Watching your baby grow and develop new skills is an exciting time for any parent. One of the most anticipated baby milestones is when your baby learns to sit up, roll over, and crawl. These essential motor skills pave the way for your baby’s continued physical development.
Here’s what you need to know about these three key baby milestones:
1 . Sitting up:
Most babies learn to sit up independently between the ages of four and seven months. However, it’s important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your baby takes a little longer.
To sit up, babies must first hold their heads without support and have enough upper body strength. Babies are usually able to hold their heads up at 2 months and start to push up their arms as they lie on their stomachs.
To encourage your baby to sit up, try placing them in a sitting position with your support, such as on your lap or in a bumbo seat. You can also put toys just out of their reach to encourage them to reach for them and work their core muscles. As your baby gains more strength, they will gradually be able to sit up on their own.
2 . Rolling over
Rolling over is a significant milestone in your baby’s development, as it helps them gain more control over their body and explore their environment in new ways. Most babies start rolling over between the ages of four and six months.
At first, your baby will try to rock from side to side, which builds the foundation for eventually rolling over. Some babies may only be able to roll from their tummy to their back. However, as they get stronger and more confident, they will also be able to roll from their back to their tummy. This usually happens at 6 months.
To encourage your baby to roll over, give them plenty of supervised tummy time and place toys just out of their reach to encourage them to reach for them.
3 . Crawling:
Crawling is one of the most exciting milestones for both babies and parents, as it gives your baby the freedom to explore their world in a whole new way. Most babies start crawling between the ages of six and ten months.
At first, your baby will begin to rock back and forth on hands and knees. As your baby rocks, he will be able to crawl backwards.
To encourage your baby to crawl, give them plenty of time to play on the floor and explore their surroundings. You can also place toys just out of their reach to encourage them to move towards them. Make sure that the area for crawling is safe and away from stairs. Child-proof your house as your baby tries to navigate his way around it.
Some babies might skip crawling and go straight to walking, which is also normal.
It’s important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace, and there is no “right” way for babies to reach these milestones. Some babies may sit up or crawl earlier or later than others, and that’s okay. However, if you have concerns about your baby’s development, talk to your paediatrician.
In addition to these key baby milestones, there are many other physical and cognitive milestones your baby will reach in their first year of life. These include reaching for and grasping objects, babbling and making sounds, and eventually saying their first words. To keep an eye on your baby’s milestones, ensure that you take a look at the weight and height chart for infants.
Remember to enjoy this special time with your baby and celebrate every new milestone they reach. They will continue to grow and develop into amazing little people with your love and support.
