tummy Time Variety — on chest, across lap, rolled towel under chest, gym ball (held securely), or short floor bursts.
Engagement: high‑contrast cards, mirror, your animated face, gentle rattles/songs.
Why: builds neck/shoulder/trunk strength, visual tracking; prepares for rolling. -
Side‑Lying Play — support on side with rolled towel; toys at eye level within reach.
Engagement: soft rattles to bat, textured cloths, side peekaboo.
Why: hands‑to‑midline, core activation, early rolling; reduces head pressure. -
Gentle Bouncing & Swaying — upright against your chest, small bounces/sways; or rock on a gym ball (support securely).
Engagement: rhythmic songs, sway near a mirror, hum patterns.
Why: vestibular input, improves head control, soothing co‑regulation. -
Leg & Arm Workouts — cycle legs, clap hands, gentle cross‑body arm stretches during changes.
Engagement: action songs, gentle tickles, tummy raspberries.
Why: body awareness, aids digestion, primes rolling.
4–6 months Gross Motor Play Ideas
-
Facilitated Rolling — place toy to side; guide pelvis/shoulder to complete roll tummy↔back.
Engagement: noisy toys, scarf chase, hide‑and‑reveal.
Why: core strength, body awareness, smooth transitions. -
Pull-to-Sit & Lower to Lying — from lying on back, let baby grasp your thumbs; gently guide them up towards sitting, then slowly lower back down to lying.
Engagement: sing a rising/falling song, pause at mid-point to smile/chat, offer a toy to “reach” at the top.
Why: strengthens core, arms, and head control; teaches safe movement transitions. -
Tummy Time → Hands & Knees Prep — across lap with hips supported; hands to floor bearing weight; reach for toys.
Engagement: bubbles, light/sound toys, tickle prompts to shift weight.
Why: builds arm/shoulder stability, balance transfer; pre‑crawling. -
Supported Sitting — on lap or with cushions; offer toys slightly out of reach/side to side.
Engagement: musical toys, floor‑level mirror, puppets; vary sides to turn.
Why: trunk control, balance, lateral weight shift. -
Facilitated Rocking in 4‑Point — help into all‑fours; gentle rock forward/back and side/side; brief holds.
Engagement: treasure basket ahead, slow ball roll side‑to‑side, “rocking” song beat.
Why: balance transfer, coordination, shoulder/hip loading.
7–9 months Gross Motor Play Ideas
-
Independent Sitting & Reaching — reach forward/side/diagonal; vary distances/heights.
Engagement: stacking cups, ball roll, tray toys to tap/transfer.
Why: balance reactions, prepares sit↔crawl transitions. -
High Kneeling Play — between your outstretched legs (side‑on) or at a low stable surface.
Engagement: mirrors/photos at height, toys to bang/press.
Why: hip/trunk strength; pathway to standing. -
Crawling & Obstacle Play — encourage commando → hands‑knees crawl; cushions/tunnel challenges.
Engagement: slow ball chase, peekaboo barriers, partly hidden toys.
Why: bilateral coordination, strength, problem‑solving. -
Sit‑to‑Stand (if ready) — push up from your lap or a surface to stand with support.
Engagement: bubbles to pop, toy to reach, celebratory clap.
Why: leg strength, balance, confidence.
10–12 months Gross Motor Play Ideas
-
Sit‑to‑Stand Practice — up from floor/low seat to a stable surface or your hands (held at shoulder level/under‑hands).
Engagement: puppets/toys just above, playful “ta‑da!”.
Why: strengthens legs, balance; walking readiness. -
Cruising Along Furniture — sideways steps along sofa/low table for toy “stations.”
Engagement: treasure trail of toys, photos taped along route, rotate objects daily.
Why: lateral weight shift, balance, coordination. -
Squatting for Toys — from stand at furniture, squat to floor and return to stand with control.
Engagement: blocks to pick/stack, ball into container games.
Why: leg strength, ankle stability, dynamic balance. -
Assisted Walking — hands‑under‑hands at shoulder level or push a sturdy basket/walker.
Engagement: carry favourite toy in basket, “walk to mummy/daddy,” steps to music.
Why: promotes natural gait, independence, confidence.
🚩 1.4 When to Seek Extra Support (Red Flags)
Every baby develops at their own pace, and there’s a wide range of “normal.” Some babies sit earlier, others crawl later, and many skip stages altogether. But sometimes it helps to check in with your GP, child health nurse, or paediatric physiotherapist if you notice:
Muscle tone concerns: your baby feels unusually stiff or floppy, and this doesn’t improve with age.
Head control: by around 4 months, your baby still struggles to hold their head steady when supported.
Rolling: not rolling in either direction by around 7 months.
Sitting: not sitting independently (without support) by around 9 months.
Asymmetry: strongly favouring one side (always rolling the same way, only using one hand, tilting head).
Weight-bearing: not pushing through arms during tummy play, or not taking any weight through legs when supported by around 9–10 months.
Independent movement: not attempting to crawl, shuffle, or move towards toys by 12 months.
Other concerns: loss of skills your baby once had, or if something just doesn’t “feel right” to you as a parent.
💡 Trust your instincts — you know your baby best. Early advice and reassurance can make a big difference, and even if everything is fine, you’ll gain peace of mind.
❌ 1.5 Myths About Movement
When it comes to baby development, there’s no shortage of advice — and not all of it is accurate. Some ideas get passed down through generations or shared online, leaving parents feeling pressured or worried. The truth is, babies develop in many different ways, and there isn’t one “right” path.
In this section, we’ll look at some of the most common myths about movement and share what the research really tells us — so you can feel reassured, informed, and confident in supporting your baby.
Myth: “All babies must crawl or they’ll struggle later”.
Truth: Crawling is great practice for strength and coordination, but some babies skip it and go straight to walking. Other movements — like rolling, cruising, or climbing — also build cross-body skills. Skipping crawling doesn’t mean future learning problems.
Myth: “Sitting babies up early helps them learn faster”.
Truth: Propping babies before they’re ready can limit their practice at rolling, pivoting, or pushing up. Letting them discover sitting on their own strengthens their core and balance in the best way.
Myth: “Baby equipment builds strength”.
Truth: Bouncers, walkers, and jumpers might look like they’re helping, but they don’t replace floor play. Babies build the most strength and coordination when they can move freely on the ground.
Myth: “Tummy time must be long sessions on the floor”.
Truth: Tummy time can be short and varied — across your chest, on your lap, or with a rolled towel for support. Even a few minutes at a time adds up.
💡 Every baby has their own unique path. What matters most is giving safe chances to move, explore, and practise — not ticking off every milestone in order.
💡 1.6 Every Day Tips for Parents
Supporting your baby’s movement doesn’t need extra time or special equipment — it can be part of the everyday routines you’re already sharing. These small adjustments turn ordinary moments into opportunities for learning, strength, and connection.
Plenty of floor time
Offer daily supervised floor play instead of long stretches in prams, swings, or bouncers. Use rugs, mats, or blankets for a safe space to move freely.
💡 Why: Builds strength, coordination, and freedom to practice rolling, pivoting, and crawling.Tummy time little and often
Start with short bursts, gradually increasing as your baby grows stronger. Use your chest, lap, or a rolled towel if floor tummy time feels tricky. As they push up to see your face, singing, talking, or simply making eye contact makes this one of the most bonding ways to sneak in tummy time.
💡 Why: Strengthens neck, shoulders, arms, and back — essential foundations for sitting and crawling.Carry in varied positions
Try upright against your chest, facing out, on your hip, or “leopard in the tree” hold. These gentle shifts challenge your baby’s balance.
💡 Why: Different carrying positions provide vestibular input, postural control, and head movement practice.Use everyday routines as practice
Turn change-time into playtime. Before fastening the nappy, gently “bicycle” your baby’s legs or let them grasp your thumbs and help them pull to sit. Slowly guide them back down to lying. These mini sit-ups strengthen core, neck, and arm muscles, and they also prepare your baby for sitting and rolling. Water at Bath time naturally invites movement. Let your baby kick against the water or press their feet against the end of the bath. The resistance strengthens legs and core muscles, while splashing supports sensory development. Try adding floating toys to encourage reaching, grabbing, and chasing.
💡 Why: Small daily movements strengthen the core, build movement skills and encourage body awareness.Toy temptations & transitions
Place a favourite toy just out of reach to encourage stretching, pivoting, and rolling. As your baby gets stronger, guide them through movement transitions — rolling to reach a toy, moving from lying into sitting with your support, or practising lowering from sitting back to lying with control. These “in-between” movements build body awareness, head control, and coordination. They also give your baby practice in problem-solving — “how can I get to that toy?”Supported sitting and standing play
Give chances to practice sitting (with support or with cushions around) or standing at a low surface (with you nearby). Place toys just out of reach in front, to the side, up high, down low and later behind. Use noisy or light-up objects to keep attention.
💡 Why: Builds trunk stability, balance, and leg strength in a safe way. Promotes weight shift, balance reactions, and prepares for crawling and sitting transitions.Incorporate songs and movement games
Sing bouncing or rocking songs, gently sway, or do action rhymes on your lap.
💡 Why: Combines rhythm, vestibular stimulation, and social connection, which motivates more movement.Celebrate small wins and repeat
Rolling halfway, wobbling in sitting, or pushing up on arms are all milestones worth cheering for. Repetition and encouragement help babies try again.
💡 Why: Repetition wires the brain and muscles for smoother, more confident movement. They’re not just developing muscles — they’re learning persistence, resilience, and the joy of shared success. Your encouragement teaches them that effort is worth it, even when something is tricky.
✨ Parent Tip: Movement doesn’t have to be “exercise” — it happens naturally through play, cuddles, songs, and everyday care. The more chances your baby has to wriggle, reach, and roll, the stronger their foundation for future motor milestones
🤝 1.7 Engagement & Connection Strategies
Movement play isn’t just about muscles — it’s one of the richest ways to bond with your baby. When you sing, clap, mirror their actions, or respond to their efforts, you’re strengthening both their body and your relationship.
Get down on the floor together
Be at your baby’s level — lying beside them during tummy time or crawling with them. This shows them you’re part of their play world.Mirror their moves:
If your baby kicks, kick back gently in rhythm. If they wave an arm, copy them. Mirroring tells your baby, “I see you, I’m with you.”
Use eye contact and facial expressions
Smile, widen your eyes, clap, and celebrate their movements. Your reactions make them want to try again.Add music and rhythm
Sway, bounce, or rock to songs with predictable beats. This builds timing and adds comfort and fun to new movements.Play “follow the leader”
If your baby rolls, roll too. If they rock on hands and knees, rock alongside. Copying builds connection and encourages repetition.Use your voice to guide
Narrate movements (“roll over!”, “push up!”, “ready… steady… go!”) and add playful pauses for anticipation.Play with touch: Add a cuddle, tickle, or raspberry after a successful roll or push-up.
Keep sessions playful
Stop before frustration. End on a smile or cuddle so movement always feels positive.Pause for a response: After guiding your baby into a new position, pause and wait. These little pauses teach turn-taking — the foundation of conversation.
Involve siblings or family: Invite others to clap, sing, or roll a ball. Babies learn through watching and copying.
Cheer for effort, not perfection
Celebrate small steps — even half-rolls, wobbly sitting, or little pushes. Every attempt deserves encouragement.
✨ Connection Tip: Gross motor skills are about more than strength — they’re about confidence. Your encouragement, playfulness, and presence are the spark that makes your baby want to move.
🌟 1.8 Summary
Movement is your baby’s way of learning about their body, their world, and their place in it. Each small step — from lifting their head, to rolling, to sitting tall — is a building block for future skills.
There’s no perfect timeline. Some babies race through milestones, others take their time, and many find their own unique path. What matters most is giving them safe opportunities to explore, move, and practise — and being there to cheer them on.
💡 Follow your baby’s lead, celebrate the little wins, and remember: movement is learning — enjoy the journey together.