Approfondimenti scientifici
The stages of motor development in infants
The motor development of infants is an extraordinary process that begins at birth and intensifies throughout early childhood. This initial period is crucial as it lays the foundation for overall development, significantly influencing the child’s physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional, and relational growth.
Motor patterns and neurophysiological development
In the early years, movement takes shape through basic motor and postural patterns, organized in evolutionary sequences that involve specific areas of the central nervous system. These patterns, initially automatic and reflexive, progressively evolve through experience and play, becoming increasingly complex and coordinated. Key motor patterns include: crawling, rolling, creeping, walking, running, grasping, throwing, climbing, rocking, and jumping. These movements support physical development and contribute to the structuring of body awareness, balance, and spatial-temporal coordination.
From “Experienced Body” to “Lived Body”
According to the studies of J. De Ajuriaguerra and H. Wallon, body schema development in children unfolds in two phases:
- Experienced Body (0–3 months): The infant experiences a perceptual fusion with the mother and moves mainly through primitive reflexes and automatic responses (e.g., crying, sucking, breathing). Recognition and acknowledgment of the infant as an individual are crucial in this stage, as it forms the basis of self-esteem and relational trust.
- Lived Body (3 months – 3 years): Through motor and sensory exploration, the child becomes aware of their body and starts differentiating between self and others. Spontaneous motor activity (rolling, grasping, sitting, moving) supports the development of bodily identity and the consolidation of the sense of self.
Developmental Stages of Motor Skills (0–3 years)
| Age | Main Motor Achievements |
|---|---|
| 0–1 month | Innate reflexes: sucking, grasping, eye movements, basic postural reactions. |
| 2–3 months | Progressive head control, initial intentional movements toward objects. |
| 3–4 months | Voluntary grasping, bringing objects to the mouth. |
| 4–6 months | Beginning of trunk control, assisted sitting, increased hand mobility. |
| 6–8 months | Independent sitting, thumb-finger grasp, more precise manipulation. |
| 8–10 months | Crawling, pincer grasp, initial attempts at standing. |
| 10–12 months | Standing without support, first steps with assistance. |
| 12–18 months | Independent walking, exploring environment with more confidence. |
| 18–24 months | Running, climbing on all fours, improved general coordination. |
| 24–36 months | Jumping from small steps, climbing chairs, complex motor activities (running, rolling, crawling, sliding). |
Psychomotor development from 0 to 8 months
During the first eight months, infants go through essential stages for developing body awareness and beginning motor autonomy:
- Anti-gravity head control: neck strength gradually improves, allowing the baby to lift their head.
- Independent sitting: around 6 months, the ability to sit without support enhances balance and coordination.
- Crawling: from 6 to 9 months, some infants begin crawling, improving muscle tone and body symmetry.
- Manipulation and grasping: babies explore objects through touch and mouthing, integrating perception and movement.
At this stage, physical contact with adults is essential for a sense of security, as infants have not yet mastered posture control. It’s important to provide stable support while maintaining proper body alignment during activities like holding and bathing.
The 3–6 month phase: opening to the environment
Between the third and sixth month, infants show significant progress in motor and relational domains:
- Increased interest in the external environment and people;
- Initial psychological separation from the primary caregiver with greater exploration autonomy;
- Improved visual and auditory skills, with more selective attention to stimuli;
- Development of upper trunk anti-gravity postural control;
- First independent spatial movements (rolling, pivoting);
- Emergence of hand-eye coordination, enabling babies to grasp what they see;
- Beginning of oral exploration of objects, crucial for building sensory body maps;
- Growing interest in objects and toys, which become tools for learning and interaction.
Motor development in early childhood does not follow a rigid or identical trajectory for all children but varies physiologically based on genetic, environmental, and experiential factors. Therefore, it is preferable to speak of “developmental phases” rather than fixed milestones. Every newly acquired skill—whether sensory, motor, cognitive, or relational—contributes to a child’s overall balance. Daily experiences, the quality of the environment, emotional bonding with parents, and enriching opportunities (games, manipulation, exploration) play a vital role in supporting harmonious and integrated development.
