Milestones: It's a Journey, Not a Race
By Tara Liddle, PT, MA, DPT, PCS
As parents, we all want our little ones to thrive and reach developmental milestones. But sometimes, the constant comparison and pressure to meet specific timelines can be overwhelming. Let's aim to shift the focus from the "race" to the incredible journey of your baby's Development. We'll explore why crawling and rolling are crucial building blocks and how celebrating each accomplishment sets your baby up for future success.
Every Move Counts
Imagine tiny explorers conquering their living room! Crawling isn't just a cute stage; it's a crucial skill that strengthens muscles, improves coordination, and fosters independence. Crawling allows babies to explore their environment in a whole new way. As babies crawl, their eyes constantly track objects and movements, helping them develop hand-eye coordination and visual processing skills, crucial for future activities like grasping toys and feeding themselves. They can investigate objects from different angles, solve problems like navigating furniture, and develop spatial awareness. Your baby discovers their surroundings, explores cause and effect, and develops spatial awareness—this exploration and problem-solving fuels their cognitive development. Crawling exposes babies to different textures, sounds, and sights. This sensory integration helps them learn about the world and develop a strong sense of their bodies. Similarly, mastering the roll signifies remarkable head and neck control, core strength, and balance. These foundational skills pave the way for future milestones like pulling to stand and walking.
Milestones: A Guide, Not a Deadline
Developmental milestones are a fantastic tool to track your baby's progress. However, it's important to remember they are just guidelines, not rigid deadlines. Every baby develops at its own pace, influenced by genetics, temperament, the environment, and individual strengths. Focusing solely on the next milestone can overlook the incredible achievements happening right now.
The Power of Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate Every Win
When your baby masters a new skill, no matter how seemingly small, celebrate their victory! A big smile, enthusiastic cheers, and a playful high-five communicate your pride and encouragement. This positive reinforcement boosts your baby's confidence and motivates them to keep exploring and learning.
When to Seek Professional Support
If you ever have concerns about your baby's Development, don't hesitate to contact your pediatrician or a pediatric physical therapist (PT), occupational therapist (OT), or speech therapist. They can assess your baby's strengths and needs and provide guidance and support.
Beyond Crawling and Rolling: Building a Strong Foundation
Crawling and rolling are just the beginning of your baby's unique journey. As pediatric PTs, we see firsthand how these foundational skills empower babies to reach new milestones. From climbing furniture to exploring the great outdoors, each step builds upon the previous one.
Embrace the Journey
Encourage supervised tummy time and floor play throughout the day to strengthen neck and core muscles, which are crucial for crawling and rolling. Remember, tummy time is during awake time. Offer safe spaces for your baby to explore and move freely.
Engage in play
Purposeful playtime is a fantastic learning opportunity. Use toys, songs, and activities to encourage movement and exploration. Instead of just placing your baby on their tummy, use colorful toys or mirrors to entice them to lift their head and chest. Lifting the head and chest and propping onto the forearms and extended arms strengthens their neck and core muscles, which are crucial for rolling and crawling. Create a safe exploration zone with textured mats, pillows, and objects. Engaging their senses encourages them to move and explore. Sing songs or rhymes that encourage movement. For example, "The Wheels on the Bus," "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes," or "Baby Shark" can get your baby excited about movement.
Trust your instincts
If you have concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.
Late Bloomers
It's important to remember that some babies take longer to reach certain milestones than others. If you're concerned about your baby's Development, talk to your pediatrician or healthcare professional. They can assess your baby's strengths and needs and offer guidance. Early intervention can be incredibly beneficial if needed.
Comparison Trap
Social media and parenting groups can sometimes create an environment of comparison. It's important to focus on your baby's progress and celebrate their unique achievements, big or small.
Embrace the beautiful journey of your baby's Development. Celebrate the wins, big or small, and trust that your little one is right on track, reaching milestones at their own perfect pace.
We want to hear from you. Please share your experiences with us or ask questions in the comments section.