Gross Motor Skills To Expect

Beginner floor play & tummy time.

Expected Age Range: 0-1 month, or so.

The development of gross motor skills originates from small spontaneous movements when you put your baby down to play. In the beginning, this is what you can expect to see:

On Their Back

Head Turning

Turning their head to the left and right sides, spontaneously and comfortably.

Eye Contact

Emerging eye contact (that may not be direct) with you or with high contrast images and objects.

Spontaneous Movements

Frequent, random, and spontaneous movements of arms and legs.

On Their Side

Help to Maintain

Your baby will need you to help them attain and maintain side lying.

Well Tolerated

They should be able to tolerate side lying comfortably on both sides.

On Their Tummy

In the first few days, you’ll notice:

Your baby is comfortable with either cheek down, and they can lift and turn their head briefly to either side.

Their knees are bent and tucked under their hips. Their arms are bent with hands near their shoulders.

They make pushing motions with their feet.

Over the next few weeks, you’ll notice:

Your baby’s legs begin to straighten, and their arms begin to move farther away from their body.