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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.
If your child needs further support developing their early years physical skills read our activities to support your baby's movement.
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 more 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
There are lots of activities you can do with your baby on their back and during tummy time to help their development.
Read more
Learning to sit
The ability to sit gives your baby more independence. Find information on supported sitting and helping your child sit independently.
Read more
Learning to crawl
Crawling is the first way babies can move around independently. Find information on the different crawling positions and encouraging your child to crawl.
Read more