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Moving and being active
Early years movement skills and development
The early development skills like sitting, crawling, standing and walking are also known as gross motor skills. Gross motor skills use the big muscles in the arms, legs and torso.
Keeping your baby safe while they learn
Your baby is going to become more mobile and interested in the world around them. You will need to supervise them. It can be hard to keep them safe.
It is important to make sure that your furniture is secure. Your baby will move around and start exploring your home by pulling themselves up on furniture.
Read more about safety in the home/falls for information on how to babyproof and secure your home.
Ways to keep your baby safe whilst they are learning:
Do
- start learning on soft surfaces like carpets or playmats
- avoid stairs
- always be within reach of your baby
- keep the space clear of any obstacles like magazines that could cause your baby to trip
- keep your baby away from door hinges, radiators, radiator pipes and fireplaces
Don’t
- do not leave hard or sharp objects out around your home
- do not stand or walk your baby on high surfaces like beds or sofas
- do not have any hot or boiling liquid like a tea or coffee around when teaching your baby to walk
- do not leave your baby unsupervised on a baby-changing table, your baby may roll off the table
Please note this is not an exhaustive list.
All babies develop at different rates. The information below aims to give you ideas to help your baby develop skills through play and exploring the world around them.
Learning to...
Learning to move
Babies are limited in the amount they can move. They're strengthening their muscles with small movements throughout the day. Many parents worry about their babies developing flat head syndrome. Babies spend a lot of time sleeping and travelling on their back. It is important for babies to move around during the day.
Read more
Learning to sit
The ability to sit up will give your baby more independence and a new way to look at the world around them. When your baby is learning to sit use a firm surface such as the floor or carpet. Do not sit them on a bed or cushion.
Read more
Learning to crawl
Crawling is the first way babies can move around independently. It's a broad term that can cover lots of different movements such as bum-shuffling and rolling.
Read more