Development of Motor Milestones in Children (Birth to 24 months)

Introduction

• Lecture focuses on motor milestones in children from birth to 24 months.
• Important for parents to understand the progression of these milestones.
• Overview of what pediatricians check for during visits.

Motor Milestones

Birth to 4 Months

• Head Control
  • Newborns have little to no head control.
  • By 1 month: can lift head to 45°.
  • By 2-3 months: can lift head to 90°.
  • By 4 months: can lift head and chest (puppy pose).
• Primitive Reflexes
  • Reflexes must resolve for voluntary control.
  • Pediatricians check reflexes like the startle reflex and tonic neck reflex.

4 to 7 Months

• Rolling Over
  • Requires head and chest up and uses momentum.
  • Time on tummy is crucial.
• Sitting
  • 6 months: sits briefly with hands for support.
  • 7 months: less reliance on hands.
  • 8-9 months: can sit independently and play.
• Development is Neck Downwards
  • Pediatricians check protective reflexes (lateral parachute).

6 to 12 Months

• Standing
  • 6 months: enjoys supported standing.
  • 9-12 months: pulls to stand, cruises.
• Walking
  • Requires backward parachute reflex for stability.
  • Typical children might skip crawling.

12 to 24 Months

• Early Walking
  • 12-17 months: typical walking begins.
  • Characteristics: wide gait, arms up for balance.
• Advanced Walking and Play
  • 18-24 months: running, climbing stairs, kicking, and throwing balls.
  • By 24 months: mature gait pattern.

Key Principles

• Primitive Reflexes must resolve for voluntary movement.
• Experience influences development.
• Control develops from neck downward.
• Postural/Protective Reflexes precede motor milestones.

Pediatrician Guidelines

• By 4 months: discuss if no head control.
• By 9 months: discuss if not sitting.
• By 18 months: discuss if not walking independently.
• Regression or loss of skills warrants a discussion.

Conclusion

• Children develop at their own pace.
• Important to not fixate on exact ages but to observe progression.
• Pediatricians can evaluate if early intervention is needed.