Once you celebrate your baby&rsquo;s half birthday your baby might surprise you how quickly he/she i...

A growth chart is used by pediatricians and other health care providers to follow a child's growth over time

GrowthCharts

Get answers to your questions about all things newborns and infants, including sleep, breastfeeding, bottles, postpartum recovery and your new role as a parent.

infant

Taking care of the safety and wellbeing of yourself and your baby

Safety&Care

Growth is the progressive increase in the size of a child or parts of a child. Development is progressive acquisition of various skills such as head support, speaking, learning, expressing the feelings etc

Growth&Development

It involves learning to interact with other people and to understand and control your own emotions

SocialDevelopment

A motor skill is simply an action that involves your baby using his muscles

MotorSkills

Milestones are behaviors or physical skills seen in infants and children as they grow and develop.

Milestones

Language development is the process by which children come to understand and communicate language during early childhood

LanguageSkills

Development of the human brain occurs rapidly in the first few years of life and continues at a slower pace into adolescence

BrainDevelopment

Activities that will help you stay healthy and fit 

DailyCareTips

The process of moving forward on the hands and knees or by dragging the body close to the ground.

Crawling

Know more about Infant developmental milestones for 7-12 months old. 

<>Priyanka | Mylo Editor

When you are still learning to hold your newborn baby in your arms, you always get instructions from...

Newborns can take time to develop head control and neck strength. Here are 4 effective tips and tricks to increase your baby's head control and neck strength.

Physical growth refers to an increase in body size (length or height and weight) and in the size of organs

PhysicalGrowth

The process of meeting all the needs that a baby may require during the growing up years

BabyCare

Infant massage is the process of rubbing an infant's muscles and stroking the infant in a manner specifically designed for them

BabyMassage

How to Increase the Head Control and Neck Strength of Your Baby?

Premium Head Shaping Baby Pillow with Neck & Shoulder Support (0- 36 Months)-Shades of Grey

For a baby&#39;s physical prowess and mobility, motor skills are vital. Every day, we employ our mot...

Motor skill development is essential for kids all age. Read on to know its significance and 4 ways to promote motor development in babies.

4 Ways to Develop Motor Skills in Your Child

What Is the Significance of Motor Skills in Children & How to Develop Them?

From ancient ages to modern science, it&rsquo;s unanimously accepted that solids must not be introdu...

Most babies are developmentally ready for solids somewhere between 6 to 8 months. Read this article to learn signs of readiness in your baby and how to introduce solids to them.

6 Signs Your Baby is Ready for Solid Foods

The period when you introduce solid foods to your baby.

Starting Solids

Teething is the emergence of the primary (baby) teeth through a baby or child's gums

Teething

Fulfilling the nutritional requirements of a baby at different stages either through breast milk, formula or solids is known as feeding.

Feeding

Is Baby Ready for Solid Foods? (Developmental Signs of Readiness)

Playing is essential for your little one&rsquo;s learning, well-being, and overall development. It i...

Playing games with your baby can be a great way to bond, have fun and build their brains. Discover which games are best for the development of your baby.

An activity that one engages in for amusement or fun.

Games

When your child is indulged in some games that he may find enjoyble or full of fun is known as activity. The activity may be organised or unstructured.

Activities

Washing the body with a liquid, usually water or an aqueous solution, or the immersion of the body in water.

Bathing

The 20 Best Fun and Educational Games to Play With Your Little One and Boost Their Overall Development

Your baby&#39;s development four months after birth will continue to be supported by breast milk or ...

Read this article to know about the development of your kid at the age of four months.

Developmental Milestones for 4-Month-Old Baby

Developmental disorders comprise a group of psychiatric conditions originating in childhood that involve serious impairment in different areas

DevelopmentDisorders

Move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once.

Walking

The Development of Your Kid at the Age of Four Months

Undoubtedly, it&rsquo;s a delightful sight when you see the apple of your eye rolling over. It is gr...

Check out the precautions one must take when baby starts rolling.

What Must You Know For When Your Baby Starts Rolling Over?

Here’s a List of a Lot of Things That You Need to Know When Your Baby Starts Rolling Over

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Once you celebrate your baby&rsquo;s half birthday your baby might surprise you how quickly he/she is picking up new skills like laughing, standing, and sitting. You can expect your baby to continue to develop rapidly in the next few months. Your baby has become inquisitive and will closely observe the objects and people around him/her. Here are a few developments that can be seen in your baby when he/she is 7-9 months old:   </span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="font-size:16px">MOTOR MILESTONES  </span></strong></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<ol start="1">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Can sit without your help and support  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Can reach out for the far-away toy without falling  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will begin creeping and crawling  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">During tummy time your baby can pick up his/her head and can push through elbows  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="5">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Turns head towards the toy that has sound and light  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="6">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will imitate others in simple play  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="7">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Pick up small objects with fingers and thumbs  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="font-size:16px">SENSORY MILESTONES  </span></strong></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<ol start="1">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will enjoy rocking back and forth and bouncing up and down.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will carefully explore the object by using hands and will try to put it in mouth.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Can turn several pages of a cardboard book.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will observe environment by changing positions like crawling, standing, lying on back or tummy, and sitting.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="5">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Carefully focus on near and far away objects.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="6">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will scrutinize different objects of various shapes, textures, and sizes.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="7">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will experiment with the amount of force that is required to pick up different objects.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="font-size:16px">COMMUNICATION MILESTONES  </span></strong></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<ol start="1">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Can imitate sounds  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will recognize the sound of their name  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will turn head when familiar people or objects are named  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will participate in 2-way communication  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="5">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will sometimes show simple gestures such as shaking head for &ldquo;No&rdquo;.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="6">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will follow simple routine commands if instructed with gestures.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="7">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will use a variety of sounds while babbling.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="font-size:16px">FEEDING MILESTONES  </span></strong></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<ol start="1">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will show a strong reaction on introducing a new food item.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will react to new smells and tastes.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will begin to eat thick pureed and mashed food items.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Loves to chew toys during teething as that helps in massaging sore and swollen gums.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="5">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Loves to sit on a high chair and will try to hold and drink from a bottle.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="6">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Stays full longer after having 1 nutritious meal.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="7">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will look and try to reach out for objects like colorful edible items.   </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Here are a few developments that can be seen in your baby when he/she is 10-12 months old:  </span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="font-size:16px">MOTOR MILESTONES  </span></strong></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<ol start="1">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will cruise along with furniture and will try to pull it.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will practice taking independent steps and will try to stand alone.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will try to move in and out of different positions to get desired toys.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will try to maintain the balance of the body while sitting and throwing objects.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="5">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will try clapping hands.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="6">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will carefully use fingertips and thumbs to pick up tiny objects.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="7">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Can transfer an object from one hand to another.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="font-size:16px">SENSORY MILESTONES  </span></strong></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<ol start="1">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Enjoy listening to nursery rhymes, bedtime stories, lullabies, and songs.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will try to reach the object by crawling.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Explore different toys with mouth and fingers.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="font-size:16px">COMMUNICATION MILESTONES  </span></strong></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<ol start="1">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will speak &ldquo;Mama&rdquo; and &ldquo;Dada&rdquo;  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Can respond to simple instructions like &ldquo;come here&rdquo;  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Your baby will talk gibberish in social communication.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Can speak 1-2 words  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="5">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Can respond to &ldquo;No&rdquo;  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="6">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Can express by using hand movements what he/she wants and needs.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="7">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will carefully pay attention to what you are looking at and pointing out.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="font-size:16px">FEEDING MILESTONES  </span></strong></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<ol start="1">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will enjoy self-feed (finger food)  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will try using an open cup  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will eat a variety of food  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will relish soft-cooked vegetables, soft fruits, and finger foods.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="5">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Wants to try self-feeding with a spoon and cup.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="6">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will enjoy looking in the mirror.  </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol start="7">
	<li>
	<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px">Will enjoy simple activities like brushing hair by looking in the mirror. </span></p>
	</li>
</ol>

<p style="text-align:justify"> </p>

<p style="text-align:justify"> </p>

<p style="text-align:justify"> </p>


<p>Your baby&#39;s development four months after birth will continue to be supported by breast milk or formula, which is still crucial. Expect to feed your baby five to six times a day on average if you&#39;re breastfeeding. A 24-36 ounce breast milk supply per day is reasonable.</p>

<p>Consult a doctor before starting foods with your child at the baby&#39;s four-month development milestone. After age 5 or 6, many doctors suggest that most infants begin eating solid foods.</p>

<p>You should remember that your infant only needs a spoonful of food once or twice a day if you start spooning up solids now. There will also be no need to eat the solids.</p>

<p>To maintain good body weight and height for the newborn, all that food will benefit. There are five feedings per day for formula-fed babies, and each bottle contains around 6 to 8 ounces of formula. This equates to 24 to 36 ounces of formula each day. It should fall between 10 and 19 pounds and 22 to 26.5 inches.</p>

<p>Your baby&#39;s doctor should not be alarmed if they fall outside this typical range, and you should not worry either. Just as every infant is unique, so is a baby&#39;s four-month development pattern.</p>

<h2><strong>Baby Food for a 4-Month-Old </strong></h2>

<p>Most infants are still breastfed, bottle-fed, or a mix of the two by the time they reach the age of four months. Every three or four hours, they&#39;ll consume a 4 to 6 ounces meal. Keep checking their diapers to make sure they&#39;re receiving enough nourishment. They need to have five to six wet diapers a day at the very least. If you see your infant making clicking noises while sucking, struggling to breathe, vomiting, or spitting up often, you should contact your physician.</p>

<p>Expect a dramatic shift in how often your baby wants to breastfeed as they become better at sleeping through the night and taking regular naps as a part of normal baby development for four months. Your baby may desire to breastfeed more often during development or illness.</p>

<h3><strong>Incorporating solid foods </strong></h3>

<p>Doctors recommend starting solids between the ages of 4 and 6 months, even if your baby requires breastmilk or formula at this point for four months of the baby&#39;s development. You should, however, always get the approval of your child&#39;s doctor before beginning any new activity. Dr. Garbi recommends that you only feed them soft things that they can smash with their gums after being given the all-clear. Watch for any allergic responses as you introduce them one by one.</p>

<p>Parents are encouraged by many physicians to follow their own child&#39;s signals when it comes to introducing solids, which is known as baby-led feeding. Solids shouldn&#39;t be taught too early since every infant is different. Some newborns may eat solid meals as early as four months, while others may not be able to until they are six months of age.</p>

<h2><strong>Tips for the Fourth Month of Your Baby&#39;s Life </strong></h2>

<p>Explore different textures with books such as Pat the Bunny or other touch-and-feel board books for your baby to play with for baby brain development at four months.</p>

<p>You should read or sing to your infant at least once a day. You don&#39;t need to be able to sing to make them happy; they&#39;ll be satisfied just being in your hands and hearing your voice.</p>

<p>Start thinking about childproofing now, even if your kid hasn&#39;t crawled or rolled over yet, as a part of 4 months of baby&#39;s physical development. Lock up cupboards, install stairway gates, and keep any cleaning supplies and other potentially hazardous items up and out of reach of curious babies.</p>

<h2><strong>Final Words </strong></h2>

<p>Your 4-month-old baby has been more awake and aware in the last few days. Babies love to grin, laugh, gurgle, and coo while they&#39;re this little.</p>

<p>Your child is eager to have fun, play games, and converse with you and anybody else who happens to pass by.</p>

<p>As a result, you can expect a lot of hilarity from him as he attempts his new identity.</p>

<h3>References</h3>

<ul>
	<li>National Library of Medicine. (1836) : &#39;&#39;Age-appropriate diet for children.&#39;&#39;</li>
	<li>Curtis, GB, (MD, MPH), and Schuler J. (2005). Your Baby&rsquo;s First Year Week by Week, Da Capo Press</li>
</ul>


<p>Undoubtedly, it&rsquo;s a delightful sight when you see the apple of your eye rolling over. It is great fun because rolling over is one of the major milestones for your munchkin. Rolling over is considered the first stage of mobility and it tells you that your baby has acquired strength in his/her neck, upper body, arms, and back. If you wish to learn more, you can also use a baby motor skills development chart.</p>

<p>If your baby has just started sliding with their hands or rolling over, then congratulations! Your baby is doing great! However, you may want to keep a few things in mind during this stage. You can continue reading through this article to learn more about some of the important things that mothers usually miss out on when their baby starts a new journey!</p>

<h2><strong>At What Age Do Babies Start Rolling Over? </strong></h2>

<p>According to medical science, there is no specific time or age for babies to begin rolling over because all babies grow differently. Some babies begin to roll over when they turn 3-4 months old whereas some can&rsquo;t do it even if they are 6 months old. Most babies between 5-7 months become so flexible that they master the skill of rolling over from side to side, back to front, and front to back comfortably.</p>

<p>The rolling phase of your baby motor skills timeline may last for about 2 or even 3 weeks. If you feel like your baby hasn&rsquo;t shown any progress yet, then consider seeking medical attention. Your baby may be suffering from an unknown muscle condition or might just be a late bloomer. Either way, it is important that you constantly keep a track of your baby&rsquo;s progress since every milestone they complete is sure to bring you great joy!</p>

<h2><strong>What Are Some Of The Precautions One Must Take When Their Baby Starts Rolling? </strong></h2>

<p>Seeing your munchkin rolling over might give you immense joy but you must take certain precautions because your baby may end up hurting themselves. A few of the precautions that you can take include the following:</p>

<h3><strong>1. Lay Your Baby On The Mat </strong></h3>

<p>You must lay the baby on the mat that has been placed on the floor while dressing the baby or changing his/her <a href="https://mylofamily.com/category/reusable-cloth-diapers-5433">diaper</a>. Avoid placing your baby on any raised place or table or any place that is at a high altitude. Thus, this is because your baby may fall and injure themselves. In rare cases, many babies have faced some trauma to their head or body due to a hazardous fall.</p>

<h3><strong>2. Keep Objects Far Away From Your Child </strong></h3>

<p>Keep all the toys and objects away from your baby when he/she starts rolling over because that can result in choking. Apart from that, heavy items or toys that are kept at a height may fall over your baby, eventually causing damage to your baby&rsquo;s delicate body.</p>

<h3><strong>3. Keep A Watch On Your Baby At All Times</strong></h3>

<p>Always be watchful and never leave your child unattended for a long time. There have been many instances where babies usually roll over to the staircase side of your house or may enter other potential hazardous corners in your house. Therefore, make sure to always keep a watch on your baby no matter what!</p>

<h3><strong>4. No Gap Between Crib And The Mattress</strong></h3>

<p>Ensure that there is no gap between the mattress and the crib because your baby&rsquo;s head might get struck or he/she may get smothered. The mattress should be comfortable, making it easy for your baby to roll over or slide.</p>

<h3><strong>5. Let Your Baby Sleep Alone Or Next To You </strong></h3>

<p>Do not <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/are-sleeping-bags-safe-for-babies-73075">put your infant to sleep</a> next to his/her sibling especially when the other child is just a few years older than your baby. Your elder one might place his/her hand or leg on the newborn while sleeping which may throttle your infant. Apart from that, it may also suffocate your baby especially if the elder one ends up covering your baby&rsquo;s face.</p>

<h2><strong>How Does An Infant Learn How To Roll? </strong></h2>

<p>If you are the parent of a premature baby, then your baby might take some more time to achieve his/her first milestone i.e., rolling over. Do not worry because this is considered normal. You can always seek medical help if you have any doubts or see your baby facing a few difficulties. Have a look at how an infant can gradually learn to roll over:</p>

<h3><strong>At 1st Month </strong></h3>

<p>Babies can hardly raise their heads. Even if some babies try it won&rsquo;t last for a fraction of a second. Since the neck region is quite delicate during this phase, extra care must be taken when carrying the baby. You can try giving your baby light body massages. Thus, this will ensure the healthy growth of your baby&rsquo;s delicate body!</p>

<h3><strong>At 2nd And 3rd Months </strong></h3>

<p>Your baby can turn to the side position from his/her back. Will try to hold the head high when lying on your tummy. Some babies start rolling from tummy to back and can make smoother movements with their legs and arms. Your baby will bob forward while sitting. Will slightly raise the head and shoulders for 45-60 degrees while lying on the tummy.</p>

<h3><strong>In 3rd And 4th Months </strong></h3>

<p>Your baby might have good head control and can raise his/her chest up to 90 degrees. By this time some babies love to roll over from the back to the side. The head might still bob in the backward and forward movement. The muscles of the neck have been strengthened by this time. Besides, they may also learn how to use their hands and neck in synchronization.</p>

<h3><strong>At the 5th Month And 6th Month </strong></h3>

<p>Some babies love to roll over from tummy to back by this age. There is an immense improvement in the neck and will try to reach out for objects and toys. By this age, babies love to play in the push-up position. Some babies love to roll over from back to belly.</p>

<p>Your baby might try to raise the chest and part of the upper abdomen while lying on the tummy. Your baby can easily lift his/her head while in a sitting position. Your baby might even start crawling and the head-bobbing will stop.</p>

<h2><strong>How Can You Encourage Your Baby To Roll Over? </strong></h2>

<p>You can encourage and support your baby to easily roll over by keeping the below-mentioned points in your mind:</p>

<ol>
	<li>Invest ample time in giving tummy time to your munchkin from the initial days. Initially, your baby might cry a lot during tummy time however by the 2nd month you&rsquo;ll see immense changes in your baby&rsquo;s posture. You can also help your child try out a few gross motor skills activities for babies.<br />
	 </li>
	<li>Encourage your baby to play on both sides along with the back position. You can keep shiny objects on either side of your baby eventually tempting the baby to try out new positions.<br />
	 </li>
	<li>While changing the clothes and <a href="https://mylofamily.com/category/reusable-cloth-diapers-5433">diapers</a> of your baby you must ensure that you are laying your child on both sides. Thus, this will prepare your child and make them more familiar with this position, eventually getting them to try it!<br />
	 </li>
	<li>Lay your baby on the mat that is placed on the floor. Allow your child to sit in a cradle, baby chair, or even a swing.<br />
	 </li>
	<li>Placing your baby in a sideways position is as important as placing your baby on his/her tummy and back.<br />
	 </li>
	<li>Massage, gently twist and exercise your baby&rsquo;s legs and arms. Thus, this will help your child&rsquo;s muscles to relax, eventually leading to healthy growth and development.<br />
	 </li>
	<li>You can place your baby&rsquo;s favorite toy a little away from him/her. This way, your child will be more motivated to move towards it. This activity could also be a part of your baby motor skills activities.<br />
	 </li>
	<li>You can also purchase a few baby motor skills toys to make your child&rsquo;s journey easy and memorable!</li>
</ol>

<h2><strong>Conclusion </strong></h2>

<p>Indeed, parents may not be able to keep their joy when they see their baby progressing and growing. When your baby starts rolling over or even sliding and keeping their neck held up high, it may indicate that their muscles are well developed. Thus, you may then find your baby exploring things around your house, rolling over on their belly.</p>

<p>During this stage, it may be extremely important for you to make a list of things to cater to since your baby just started a new journey. You may also have to make many places at your house babyproof, in order to keep your baby safe from hazardous objects or corners of your home.</p>


<p>Playing is essential for your little one&rsquo;s learning, well-being, and overall development. It is through play that newborns learn about the world around them and how they can interact with others.</p>

<p>Besides this, playing together can help you to know your newborn better.</p>

<h2><strong>20 play ideas to aid overall development of your little one</strong></h2>

<h3><strong>1) Face-to-face play</strong></h3>

<p>This game will help sharpen their visual skills. When your baby gazes into your eyes, poke out your tongue slowly. Do it every 15-20 seconds. It may take some notice, but soon your baby will try to imitate your facial expressions.</p>

<h3><strong>2) Feeling different things</strong></h3>

<p>Give your baby different objects such as soft toys, books, rattles of different textures. Feeling different items will let them know more about the objects around them.</p>

<h3><strong>3) Give them tummy time every day</strong></h3>

<p>This is the time when your new-born practices holding the head up and see things from a different perspective. However, always watch your new-born during this time to prevent any hazards.</p>

<h3><strong>4) Have a conversation</strong></h3>

<p>This activity will help your baby become more vocal. Have a conversation and encourage him/her to try and form words as you respond to their coos and gurgles.</p>

<h3><strong>5) Play the music</strong></h3>

<p>You can perform this activity whenever your baby is grumpy. Put on soulful tunes and hold your baby in your arms. Prefer to sway gently. In case you get tired, put your baby down and perform silly movements in front of your baby, as such movements may be amusing to them.</p>

<h3><strong>6) Observe stuff</strong></h3>

<p>Babies love colourful things which can be fruits, vegetables or clothes. Keep some items beside you and show your baby different objects holding them about a foot away from your little one.</p>

<h3><strong>7) Blow bubbles</strong></h3>

<p>Babies are fascinated by bubbles around them. With your baby near you blow bubbles all around to see how they react. If they try to catch a bubble, it will pop and they&rsquo;ll learn about cause and effect.</p>

<h3><strong>8) The rocket ship</strong></h3>

<p>Once your baby can hold his head up, you can play rocket ship. Make realistic noises, as you hold him/her above the head and sink them quickly to the bottom.</p>

<h3><strong>9) Catch the toy</strong></h3>

<p>Place a small soft toy tied with a ribbon in front of your baby. Whenever he/she tries to reach to it, sway it a little. In case your baby touches it, praise him/her. This exercise can also help improve the hand-eye coordination.</p>

<h3><strong>10) Playing with puppets</strong></h3>

<p>You can either bring puppet toys or make some at home using old gloves to hold a puppet show which they will enjoy.</p>

<h3><strong>11) Empty the container</strong></h3>

<p>Stuff a lot of small toys and blocks in a container and help your little one to pick out the items from the container and then fill it back again.</p>

<h3><strong>12) Mini obstacle course</strong></h3>

<p>Create a mini obstacle course, with cushions and block toys. Encourage your little one to clear it up.</p>

<h3><strong>13) Crawl race</strong></h3>

<p>Imitate their crawling movement and nudge them to beat you at crawling a certain distance. This will help improve their leg muscles.</p>

<h3><strong>14) Building blocks </strong></h3>

<p>Once they grow up a little, this game can be introduced as it improves judgment in your baby.</p>

<h3><strong>15) The imitation game</strong></h3>

<p>As your little one will often imitate you, turn this into a fun game by performing funny actions.</p>

<h3><strong>16) Fun food game</strong></h3>

<p>In case you have trouble feeding your baby, try holding the spoon normally and as you come near your baby, use a bobbing motion along with any sound which your baby likes, to make feeding easy.</p>

<h3><strong>17) Clapping game</strong></h3>

<p>It will improve the hand coordination and will probably make it more thrilling. You can combine it with various nursery rhymes to make this activity fun.</p>

<h3><strong>18) Colouring</strong></h3>

<p>Introduce colours when your baby gets a little older and ensure proper supervision. Colouring is a fun filled activity which also improves your child&rsquo;s creativity and work on the motor skills.</p>

<h3><strong>19) Softball </strong></h3>

<p>Place a lightweight ball in front of your baby and let them try to swing it or move it with their legs or hands. This will help strengthen the leg and hand muscles.</p>

<h3><strong>20) Sing, chat, blow raspberries, have fun</strong></h3>

<p>It is these simple things that are best for your little one. Babies may also love nursery rhymes. Remember to enjoy and make it a fun activity for your little one.</p>

<h3> </h3>


<p>When you are still learning to hold your newborn baby in your arms, you always get instructions from the elders of the house to support the baby&rsquo;s neck with one arm. This happens because the newborn baby&rsquo;s muscles are not fully developed. Newborn babies develop strong and head and neck muscles only gradually and you can help your baby strengthen his/her neck muscles with simple exercises. Stages of neck development and head control vary in children as some kids may achieve that sooner while others take a little longer.</p>

<p>The muscles in the neck are at their weakest point when the baby is born and it&rsquo;s highly important to support the neck of your newborn baby every time you lift him/her. After a month you can observe the changes in your baby because he/she might make a few attempts to either lift the head or turn it in different directions while lying on the tummy. Gradually the development of bones and muscles increases and that helps the child to hold their head upright and follow their body when they sit, stand, crawl or lie down.</p>

<h2><strong>When do babies develop head control?</strong></h2>

<p>Your baby will establish head control gradually as their muscles develop. Although in the beginning, it&rsquo;ll be shaky however if you&rsquo;re practising some exercises and regularly doing massages then by 5-6 months, you&rsquo;ll notice that the baby can have steadier control over his/her head. When your baby will learn to hold the head up, you&rsquo;ll notice that the baby has started sitting up, crawling, and can roll over. Your child needs to reach <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/baby-milestones-a-week-by-week-guide-to-your-babys-development-in-the-first-year-178146?">development milestones</a> in their own time because by that time you&rsquo;ll start feeding solids to your baby also. You must make sure that your baby is sitting on the high chair when you are feeding solids to your little one.</p>

<h2><strong>How to increase your baby&#39;s head control and neck strength?</strong></h2>

<p>Here are some exercises that can help in strengthening your infant&rsquo;s neck muscles and head control:</p>

<h3><strong>1. Tummy time </strong></h3>

<p>One of the best and simplest ways to strengthen the neck muscles of your baby is to place your baby on his/her tummy. You can start practising this on your newborn baby by placing your baby belly down on your chest or lap for a few minutes (approximately 2-3 times per day). You can gradually increase the time until you reach 20 minutes per session and just make sure you never leave your baby unattended. If your baby gets <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/everyone-loves-smiling-babies-but-only-mothers-und-12936?">cranky </a>during tummy time you can prop it up by placing an extra blanket or padding to provide comfort to your little one.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/tummy-time-is-it-really-necessary-for-your-baby-70276">Tummy Time: Is It Really Necessary for Your Baby?</a></p>

<h3><strong>2. Allow the baby to observe </strong></h3>

<p>When your baby is sitting on your lap let him/her rest their back against you and simply allow them to watch the world go by.</p>

<h3><strong>3. Let him/her reach out</strong></h3>

<p>Invest in some <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/what-can-your-baby-learn-while-playing-with-a-plush-ball-185324?">colourful toys</a> that have light and sound because they can keep your baby engaged for hours. You can place the toy slightly far from the reach of the baby and once the baby notices its <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/top-5-ways-in-which-baby-toys-help-in-your-little-ones-growth-development-171701?">colourful lights and rhythmic sounds</a> he/she will try to reach out for the toys and that will strengthen the neck muscles and the head control.</p>

<h3><strong>4. Stretching the neck </strong></h3>

<p>Some babies are born with a large head or their neck muscles are quite weak and this is not an abnormality. It&#39;s just that newborn babies can face difficulty in turning around and some external push is recommended under the supervision of an expert. If you notice that your child is sleeping with his/her head in one direction then you must gently lift the head and change the direction. Don&rsquo;t try anything with force as that can be life-threatening.</p>

<p>You may also like: <a href="https://mylofamily.com/article/top-5-benefits-of-massaging-your-little-one-every-day-75145">Top 5 Benefits of massaging your Little one every day</a></p>

<h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>

<p>If you are working on some simple sitting-up exercises at home with your baby then your child will sooner learn to sit up straight and will have good body control. You must gently guide your baby in the entire process of strengthening exercises as that will help your baby reach other milestones of development easily. Although rare, if you notice a Head Lag in your baby then you must immediately consult a paediatrician. It is a situation where the baby&rsquo;s neck muscles are too weak and unable to support the head (around 3-4 months after birth) and this happens due to many reasons for instance- low birth weight, cerebral palsy, and preterm birth.</p>

<p style="text-align:center"><iframe frameborder="0" height="167" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/72hcTnR-vUs" title="YouTube video player" width="315"></iframe></p>

<h3><strong>References</strong></h3>

<p> </p>

<p>1. Osagie, I. E., &amp; Givler, D. N. (2021). <em>Infant Head Lag</em>. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567782/</p>

<p>2. Shin, H. I., &amp; Shin, H.-I. (2020). Delayed Development of Head Control and Rolling in Infants With Tracheostomies. <em>Frontiers in Pediatrics</em>, <em>8</em>. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2020.571573</p>


<p>For a baby&#39;s physical prowess and mobility, motor skills are vital. Every day, we employ our motor abilities in some way. They may do everything from lifting large objects to typing on a keyboard. Children&#39;s motor abilities and control begin to develop as soon as they are born and continue to improve throughout childhood.</p>

<p>A child&#39;s ability to manage baby motor skills development may help them learn about the world around them in various ways.</p>

<p>Gross motor abilities and fine motor skills are two distinct types of motor talents. Children&#39;s development and self-reliance rely on their being able to master these two skills. Gross motor skills activities for babies concern significant muscles like the legs, arms, and trunk. Smaller muscle groups, such as those in the hand and wrist, are involved in fine motor abilities.</p>

<h2><strong>How long and how frequently should I have my kid practice their motor skills?</strong></h2>

<p>In a nutshell, the answer is yes!</p>

<p>Aside from participating in their regular activities, your child will use their motor skills daily as they age. The development of baby motor skills activities is more difficult for newborns and toddlers. Don&#39;t forget to include physical activity and the development of these abilities in your everyday routine.</p>

<h2><strong>Is there a particular motor development milestone you want to know about?</strong></h2>

<p>There are so many crucial baby motor skills timelines to reach, and they all matter! As a result, you must watch your child&#39;s development.</p>

<p>When a goal is met, it often sets the stage for a new one. Babies usually do not begin crawling until they are between 6 and 9 months. Still, they have already met several baby motor skills milestones by then, giving them the strength and self-assurance they need.</p>

<h2><strong>4 Ways to Promote Motor Development in Babies in Their First Year </strong></h2>

<p>Your kid needs to learn how to move, hold their head up, sit upright, crawl, and ultimately walk within the first year of life. To assist your child in accomplishing these milestones, there are several things you can do as a caregiver. Here are some suggestions to help your baby&#39;s motor skills improve throughout their first year.</p>

<h3><strong>1. Ensure that they have enough area to move </strong></h3>

<p>To develop their motor abilities, babies require a lot of space. If you want your infant to learn to move and build strength, put him on the floor. When it comes to &quot;equipment&quot; like bouncers and swings, you should limit how much time your kid spends on them. A kid&#39;s development may be slowed by using a baby walker or a jumper, which encourages the infant to stand on their toes (push toys are okay). It is advisable to put your kid in a playpen or portable cot when you need to keep them safe.</p>

<h3><strong>2. It&#39;s never too early for tummy time! </strong></h3>

<p>For babies, tummy time is the ideal technique to strengthen their neck, shoulders, and arms so that they can crawl and walk in the future. Place your baby on your chest in a semi-reclined posture and let them perform tummy time. Placing a brightly colored item in front of you, a mirror, or even your face might help alleviate irritation. The baby may be put on the floor or on a towel roll placed under their upper chest from armpit to armpit after they have grown the strength to raise the head. If your infant can only handle a few seconds at a time, start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as they become older.</p>

<h3><strong>3. Give your child the &quot;just right&quot; test. </strong></h3>

<p>Trial and error are essential for motor development, even if your infant is apprehensive. Allow your child to make a few mistakes before stepping in to assist. To assist your infant&#39;s progress, you might gradually increase the difficulty of the task they&#39;ve already mastered. For example, if your baby can sit up alone, encourage him to reach for a toy just out of reach. Try to get them to grasp a toy that is a little bigger or heavier than a rattle if they can do so.</p>

<h3><strong>4. Make it enjoyable! </strong></h3>

<p>Baby learning is most effective when the child is self-motivated and involved in learning. When teaching new abilities, utilize baby motor skills toys and activities your infant enjoys (try toys with various noises, textures, and colors). Keep in mind that you are your baby&#39;s primary source of motivation, so don&#39;t forget to congratulate them on their successes!</p>

<h2><strong>Final Verdict </strong></h2>

<p>Between the ages of 7 and 10 months, most newborns can crawl independently. Your kid may start moving sooner or later than the others. Some newborns never learn to crawl.</p>

<p>Remember that every baby develops and grows at their rate. Don&#39;t make comparisons between your child and other newborns. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns about the development of your unborn child.</p>

<h3> </h3>


<p>From ancient ages to modern science, it&rsquo;s unanimously accepted that solids must not be introduced until the baby&rsquo;s digestive tract is mature enough to handle it. Most babies are developmentally ready for solids somewhere between 6 to 8 months and perhaps that&rsquo;s the reason behind &ldquo;Annaprashan&rdquo; ritual being performed in the Indian culture around this age.</p>

<h2><strong>Signs Your Baby is Ready for Solid Foods</strong></h2>

<p>Now let&rsquo;s understand 6 such telltale developmental signs that indicate your baby is ready for a taste change and for you to set bite size milestones for their further growth.</p>

<ul>
	<li>Baby develops the ability to hold his/her head up consistently for long periods.</li>
	<li>Baby is able to sit fully upright without any support.</li>
	<li>When the baby stops automatically pushing solids out of his/her mouth with the help of the tongue, which is termed as tongue-thrust reflex. </li>
	<li>Baby shows a willingness to chew.</li>
	<li>Baby shows another developmental sign of a &ldquo;pincer&rdquo; grasp. This means he/she is trying to hold an item with their index finger and thumb. With this object-grabbing skill, he/she picks up food or other objects between their thumb and forefinger.</li>
	<li>Baby shows a willingness to join in the family meals and tries hard to grab food and put it in his/her mouth.</li>
</ul>

<p>A rough estimation (although not backed up scientifically) says that babies are usually ready for solids when they are typically double the size of their birth weight. Nevertheless, this estimation can&rsquo;t be the sole basis and should only be considered along with other developmental signs.</p>

<p>It is also evident that as soon as the baby is grown enough to become aware of the world around him/her, they also become fascinated by food. Gazing at food objects, trying to grab and feel them and opening their mouth in anticipation to taste a bite are also significant developmental signs of readiness for solids.</p>

<h2><strong>How to Introduce Solids to Your Baby?</strong></h2>

<p>You can help your little one discover solid foods and grow their interest in healthy foods using the following tips:</p>

<h3><strong>1. Find the right time</strong></h3>

<p>It&#39;s important to choose a time that works well both for you and your baby. After you&#39;ve given the first course of breast milk or formula milk to whet your little one&#39;s appetite, offer them some solids. Gradually, increase the offerings of solid foods.</p>

<h3><strong>2. Identify the right mood</strong></h3>

<p>You may want to avoid introducing solids to your baby when they are cranky, sleepy or fussy. An incoming spoon of food will be more enticing to your little one when they are alert and cheerful. </p>

<h3><strong>3. No need to rush</strong></h3>

<p>When it comes to food, haste definitely makes waste. Feeding one teaspoon at a time and practicing daily will help you and your baby finally establish a feeding routine. Try to be patient with your baby.</p>

<h3><strong>4. Practice sitting</strong></h3>

<p>Sitting in an uncomfortable position and trying to feed your baby solids for the first time may not be the best way to go. Familiarize your baby with a feeding seat or high chair for a few days and once they are comfortable, then gradually introduce solids to them.</p>

<h3><strong>5. Pick the right utensils</strong></h3>

<p>Your baby may have been born with a silver spoon but there&#39;s no need to feed them with it. A soft silicone or plastic spoon and a soft bowl will be much easier on your baby&#39;s delicate gums. Allow your baby to make use of their hands. </p>

<h3><strong>6. Time for friendly introductions</strong></h3>

<p>After you have practiced the above steps, it&#39;s time to introduce your baby to their first foods. Instead of bringing a spoon to their mouth, try putting some of it on their table or high chair tray and let them examine it, mash it or squish it. It may get a little messy but it&#39;s the best way to teach your baby to feed themselves. </p>

<p>Please also remember that even after you start solids, breast milk or formula must be the primary source of nutrition so, try to continue breastfeeding for at least a year.</p>


Discover Topics In

Crawling

Growth Charts

Physical Growth

Crawling

Starting Solids

Games

Care for Baby

Motor Skills

Popular Tools