Enhancing Gross Motor Development: Occupational Therapy for Children in Bondi Junction and Mascot
Gross motor development refers to the growth and strengthening of the large muscles in the body, which are necessary for movement and coordination. From birth to 18 months, children go through many stages of gross motor development. These stages are important for building the skills they need to explore and interact with their environment.
Birth to 3 Months
Head Control: In the first few months, babies start developing control over their head and neck muscles. Initially, they can lift their head slightly when placed on their tummy.
Reflexes: Newborns have natural reflexes like the rooting reflex (turning their head when their cheek is touched) and the grasp reflex (closing their hand around a finger). These reflexes are the foundation for more controlled movements.
Tummy Time: Placing babies on their tummies while they are awake helps strengthen their neck, shoulder, and arm muscles. It also helps them start pushing up on their arms.
3 to 6 Months
Rolling Over: Around this age, babies start to roll over from their tummy to their back and vice versa. This is a big step in gaining mobility.
Reaching and Grabbing: Babies begin to reach for and grab objects, which helps develop hand-eye coordination and strengthens their arm muscles.
Sitting with Support: Babies start sitting with support, either from a caregiver or a pillow. This helps them develop the muscles needed to sit independently.
6 to 9 Months
Sitting Independently: By this age, many babies can sit on their own without support. They may also start pivoting while sitting to reach for toys.
Crawling: Crawling typically starts between 6 and 10 months. Babies may start with an army crawl, using their arms to pull themselves forward, and eventually progress to crawling on their hands and knees.
Pulling Up: Babies often begin to pull themselves up to a standing position using furniture or a caregiver’s hands. This strengthens their leg muscles and prepares them for standing and walking.
9 to 12 Months
Standing: Babies start to stand while holding onto furniture (cruising). They might also start to let go and stand briefly without support.
Walking with Support: Many babies begin to walk with support, such as holding onto furniture (cruising) or using a push toy.
First Steps: Around their first birthday, some babies may take their first steps independently. This is a major milestone in gross motor development.
12 to 18 Months
Walking Independently: By 18 months, most children are walking independently. Their walking becomes more stable and confident over time.
Climbing: Children start to climb onto furniture and navigate small steps. This helps develop their balance and coordination.
Running and Squatting: As they gain more confidence in walking, children begin to run and squat to pick up toys. This further develops their leg muscles and balance.
Pushing and Pulling: Children enjoy pushing and pulling toys, which helps strengthen their muscles and improves coordination.
Encouraging Gross Motor Development
Tummy Time: Continue tummy time even as babies grow older to keep strengthening their muscles.
Safe Environment: Create a safe space for babies to explore and practice new movements. Remove any hazards that could cause injury.
Encouragement: Cheer on their efforts and provide plenty of opportunities for them to move and explore. Encourage them to reach, crawl, stand, and walk by placing toys just out of reach.
Interactive Play: Engage in activities that promote movement, such as playing with balls, crawling through tunnels, and dancing.
Conclusion
Gross motor development from birth to 18 months is a crucial period where babies learn to control their bodies and explore their world. Each stage builds on the previous one, helping babies develop the strength, coordination, and confidence they need for more complex movements. By providing a safe and encouraging environment, parents and caregivers can support their child’s gross motor development and help them reach these important milestones.
We’re Here to Support You
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive.
Our clinics are not just a space for therapy – it’s a place where children can discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.
By combining innovative therapy techniques with a stimulating and supportive environment, we’re proud to offer a holistic approach to paediatric therapy and early intervention that addresses the unique needs of each child we support.
Reach out for support
If you’re concerned about your child’s gross motor skills or want to learn more about how Occupational Therapy can support your child from birth to 18 months, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is here to help. All our OT’s are AHPRA registered. If you would information about gross motor development as you child gets older, please read this blog.
Call us on (02) 80657837 or email to discuss how we can support your child’s unique journey.
