From their very first head lift to their first crawl across the floor, babies go through incredible physical changes in their first year. Movement is not only a milestone, it’s a key part of your baby’s overall development, helping build strength, coordination, and confidence. As a parent, you can support this journey from tummy time to crawling with the right knowledge, tools, and play essentials.
Here’s what to expect during these stages and how to encourage healthy movement every step of the way.
Developmental Stages: What to Expect
0 - 3 Months: Tummy Time Basics
At this stage, babies begin building neck, shoulder, and core strength. Tummy time is essential - it helps prevent flat spots on the head and is the foundation for all future motor skills.
Tips to encourage movement:
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Start with short sessions (a few minutes at a time) and gradually increase
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Get down on the floor with your baby to engage face-to-face
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Use mirrors, crinkly fabric, or soft toys to grab their attention
3 - 6 Months: Rolling and Reaching
Now your baby may start to roll over, reach for toys, and push up on their arms. These movements improve their muscle control and coordination.
Tips to encourage movement:
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Place toys just out of reach to motivate movement
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Offer safe objects for grasping to develop hand-eye coordination
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Give plenty of floor time away from swings or bouncers
6 - 9 Months: Sitting and Scooting
Babies may begin to sit independently and scoot or shuffle to get to what they want. Some may even try rocking back and forth on hands and knees—a pre-crawling move.
Tips to encourage movement:
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Use toys that light up or make noise to encourage exploration
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Engage in play that encourages reaching across the body (great for brain development too)
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Try a soft play tunnel or stacking toys for interaction
9 -12 Months: Crawling and Cruising
Your little one might now be crawling with purpose and maybe even pulling to stand. Movement is becoming more intentional and coordinated.
Tips to encourage movement:
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Create a safe, open play space with soft flooring
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Place toys across the room to encourage crawling
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Use furniture like low ottomans or cushions to help them practice cruising
Top Products to Support Motor Skills
Play Gyms
Play gyms offer sensory stimulation and encourage reaching, kicking, and tummy time.
Play Mats
A safe, cushioned surface is essential for movement.
Motor Skill Toys
Encourage grasping, pushing, crawling, and tracking with engaging toys.
Quick Tips for Parents
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Give baby plenty of floor time - the more time they spend moving, the more they build strength
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Avoid overuse of baby containers (like swings or jumpers), which can limit movement and slow motor development
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Celebrate progress, not perfection—all babies move at their own pace, and every wiggle counts!
Movement is more than just a milestone, it’s your baby’s way of exploring the world, building their body, and discovering what they’re capable of. From tummy time to crawling and everything in between, you can create an engaging, safe, and encouraging environment that supports their growth every step of the way.
With a little patience, the right play tools, and lots of floor time, your baby will be on the move before you know it!
Tummy Time to Crawling: How to Encourage Movement