Infant Motor Steps

Infant Motor Steps

The steps above show some of the basic steps achieved during the first year of life.

Infant Motor Steps

Infant motor development is initially via inborn reflexes which should come automatically from birth. These reflex movements eventually disappear and first at 3 months active motor steps replace them. Infants that have some kind of asymmetry often are unable to perform these basic movements. This can affect their motor development so training is important to stimulate this development. The first motor step to be achieved at 3 months is supporting themselves on the stomach with widely placed elbows and proud shoulders. This is the first core position with stability in the form of a triangle with the pubic symphysis as the third point of contact. The three points of stability are the elbows and the pubic symphysis. The elbows are in front of the shoulders, the infant should be able to support themselves on both elbows with a strong position in the shoulders. The shoulder should not collapse so the baby hangs onto to side and falls over. This is common in babies who have an asymmetry and needs to be corrected with training.

The infant should lie on their sides without struggling, a towel is used to help the stay on their side. the infant should be able to lie on their back, look easily side to side following a toy with their eyes. they should play together with their hands and their feet should also be playing together. they should be bringing both hands to the mouth.