What to avoid as a parent in child's motor development

19/04/2025

When and how often to place babies on their tummy

Tummy time is very important for babies. From around the fifth month, when babies start turning from their back to their tummy, the entire motor development begins to unfold from this position. Therefore, it is essential that babies become familiar with tummy time, can remain in that position for a sufficient amount of time – and most importantly, that they enjoy it. In maternity hospitals, mothers are often advised not to place their babies on their tummies due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome or aspiration of vomit. Some caution is indeed appropriate with newborns (up to 1 month), who are not yet able to turn their head on their own when lying on their tummy. However, even during this period, a baby can be placed on their tummy several times a day – under the supervision of the mother. Not long ago, it was standard for babies to be raised on their tummies from birth.

When to start placing babies on the floor

Between the third and fourth month, it's advisable to start letting babies spend more time on a firmer surface, where they can push off and move freely. For safety reasons, the floor is the best option. If you have cold floors, you can use a play mat, foam puzzle tiles, or a small rug. Play gyms should be used only occasionally – more passive babies tend to just watch and don't try to reach for the toys. A baby bouncer won't harm your child if they spend only about 10% of their time in it. But if the baby spends more than 50% of the day in the bouncer, it can significantly delay their development. Babies are often placed on beds or couches at this age – which is neither safe nor beneficial. Mattresses are too soft, preventing the baby from pushing off properly, which hinders development. On the other hand, a baby who plays on the floor can be easily moved from room to room. Most babies are content just seeing their parent nearby. Another benefit of not keeping babies in the crib all the time is that it helps create a routine – the crib is for sleep, the floor is for play. This distinction makes it much easier for the baby to fall asleep.

When do babies sit on their own

A common myth is that a baby should be able to sit on their own by 6 months. From a developmental perspective, this expectation is completely unrealistic. This belief stems from times when babies were passively propped up to strengthen back muscles. Unfortunately, this led to a generation of children who experienced back pain more frequently and at an earlier age. Research has shown that their spines were overstrained in childhood – leading to a major shift in the attitude toward passive sitting. In the U.S., passive sitting is still common, so many English-language books might promote this approach. Sitting is the culmination of the entire motor development. Most babies first crawl and stand. Only after crawling strengthens their back muscles do they start sitting independently. They do this by shifting from the all-fours position onto their side and then extending one or both legs. Initially, they support themselves with their hands. Only when they let go and start playing while seated is their spine ready for independent sitting. Babies do not get into a sitting position from lying on their back like adults do. Sometimes babies sit up in elevated positions (car seat, stroller, wedge cushion, etc.) or pull themselves up using something (e.g., crib bars). But this is also passive sitting, just like when you sit them up yourself. In such cases, always secure the baby with safety straps so they can't sit themselves up unassisted.

Why is passive sitting dangerous?

In addition to damaging the spine, it can disrupt psychomotor development. Most babies who were passively sat up never crawl or only crawl briefly. Sitting is the goal, and crawling is the journey. If you offer the goal before the baby has gone through the journey, they might never take it.

Why some babies don't crawl

Crawling is one of the healthiest movements in a baby's development. It not only connects the brain hemispheres, improving coordination and concentration, but most importantly it strengthens the back and abdominal muscles, preparing the body for sitting. Crawling babies are their own best therapists – through crawling, they work through minor bodily imbalances. Crawling usually lasts 4 to 5 months before the child starts walking independently. Despite this, many children today do not crawl. There are several reasons for this, but the most common is passive sitting. Some babies also can't crawl because of baby walkers. A walker is a device that can only harm a baby. It definitely doesn't help them walk sooner. It may be convenient for parents who want some peace. Babies enjoy the new perspective, and parents are happy they're "safe" – but babies can't crawl or scoot. This makes the baby dependent on the parent and robs them of the joy of doing things on their own. The motivation to get into a sitting position is the main driver of development.

Standing and catching babies

When a baby starts pulling up to stand, it's important to teach them how to get down on their own as soon as possible. If the mother catches the baby or puts them down herself, the child perceives her as part of the movement pattern. Such a child will always let go when the mother is nearby – even if they already know how to get down. That's why most accidents happen in the presence of parents. On the other hand, a baby who is not caught learns to rely on themselves very quickly. When teaching your baby to get down from standing, step back at a safe distance and maintain eye contact. Speak calmly and encourage them to hold on and not let go – otherwise, they'll fall. You can entice them with a toy, but don't let them grab you. If the baby refuses to cooperate, bend both of their knees into a kneeling position rather than putting them down yourself. From kneeling, the baby can easily reach the ground and practice how to do it. If they fall, don't pity them or panic. Your dramatic reaction can make even the bravest child cry. Every fall provides the brain with valuable feedback on how not to move next time. A baby's head is much more protected from falls now than it will be after the skull bones fuse. I strongly advise against surrounding babies with pillows or putting helmets on them. Each baby adjusts their fall to the surface they're used to. And they're unlikely to find pillows or helmets on asphalt – nor will they wear them for life.

Holding babies by the hands to walk

Most babies need 4–5 months from the time they first stand to when they walk independently. This time is spent crawling and cruising along furniture. Parents often mistakenly believe walking will come much sooner. They sometimes try to speed up this phase by holding babies by their hands, thinking it helps them learn to walk. Unfortunately, this can't be called walking – and it certainly doesn't speed up development. The baby hangs onto you and reflexively moves their legs. Your well-meaning help ends up working against the child – development stalls. The baby has nowhere to go developmentally, and independent walking is delayed. As a result, most babies led by the hands don't start walking until 15 to 18 months. And their parents or grandparents often end up in rehab clinics with back pain. Therefore, I recommend letting babies crawl and cruise freely, without interference – walking will come when your child is ready.

THE BEST WAY TO HELP YOUR CHILD IS NOT TO HELP AT ALL.

Source: https://www.poliklinikaprosek.cz/stranka-nejcastejsi-chyby-rodicu-eho-vyvoje-deti-do-1-roku-61