Baby Milestones: From Learning to Move to Learning Emotions

Eight baby milestones have been discerned and extensively researched: (1) gross motor functions, (2) fine motor functions, (3) perception, (4) cognition, (5) verbal communication, (6) social relations, (7) self-regulation and (8) emotions.

Being aware of your babies developmental stages will make it easier to know where your child is, and what you can do to help their physical, mental and emotional growth. Jonathan Borba/Unsplash

Baby Milestones: Gross Motor Development

Throughout the first three years, babies progress from more or less stationary beings with little body control to explorers who can roll, sit, crawl, stand, and walk. They learn how to keep their balance and to throw or catch objects. Once this happens, the main milestones of gross motor development have been achieved.

Newborns have motor reflexes to interact with their physical environment. Voluntary movements are also possible but not yet well adjusted.