One of the most exciting phases of infancy is when little ones start discovering new movements with each passing day. The 6-12 month period in particular is a lively journey of discovery, marked by important motor development milestones such as rolling, sitting, crawling and preparing to stand.

While every baby develops at their own pace, a safe environment and age-appropriate activities can help support motor development.

So what motor development milestones appear during this period, and how can parents support their babies? Let's take a look together.

Motor Development Between 6-8 Months

The 6-8 month period is when babies take their first major steps towards movement. During these months, muscle control begins to strengthen, and babies may display more active movements as they explore their surroundings.

During this period, many babies can move more comfortably between lying on their back and lying on their front, can roll over, and may begin sitting unsupported for short periods. At the same time, their desire to reach for toys, pass them from one hand to the other, and explore different objects also increases. These movements aren't just part of physical development, they're also an important part of the development of hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

How Can Motor Development Be Supported During This Period?

Place toys at different points within reach Placing appealing toys slightly out of your baby's reach can encourage the urge to stretch, roll and move. This creates a natural opportunity for them to use their muscles and try out new movements.

Create safe spaces for exploration Giving your baby the chance to move freely on a soft play mat or safe flooring can help develop their motor skills. During this period, babies who are trying to move show an increasing curiosity to explore their surroundings.

Add movement to everyday play Songs, hand movements and simple games not only make for fun time together, but can also help support your baby's coordination skills.

It's worth remembering that every baby reaches developmental milestones at their own pace. Some babies may sit up earlier, while others may spend more time on rolling or reaching movements. What matters is encouraging your baby to move in a safe environment and allowing them to experience their own developmental journey comfortably.

Motor Development Between 8-10 Months

The 8-10 month period is when babies' mobility increases noticeably, and they begin exploring their surroundings more actively. During these months, many babies may attempt to crawl on their tummy or hands and knees, move in different directions from a sitting position, and display more purposeful movements to reach objects nearby.

During this period, as muscle strength and balance skills continue to develop, babies may try holding themselves up on their hands and knees, and develop different methods of movement to get from one point to another. Some babies may prefer crawling on hands and knees, while others prefer crawling on their tummy; both are considered a normal part of development.

How Can Motor Development Be Supported During This Period?

Play games that encourage movement Positioning toys that interest your baby a short distance away can increase their desire to move. This creates natural opportunities for them to attempt crawling.

Offer different textures and safe spaces Encountering different surfaces within a safe play area can help your baby develop their balance and coordination skills. Spaces that offer freedom of movement support their desire to explore.

Support sitting and reaching movements Encouraging your baby to reach in different directions during play can help contribute to the development of core control and balance skills.

Give them time to explore During this period, babies want to experience their surroundings on their own. Allowing them to move within safe limits supports the natural development of their motor skills.

Every baby's developmental journey is unique to them. Some babies may be actively crawling during this period, while others may not begin moving until later months. What matters is that the baby is making progress, and that they're given a safe environment that supports their natural curiosity to move.

Motor Development Between 10-12 Months

The 10-12 month period is an exciting time when babies take one step closer to moving independently. During these months, many babies develop their crawling skills further, while some may begin pulling themselves up to stand, cruising along furniture for support, and attempting their first steps.

Thanks to increasing muscle strength and balance skills, babies begin exploring their surroundings with more confidence. They may move around to reach a toy, pull themselves up using low surfaces, and learn how to return to a sitting position. Progress can also be seen in fine motor skills such as grasping, releasing and carrying objects.

How Can Motor Development Be Supported During This Period?

Prepare safe spaces for standing attempts Stable, secure furniture can support your baby's efforts to pull themselves up and practise balance. It's important to make sharp corners and items that could tip over safe.

Play games that encourage movement Placing toys your baby will want to reach at different points can help support their crawling, cruising and direction-changing skills.

Support fine motor skills Letting your baby hold and release safe toys of different sizes can help contribute to the development of the muscles in their hands and fingers. Blocks, large rings or age-appropriate toys can be engaging during this period.

Let them progress at their own pace Some babies take their first steps before 12 months, while others may not begin walking until later months. Rather than products such as baby walkers, offering a safe environment that supports your baby's natural movements can be more beneficial.

One of the most important features of this period is that babies learn through movement. With safe spaces to explore, plenty of playtime and parental support, babies can build their confidence as they gain new skills.

The most important thing throughout this process is to offer your baby a safe environment, to include games that encourage movement, and to give them the chance to experience their development at their own pace. Remember, every baby has their own unique developmental rhythm, and each new milestone happens in its own time.

We wish you many more play-filled moments, joyful discoveries and new experiences together with your baby. 🌿

With love,

Little Gusto