Movevery Milestone Guide: Birth – 12 Months
The Foundations of Infant Development (Birth – 12 Months)
Watching your baby grow is one of life’s greatest joys — and understanding what to expect can make the journey even more rewarding. From the first smile to rolling, sitting, crawling, and beyond, every milestone is an important step in your child’s infant development.
This guide shares what baby milestones may look like across the first years of life, while reminding you that every child develops at their own pace. Whether your little one is “ahead”, “behind”, or right on track, each new skill — from tummy time to first steps — is worth celebrating.
We’ve designed this series to help you notice progress, support your child’s growth, and provide guidance on when extra help may be beneficial. At Movevery, our mission is to empower families with knowledge, connection, and practical strategies so every child can thrive during these early, formative years.
Development Is a Journey, Not a Race
Every child grows at their own pace, and understanding infant development is about noticing progress, not hitting exact milestones. From rolling and sitting to crawling and walking, each skill is a building block in your baby’s growth.
Babies Develop Stability First, Then Mobility
In the earliest months, infant development follows a natural pattern: stability comes before mobility. While in the womb, babies are held in a secure, stable environment, which prepares them for life outside the womb.
After birth, their movements may seem wobbly or uncoordinated at first. As head and trunk control improve and stability strengthens, babies begin rolling — their first steps in independent mobility. Sitting comes next, providing a strong, stable base before babies learn to move out of this position on their own.
By the time babies reach hands-and-knees, they continue building stability through rocking, which sets the stage for crawling and exploring their environment. Each small movement lays the foundation for coordination, strength, and confidence in motion.
Dr. Nicole’s Pro Tip: “Milestones aren’t checkboxes — they’re guides. Celebrate what your baby is doing now.”
Baby Sloane on tummy time, lifting her head and looking at a her mother, building neck and core strength.
Parent Questions: Why does my baby need head and trunk control before rolling?
Head and trunk control are essential for rolling. Movements like bringing hands to knees, then feet to the mouth, strengthen the core and pelvis, supporting the body for rolling. Reaching across the midline also improves coordination, trunk rotation, and visual-motor skills.
How can I tell if my baby is ready for the next milestone?
Babies progress through mini-milestones, small movements that build strength for bigger milestones:
Before rolling: hands-to-knees, reaching across midline, trunk rotation.
Before crawling: rocking on hands and knees, pivoting, reaching forward while on hands and knees.
Before walking: pulling to stand, cruising along furniture, standing unassisted, taking small steps with support.
Why Every Position Matters
Different positions—tummy, back, side, upright—each contribute to strength, coordination, and confidence.
Tummy play: Builds neck, shoulder, and trunk strength—essential for rolling, crawling, and sitting.
Back play: Helps babies explore hands and feet, practice midline movements, and strengthen the core.
Side play: Encourages balance, core engagement, trunk rotation, and midline awareness.
Upright play: Supports head and trunk control while giving babies a new perspective on their world.
Bottom line: Variety is key. The more positions your baby experiences, the stronger their muscles, coordination, and movement skills become.
Symmetry and Transitions
How babies move into and out of positions is just as important as the positions themselves.
Symmetry: Using both sides of the body equally promotes balance, coordination, and muscle development.
Transitions: Rolling, moving from sitting to hands-and-knees, and shifting between positions develop problem-solving, motor planning, and strength.
Placing babies directly in a position can limit these essential learning opportunities. Encourage natural transitions to help their body and brain grow together (i.e. roll into and out of tummy time).
Every baby develops at their own pace — but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Check out our services to learn how Movevery helps babies build strength, coordination, and confidence through movement and play.
Parent encouraging baby to reach for feet and play at midline during floor time to promote early motor development.
Parent review about Dr. Nicole helping 9-month-old baby Zoe learn to roll, crawl, and sit independently at Movevery Pediatric Physical Therapy in Denver.
Parent Questions: Is tummy time the only position that matters?
No—variety matters. Each position contributes to strength, coordination, and motor skill development.
The Magic of Tummy Time
Tummy time is a cornerstone of infant development. It strengthens neck, shoulders, trunk, and core while supporting coordination and motor skills.
Chest-to-chest bonding: Place your baby on your chest for comfort, closeness, and strength-building.
Props and play: Rolled towels, mirrors, or toys make tummy time engaging.
Rolling in and out: Encourage rolling into and out of tummy time to promote whole-body coordination.
Parent Questions: How much tummy time is enough?
Start with 1–2 minutes several times a day and gradually increase as your baby builds strength.
What if my baby cries during tummy time?
Crying may indicate a need for support. Try:
Changing scenery or surface.
Using your body for comfort.
Elevating the chest with a wedge or rolled blanket.
Keeping sessions playful with touch, voice, and eye contact.
Tummy time on your forearm.
If challenges persist, a pediatric physical therapist can help assess tension, mobility, and comfort, making tummy time a positive experience.
Daily Habits That Make a Difference
Floor time > container time: Allow your baby to explore freely. Containers like swings and bouncers limit movement and strength-building.
Face-to-face connection: Singing, narrating routines, and playful interaction support development.
Independent play: Early independent play develops problem-solving, focus, creativity, and resilience.
Parent Questions: My baby only reaches with his right hand. Is he a “righty”?
Babies aren’t truly “right-handed” or “left-handed” yet — consistent hand or side preference typically emerges between 2 and 4 years of age. During infancy and toddlerhood, it’s important to give both sides of the body equal opportunities to move, reach, and explore. If you notice your baby consistently using one hand more than the other, consider reaching out to a skilled pediatric therapist for support.
Parent Questions: Do I need special toys to support development?
The short answer is no. Your baby’s favorite “toy” is you — your face, your voice, and your touch. Simple items, such as a mirror or a soft, crinkly book, are wonderful places to start.
That said, there are a few favorite items I like to use during play — but please don’t feel like you need all the things. As moms, we already face enough pressure. You don’t need the newest gadget or trend for your baby to thrive.
How can I add movement to everyday routines?
Everyday routines are perfect chances to add gentle movement and bonding. During diaper changes or after feeding, you can:
Open and close arms — like having your baby hug themselves.
Lift arms overhead — playfully saying “I’m so big!”
Bring hands to feet — then gently rock side to side.
Pair these movements with a simple song or playful voice. The rhythm, touch, and eye contact all help your baby feel connected while also supporting their motor development.
Dr. Nicole’s Pro Tip: “Your baby’s first movements don’t need to be perfect—they just need to be intentional. Every cuddle, roll, and playful moment wires their brain for confidence.”
Baby exploring movement by grabbing feet and reaching across midline, supporting core strength, balance, and body awareness
Want a step-by-step guide to support your baby’s milestones?
Fill out the form below to download our free Milestone Guide and get expert tips from Movevery PT.
This resource is designed for developmental surveillance and education—to help parents notice patterns and support movement through play. It is not medical advice or a substitute for professional evaluation. All children develop differently, and variation is expected.
If you have any concerns about your child’s progress, seek guidance from a pediatric physical therapist or healthcare provider.
