Milestones of Baby Development

According to the milestones of baby development, a 3 month old baby must be able to reach for the toys hung over him, get a finger in her mouth, to hold a rattle in his hand. A 4 month old baby must consciously reach out for the object he liked, and in a month, he must put a thing from one hand into another one, etc.

Every day the baby’s movements become more precise and skillful, but ... For your baby to develop in accordance with the described rules, you have to help him a little. After all, biology just determines the potential of the child, but he can develop only if he gets appropriate training.


Hand and Movement

The first stage of motor activity development is a multiple chaotic performance of a wide variety of movements. Everything starts with an attempt to reach out in a certain direction for an interesting toy.

Hang a large red or yellow toy (these colors are the first ones babies start distinguishing) over your baby’s crib. The distance to the little baby’s face should be 40-50 cm. Some time later, you can change the toy with a garland with large bright elements, and attach funny insect with Velcro to the back of the baby's crib and periodically change its place.

There is a touching smile on the parents’ faces when they see their baby exploring his hands (for example, playing with his fingers). This activity is not only funny, but also prepares him for the development of a complex grasping skill.


Hand and Eye

When performing the chaotic movements, the baby accidentally touches a rattle, and it sounds. The baby tries to attempt again. But for this the little one needs to do a series of actions, guiding his hand to the target. This is the beginning of the hand work controlled by vision, that is, the development of eye-hand coordination.

You can start training with toys that emit pleasant sounds when you press a certain spot. You can also use the toys the "sing" when you press a button, pull the rope, or twist an element. To develop eye-hand coordination, build towers or pyramids with building blocks, as well as play with soft and flexible materials.

For example, press the soft toys and clench them in a fist, mold using dough or plasticine. In addition, the precision of movements is perfectly being trained in the process of dressing and undressing. To begin with, the baby can dress a doll, and then switch to himself.

When developing the eye-hand coordination, do not forget about such an important activity as drawing. The first paintings of the young artist are usually a consequence of chaotic movements of the hand that holds a brush or a pencil. Watching a result of his actions is an unforgettable discovery for the baby and a stimulus to continue creating "masterpieces". Before the baby consciously draws something on paper, he should experiment with the free movements of the pencil on paper.


Hand and Mind

Once the baby has mastered the basic hand movements, he moves to the stage when he plans his actions and begins to use thinking. Now it is not interesting for the baby just to throw the cubes in a bucket or build a tower. Playing with a sorter will be of greater pleasure for him - a toy with holes of various shapes, and it is necessary to select elements of suitable shape.

The baby has fun while sorting objects by shape, color, and size. Cubes will also be essential in this period of development. Buy several sets of cubes different in size, color and texture. Your little one will really enjoy making his first architectural creations.

Independent eating is important for motor development. Let your baby be independent at the table. And for this to be safe, buy special children's dishes for him. First, most of the content of the plate will be on the table, chair, floor, baby’s clothing, but eventually his movements will become more precise and nimble.


And remember that any baby’s success should be encouraged with your praise. Do not skimp on the kind words, a smile and caress.